The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat

These The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of fall with a fun twist. Perfect for cozy gatherings, school bake sales, or just a sweet indulgence at home, these cookies stand out with their cinnamon cookie base and rich caramel cream cheese frosting. Each bite offers the warmth of spices and the crunch of green apple chunks, making them irresistible for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apples creates a mouthwatering taste.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients come together quickly for a hassle-free baking experience.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for parties or gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm from the oven or as a cold snack; they taste great either way!
• Fall Favorites: Embrace the flavors of autumn with these flavorful cookies.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl helps combine ingredients evenly for perfect cookies.
• Baking sheet: A quality baking sheet ensures even heat distribution while baking, preventing burnt edges.
• Parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup Imperial Sugar granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup Imperial Sugar dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg (at room temperature)
• 2 tbsp concentrated apple juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups AP flour
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ginger
• 1/8 tsp allspice
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 5 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 4 tbsp butter (softened)
• 3 tbsp caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup Imperial Sugar powdered sugar

For the Streusel Topping

• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tbsp Imperial Sugar granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 & 1/2 tbsp butter (cold, cubed)

For Assembly

• 1 green apple (sliced into cubes)

How to Make The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Start by preheating the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, Imperial Sugar granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the egg, concentrated apple juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 3: Add Apple Chunks

1. Gently fold in the green apple cubes into the cookie dough.

Step 4: Scoop Cookie Dough

1. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Step 6: Make Frosting

1. In a clean mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add caramel sauce and powdered sugar until creamy.

Step 7: Top with Frosting

1. Once cookies have cooled completely, spread caramel cream cheese frosting generously on top.

Step 8: Prepare Streusel Topping

1. In a small bowl mix flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt with cold cubed butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over frosted cookies.

Final Step: Serve & Enjoy

Finish off with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce on top before serving these delicious cookies!

How to Serve The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat

These delightful Crumbl caramel apple cookies can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying them at home, the right serving suggestions can enhance their flavor and presentation.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat that complements the sweetness and richness of the caramel.

As Dessert Tacos

• Use small taco shells filled with ice cream, topped with chunks of the caramel apple cookies for a creative twist on dessert.

Warmed with Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, allowing the heat to melt the ice cream slightly for an indulgent dessert.

Gift Packaging

• Package these cookies in decorative boxes or bags as homemade gifts for friends and family during the fall season.

Coffee Pairing

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite coffee or latte to balance the sweetness and add a cozy touch.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter alongside other fall treats like pumpkin spice muffins or pecan pie bars for an impressive display.

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How to Perfect The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat

Perfecting your batch of caramel apple cookies takes some attention to detail. Here are tips to ensure outstanding results every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill Your Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking; this helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven is at 350F; accurate temperatures are key for baking success.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
• Add Extra Caramel Drizzle: For added decadence, drizzle more caramel sauce over the finished cookies before serving.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat

To create a delightful meal around your caramel apple cookies, consider pairing them with these side dishes. Each one adds its unique flavor profile that complements these sweet treats.

1. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup balances the sweetness of your cookies, making it ideal for fall gatherings.
2. Apple Cider Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, walnuts, and apple cider vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast in flavors.
3. Cheese Board: Include assorted cheeses like Brie and sharp cheddar alongside fruits and nuts to create a savory complement to sweet cookies.
4. Pecan Pie Bars: Add these rich, nutty bars as another dessert option that pairs beautifully with caramel flavors.
5. Cinnamon Roll Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes swirled with cinnamon sugar echo the spices in your cookie recipe for a cohesive breakfast treat.
6. Spiced Hot Chocolate: Serve up spiced hot chocolate for those cozy evenings when you want something warm alongside your delicious cookies.
7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes drizzled with maple syrup provide earthy sweetness that pairs well with caramel desserts.
8. Fruit Tart: A fresh fruit tart can offer a light finish after enjoying rich caramel apple cookies, balancing out sweetness nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking cookies can be tricky, especially when attempting a copycat recipe. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect the texture of your cookies. Ensure all ingredients, especially the butter and egg, are at room temperature.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can result in dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
• Overbaking: Leaving cookies in the oven too long will make them hard instead of chewy. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they’re lightly golden.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different; always use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for perfect results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350F and warm cookies for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat for about 1 minute until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat special?

These cookies combine flavors of apple, cinnamon, and caramel, creating a delightful balance of sweetness and warmth that’s perfect for fall.

Can I customize The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, change the type of apple used, or even incorporate chocolate chips for added indulgence.

How do I achieve soft cookies?

Ensure you don’t overbake your cookies and consider slightly underbaking them; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes! Pears or peaches would work well as substitutes, giving you a different flavor profile while maintaining that fruity essence.

Final Thoughts

The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat are not only delicious but also versatile. You can tweak ingredients based on what you have at home or experiment with different toppings. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress!