Name: Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies: Cozy Fall Treats to Indulge In
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 tsp Baking Soda; 1 tsp Baking Powder; 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon (Can substitute with other fall spices); 1 tsp Ground Ginger (Can substitute with other fall spices); 1 tsp Ground Nutmeg (Can substitute with other fall spices); 1 tsp Allspice (Can substitute with other fall spices); ½ cup Butter (Softened to room temperature); ½ cup Brown Sugar (Packed); ¼ cup Granulated Sugar; 1 Egg; 1 cup Diced Granny Smith Apples (Pat dry to avoid excess moisture); 2 tbsp Concentrated Apple Juice; 4 oz Cream Cheese (Softened); ¼ cup Butter (Softened); 2 cups Powdered Sugar (Sift for smoother finish); to taste Caramel Sauce (For drizzling)

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Autumn whispers its arrival, bringing with it a cozy invitation to embrace comfort foods that warm our hearts and homes. That’s where these Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies come in, perfectly capturing the essence of the season. Imagine a soft, chewy cookie, filled with real apple chunks and luscious caramel that melts in your mouth—a delicious way to escape the fast-food routine. This recipe not only provides an indulgent treat that’s perfect for gatherings but is also wonderfully simple, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Ready to savor the taste of fall? Let’s dive into the world of baking these delightful cookies that will become your new favorite!

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Cozy Comfort: Perfect for crisp fall evenings, these cookies provide a warm hug in the form of soft, chewy goodness.

Flavor Explosion: With real apple chunks and gooey caramel, each bite is a delightful surprise, welcoming you to relax and enjoy.

Effortless Baking: Simple instructions mean even novice bakers can whip these up quickly and easily, making them a go-to for last-minute gatherings or cozy nights in.

Versatile Enjoyment: Pair them with your favorite warm drink, or serve alongside delicious options like [Apple Iced Tea](https://yayrecipe.com/apple-iced-tea-recipe-refreshing-summer-drink/) for the ultimate indulgence!

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family get-together or a festive party, these cookies are sure to impress, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces!

Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies

Granny Smith Apples – Provides a tartness that beautifully balances the sweetness of caramel; consider using Honeycrisp for a sweeter twist.
Butter – Essential for rich flavor and chewy texture; make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor to your cookies, making them decadent and indulgent.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and helps create that tender, irresistible texture.
All-Purpose Flour – This is the main structural ingredient; be careful not to overmix to keep those cookies soft and chewy.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder – These provide leavening, ensuring your cookies rise perfectly and remain fluffy.
Ground Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Allspice – A delightful blend of spices that enhances those cozy fall flavors, making every bite a seasonal treat.
Egg – Acts as a binding agent, promoting a pleasing texture throughout the cookies.
Concentrated Apple Juice – Infuses an extra apple flavor that ties all the elements together harmoniously.

For the Frosting

Cream Cheese – Adds a rich and creamy texture; remember to soften it before use for the best results.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting, making it perfectly thick and luscious; sift it for a smoother finish.
Caramel Sauce – Drizzle this on top for a touch of gooey sweetness that takes these Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies to the next level!

These ingredients come together to create an exceptional cozy treat, ideal for fall indulgence. Happy baking!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This is a crucial first step to ensure your Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping
In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, sugar, salt, and a pinch of cinnamon, mixing until it turns golden brown and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let this delightful streusel topping cool while you prepare the cookie dough.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, beat together ½ cup softened butter, ½ cup brown sugar, and ¼ cup granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, roughly 2–3 minutes. This creates the perfect base for your cookies, ensuring a rich flavor. Then, add in one egg, 2 tablespoons of concentrated apple juice, and a splash of vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of your favorite fall spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice). Gradually incorporate the dry blend into the wet mixture with a gentle hand, ensuring not to overmix, as this will keep your Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies soft and chewy.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples
Once your dough forms, carefully fold in 1 cup of diced Granny Smith apples. Make sure to pat the apples dry to avoid excess moisture. This step brings the lovely apple chunks into your dough, ready to bake into delicious bites that capture the essence of fall.

Step 6: Scoop and Space the Dough
Using a large cookie scoop, portion out about ¼ cup of dough for each cookie and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them. This spacing is essential, as the cookies will spread while baking, transforming into perfect chewy delights.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes. The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center but set on the edges. This ensures that they remain chewy while developing a lovely golden-brown color, highlighting the deliciousness of your Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the tray for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling on the tray first helps maintain the chewy texture while they set up, ensuring they are perfect for frosting later.

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and ¼ cup of softened butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add in 2 cups of powdered sugar and a drizzle of caramel sauce, then mix until fluffy and well combined. This luscious frosting will elevate your cookies to a delightful treat.

Step 10: Frost and Garnish the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled completely, generously frost each cookie with your creamy frosting. Top them with reserved apple pieces, the streusel you made earlier, and a drizzle of caramel for that extra touch of indulgence. These finishing touches make your Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies not only tasty but also visually appealing!

Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these cookies to suit your taste buds!

Sweetness Boost: Consider using Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter profile that beautifully complements the caramel.
Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delightful crunch and rich texture.
Frosting Twist: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a lighter whipped vanilla cream, perfect for those who prefer a fluffier topping.
Cinnamon Raisin Blend: Mix in 1/2 cup of raisins or cranberries for a fruity addition that pairs perfectly with the apple and caramel.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising flavor punch that elevates the cozy experience.
Vegan Option: Replace butter with coconut oil, eggs with flaxseed meal, and use dairy-free cream cheese for a delicious vegan version. These adjustments still yield a scrumptious treat.
Caramel Drizzle: Don’t skimp on caramel! Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top after frosting for a decadent finish; this twist can turn your cookies into an indulgent dessert!

For even more delightful pairings, consider enjoying these cookies alongside a warm cup of [Apple Iced Tea](https://yayrecipe.com/apple-iced-tea-recipe-refreshing-summer-drink/) or take a look at a refreshing [Honeycrisp Apple Feta](https://yayrecipe.com/honeycrisp-apple-feta-salad-recipe/) salad for a wonderful contrast. Happy baking!

Make Ahead Options

These Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks seeking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the initial steps, then cover the dough tightly and refrigerate. The diced apples should be added right before baking to prevent excess moisture. If you prefer, you can also bake the cookies up to 3 days ahead, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For the frosting, it’s best to make it fresh the day you intend to serve, but it can be whipped up and refrigerated in advance; just remember to let it soften before frosting. Enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever you need a cozy treat!

Expert Tips for Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for better mixing and a smoother frosting.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the tender Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies we crave.
Apple Preparation: Pat diced apples dry with a paper towel and toss them in a small amount of flour before adding to the dough. This prevents excess moisture and ensures a better texture.
Underbake for Softness: Bake just until the edges are golden and the centers are slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up while cooling, ensuring a deliciously chewy cookie.
Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the fall spice blend according to your taste. A little extra cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the cozy flavor profile!

How to Store and Freeze Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.

Fridge: Refrigerate cookies in a sealed container for up to 7 days; the cool temperature will help maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frost them fresh when ready to serve for the best taste!

Reheating: To enjoy warm, reheat cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

What to Serve with Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies

Autumn gatherings become even cozier when paired with delightful additions that complement the sweet, spiced flavors of these charming cookies.

Tall Glass of Cold Milk: A classic pairing, the creaminess of milk enhances the caramel flavors and balances the sweetness nicely.
Warm Coffee: The rich, bold profile of coffee contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy texture of the cookies, making for a comforting combination.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Melted ice cream drizzled over warm cookies creates a divine dessert experience that’s simply irresistible, perfect for chilly evenings.
Spiced Apple Cider: Bringing the warmth of fall into your drink, this sweet and tangy beverage resonates with the cookie’s apple notes, creating a seasonal celebration.
Pumpkin Bread: A slice of warm pumpkin bread adds a lovely counterpoint to the cookies’ sweetness and spices, allowing you to explore different textures and flavors in one sitting.
Chocolate Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of chocolate-covered pretzels provides a satisfying contrast to the soft cookies, making them a fun, snackable addition.
Chai Tea Latte: With its cozy spices and creamy foam, a chai tea latte offers a delightful hug in a mug that pairs seamlessly with the warm apple flavors.
Caramel Drizzle: Simply drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the cookies before serving for an indulgent touch that heightens the dessert experience.
Pecan Pie Bars: A bite of pecan pie bars alongside these cookies offers a textural surprise, enticing taste buds with their rich, nutty flavors.
Caramel Apple Sangria: For a festive twist, serve a chilled caramel apple sangria, which echoes the cookie’s flavors while providing a refreshing balance.

Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! I recommend using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which beautifully balances the sweetness of caramel. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples are excellent alternatives.

How should I store the cookies after baking?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to extend their life, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week—this helps retain their delightful texture and flavor!

Can I freeze Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies?
Yes, you can! Unfrosted cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, frost them fresh for the best taste!

What if my cookies turn out too flat?
If your cookies flatten out, it might be due to melted butter or if the dough was overmixed. Make sure the butter is softened (not melted) and be gentle when combining your ingredients. Also, ensure your baking soda and powder are fresh to achieve a nice lift!

Are there any dietary restrictions I should consider?
Great question! This recipe contains dairy and gluten, so if you have allergies or dietary preferences, consider using a dairy-free cream cheese and a gluten-free flour blend. Always double-check ingredient labels to avoid allergens.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
No problem! You can either skip them or substitute with a pre-blended pumpkin pie spice, which usually contains cinnamon, nutmeg, and more. Adjust to your taste, and remember—the more the merrier when it comes to spices in fall treats!