The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat

These Caramel Apple Cookies are a perfect blend of soft, chewy cookies infused with spiced apple flavors and topped with gooey caramel. Inspired by Crumbl’s famous cookies, this homemade version brings all the warm, comforting flavors of caramel apples into a delicious dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly soft and chewy texture
• Packed with real apple and warm spices
• Topped with rich, buttery caramel
• A fun and festive fall-inspired treat
• Easy to make at home with simple ingredients

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

• Butter (softened)
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg (optional)
• Apple (finely diced or grated)

For the Caramel Topping:

• Soft caramels (or homemade caramel sauce)
• Heavy cream
• Sea salt (optional, for salted caramel flavor)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
• Fold in the finely diced or grated apple.

2. Bake the Cookies:

• Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
• Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

3. Prepare the Caramel Topping:

• In a small saucepan, melt soft caramels with heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth.
• Drizzle the warm caramel over the cooled cookies.
• Optional: Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel for a salted caramel twist.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

• Let the caramel set slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Salted Caramel Apple Cookies: Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel for a salty-sweet balance.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for extra texture.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel for a decadent touch.
• Apple Pie Version: Mix in some apple pie spice for even more fall flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezer: Freeze cookies (without caramel) for up to 3 months; add caramel after thawing.
• Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the caramel before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought caramels?

Yes! Homemade caramel sauce works great and adds extra richness.

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples provide the best balance of tart and sweet flavors.

How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape.

Can I make these cookies in advance?

Yes! Bake the cookies ahead of time and add the caramel just before serving for the best texture.

How do I prevent the caramel from getting too hard?

Add a little extra cream to keep the caramel soft and chewy.

Can I use caramel sauce instead of melting caramels?

Absolutely! Just drizzle store-bought or homemade caramel sauce over the cookies.

What’s the best way to dice the apples?

Finely dice or grate the apples to ensure they blend well into the dough without making it too wet.

Can I use apple butter instead of fresh apples?

Yes, but reduce the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.

Can I add oats for a chewier texture?

Yes! Replace a portion of the flour with quick oats for a heartier cookie.

How can I make the cookies extra soft?

Make sure not to overbake them—take them out when the edges are just set.

Conclusion

These Caramel Apple Cookies are a must-try for fall and beyond! With their soft, spiced apple flavor and luscious caramel topping, they bring all the best parts of a caramel apple into a delicious homemade cookie. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies will be an instant favorite!

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