Discover the Best Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies Ever
As the leaves start to turn and the air fills with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg, there’s no better way to embrace autumn than with a warm batch of Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies. Picture this: soft, chewy cookies infused with the taste of real apples and drizzled with gooey caramel. Theyโre a delightful alternative to the long lines at trendy bakeries, and you can whip them up right in your own kitchen.
I stumbled upon this recipe while looking to bring a little joy to the season, and it has quickly become a favorite at family gatherings and cozy nights in. Whether you’re pairing them with a hot cup of cider or serving them up at your next potluck, these cookies promise to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into crafting these irresistible treats that capture the essence of fall in every bite!
Why are Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies irresistible?
Warm, Cozy Flavors: These cookies exude the classic tastes of fall with real apple pieces and rich caramel, providing a nostalgic touch to gatherings.
Simple to Make: With readily available ingredients and easy instructions, you can have fresh cookies ready in no time, making it perfect for busy days.
Soft and Chewy: The texture is soft and chewy, with a delightful gooey caramel drizzle that melts in your mouth, ensuring each bite is divine.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering, a cozy night in, or even a festive cookie exchange, these cookies fit right in.
Impressive and Unforgettable: Guests will rave about these cookies long after the last crumb is gone; serve them warm for an unforgettable treat!
Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies Ingredients
โข Get ready to bake these delightful fall treats!
For the Cookies
- Apples (Granny Smith recommended) โ Provide natural sweetness and texture; try Honeycrisp for a sweeter option.
- Butter (cold) โ Adds richness and moisture; essential for a tender cookie texture.
- Egg โ Binds the dough and adds moisture; room temperature eggs mix better for a smooth blend.
- Granulated Sugar โ Sweetens the cookies; using high-quality sugar yields the best texture.
- Brown Sugar (dark) โ Provides depth of flavor and moisture to the dough for that caramel-like richness.
- Flour โ The base for cookie structure; use all-purpose flour and avoid overmixing to keep them soft.
- Baking Soda โ Helps the cookies rise; ensure it’s fresh for maximum leavening.
- Ground Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Allspice โ Adds warm fall spice flavors; feel free to adjust quantities to your taste.
- Salt โ Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
For the Frosting
- Cream Cheese (softened) โ Brings creaminess to the frosting; make sure itโs at room temperature to prevent lumps.
- Powdered Sugar โ Sweetens and thickens the frosting; sift it to ensure there are no lumps.
- Caramel Sauce โ Adds gooey sweetness; can be either homemade or store-bought for convenience.
Optional Enhancements
- Apple Juice Concentrate โ Intensifies the apple flavor; it’s optional but highly recommended for a flavor boost!
How to Make Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookies later.
Prepare Streusel: In a skillet, melt the cold butter over medium heat. Mix in the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until clumps form. Cook until golden brown, then let it cool.
Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, apple juice, and vanilla, mixing just until combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix to maintain that soft texture.
Scoop Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes. Cookies should be slightly underbaked in the center for that chewy texture. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
Make Frosting: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar and caramel sauce until fluffy and well-combined.
Frost Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of each cookie. Finish by topping with apple pieces, streusel, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of fall flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to preserve their soft and chewy texture.
- Fridge: If you prefer a chilled treat, refrigerate for up to 1 week. Let sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying for best flavor.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Just place them in a single layer in a freezer bag, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Reheating: To enjoy them warm, microwave for about 10-15 seconds to revive their gooey goodness before serving.
Expert Tips for Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for Granny Smith for a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Other varieties can drastically change flavor profiles.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring butter and cream cheese to room temperature to achieve a smooth dough and frosting, avoiding lumps in your frosting.
- Donโt Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
- Dry and Toss Apples: Pat diced apples dry and coat them in flour before adding to the dough to prevent excess moisture and sogginess.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should be slightly underbaked in the center, as they will firm up while cooling on the baking sheet.
- Layering Flavors: For a more intense caramel flavor, drizzle extra caramel sauce on top post-frosting for those irresistible Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies!
Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your cookies while the aroma of cinnamon and apples fills your kitchen!
- Different Apples: Experiment with various apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter or more tart twist. Each choice adds its own unique touch!
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delightful crunch and extra flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
- Oats Added: Incorporate rolled oats into the dough to enhance texture, giving your cookies a heartier bite and a lovely chewiness.
- Caramel Chips: Swap the caramel sauce for caramel chips mixed into the dough for an extra gooey treat in every bite. You canโt go wrong with more caramel!
- Spice it Up: Boost the warmth of the flavors by adding a pinch of nutmeg or using pumpkin pie spice for a fun seasonal variation. Itโll make your cookies sing with fall spirit!
- Frosting Flavors: Create a flavored frosting by mixing in a splash of vanilla or even a pinch of cinnamon to the cream cheese mix for an added zing.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a touch of indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cookies, elevating their sweetness and creating a decadent contrast.
- Heat It Up: Add a dash of cayenne or chili powder into the cookie dough for a subtle kick that balances perfectly with the sweetness. Itโs a surprising and delightful twist!
What to Serve with Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies?
These delightful cookies are not just a treat on their own; they can be paired with a variety of delicious options to create the perfect cozy experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool texture of vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warm, chewy cookies, making each bite a delightful contrast.
Hot Apple Cider: Embrace fall flavors with a warm cup of apple cider spiced with cinnamon; it enhances the apple notes in your cookies beautifully.
Coffee or Espresso: The rich, robust flavor of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies, offering a comforting pick-me-up during afternoon break times.
Pecans or Walnuts: Adding a crunchy nut topping adds texture and complements the flavors in the cookies. They provide a heartiness that enriches your serving experience.
Cheese Plate: Pairing with a mild cheese, like brie or gouda, introduces a savory contrast. It’s perfect for gatherings, elevating your cookie selection into a delightful dessert board.
Caramel Drizzle: For those who can’t resist more sweetness, a drizzle of extra caramel sauce adds decadent flair to each cookie, making them even more indulgentโa wonderful way to elevate your serving experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the ingredients together, scoop the dough onto the baking sheet, and cover it tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. The cookies can also be frozen, unbaked, for up to 3 monthsโjust place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container. When ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Remember, for the best quality, avoid thawing to maintain that soft, chewy texture. Enjoy freshly baked cookies with minimal effort!
Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! I recommend using Granny Smith apples for their perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, which complements the caramel beautifully. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, try substituting with Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples, which will add a delightful touch to your cookies.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Very good question! Store these delightful Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you find yourself with extra cookies and want to keep them even longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying for the best flavor!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze unfrosted cookies, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring you layer parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply take out the desired number, thaw at room temperature, and frost before serving!
What if my cookie dough seems too dry or crumbly?
If your dough seems dry or crumbly, itโs possible that the flour was overmeasured or the butter wasnโt softened enough! To remedy this, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until the dough comes together smoothly. Ensure youโre not overmixing to maintain the lovely soft and chewy texture weโre aiming for!
Can I adapt the recipe for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to make these cookies gluten-free, feel free to substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. For dairy concerns, you can use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives. Adjustments like this can still yield tasty results while accommodating dietary needs!
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The key is to look for a slightly underbaked center! Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes, and keep an eye on them; they should be golden brown on the edges while still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, giving you that perfect chewy texture!
Discover the Best Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies Ever
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet, melt the cold butter over medium heat. Mix in the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until clumps form. Cook until golden brown, then let it cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, apple juice, and vanilla, mixing just until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Place in the oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar and caramel sauce until fluffy.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on each cookie. Top with apple pieces, streusel, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
