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
The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat 9 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.

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.
The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat
The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat 10 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.

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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The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat

The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat

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  • Author: Kim Cooks Easy
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes​
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes​
  • Total Time: 42 minutes​
  • Yield: 9 large cookies​ 1x
  • Category: Dessert​
  • Cuisine: American​

Description

These Caramel Apple Cookies are a delightful recreation of Crumbl’s seasonal favorite. Featuring a soft, cinnamon-spiced cookie base topped with creamy caramel cream cheese frosting, fresh green apple chunks, and a buttery streusel, these cookies capture the essence of a caramel-dipped apple in every bite.​ pinterest.com +1 youtube.com +1


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • For the Cookie Base:
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons apple juice concentrate
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  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
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  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
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  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • For the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 5 oz cream cheese, softened
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  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • For the Streusel Topping:
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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  • Additional Toppings:
  • 1 green apple, diced
  • Extra caramel sauce, for drizzling

Instructions

  • Prepare the Streusel:
  • In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.​
  • Remove from heat and stir in flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture forms small clumps.​
  • Return to heat, stirring frequently, until the streusel turns golden brown.​
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  • Transfer to a plate and let cool.​
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  • Make the Cookie Dough:
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.​
  • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.​
  • Add the egg, apple juice concentrate, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.​
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  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.​
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  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.​
  • Using a large cookie scoop (about ¼ cup), portion out 9 equal-sized dough balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them appropriately.​
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  • Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges are set. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.​
  • Prepare the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.​
  • Add the caramel sauce and vanilla extract; mix until well incorporated.​
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.​
  • Assemble the Cookies:
  • Once the cookies have cooled, frost each one with the caramel cream cheese frosting.​
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  • Top with diced green apple pieces and a sprinkle of the prepared streusel.​
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  • Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.​

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use homemade caramel sauce. ​
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  • These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.​

Nutrition

  • Calories: 511​
  • Sugar: 43g
  • Sodium: 899mg​
  • Fat: 22g​
  • Saturated Fat: 13g​
  • Carbohydrates: 71g​
  • Fiber: 3g​
  • Protein: 8g​
  • Cholesterol: 68mg​

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