If you’re a fan of those irresistible, soft, gooey sweets, then you’re absolutely going to treasure this Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat Recipe. I’ve tried a lot of copycat recipes in my time, but this one really stands out because it’s got that perfect balance of warm cinnamon cookie, creamy caramel frosting, crisp apple chunks, and a buttery streusel topping. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. So, let’s dive in—I can’t wait for you to taste these!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Crumbl Flavor: This copycat recipe nails the soft, bakery-style cookie that melts in your mouth just like the original.
- Perfect Autumn Treat: The cinnamon-spiced cookie paired with apple and caramel makes this a cozy seasonal favorite my family can’t get enough of.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy—most of these ingredients are pantry staples and easy to source.
- Fun Layered Textures: From soft cookie base to creamy caramel cream cheese and crisp apple cubes—it’s a taste and texture party in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat Recipe blend classic baking essentials with some cozy spices that bring the apple and caramel flavors alive. Trust me when I say, the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice is what ties it all together.
- Butter (softened): Makes the cookies wonderfully tender and rich.
- Imperial granulated sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness and crunch to the cookie base.
- Imperial dark brown sugar: Brings that deep molasses note essential for the caramel vibe.
- Large egg (room temperature): Helps with structure and moisture—room temp eggs blend better!
- Concentrated apple juice: Gives the cookie that subtle apple punch without extra wetness.
- Vanilla extract: A classic flavor booster that enhances the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, providing a soft but sturdy crumb.
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice: Spices that bring warmth and depth to the cookie’s flavor profile.
- Baking soda & baking powder: The right lift and softness for the perfect chewy texture.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Cream cheese (softened): Key for a tangy, creamy caramel cream cheese frosting.
- Caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought): Adds luscious caramel goodness in the frosting and drizzle.
- Powdered sugar: For the smooth and sweet frosting texture.
- Cubed cold butter: Essential for that crumbly, buttery streusel topping.
- Green apple (cubed): Fresh apple chunks add a refreshing crunch and vibrant flavor that’s just perfect on top.
Variations
This Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat Recipe is super versatile. I love tweaking it now and then to fit the season or dietary needs—feel free to make it your own!
- Gluten-Free Variation: I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with great results, making these cookies safe for gluten-sensitive friends without losing flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Using dairy-free butter and cream cheese lets you enjoy this treat even if you avoid dairy—just be sure to use a caramel sauce that’s also dairy-free.
- Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a spicier cookie, I sometimes bump up the cinnamon and ginger amounts for an extra kick that my spice-loving family adores.
- Apple Variety Swap: While green apples add tartness, I’ve tried Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter touch that balances the caramel beautifully.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Base Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—that prevents sticking and keeps the bottoms nice and even. In your mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. I like to use a stand mixer for this step, but a hand mixer works just fine. Then, beat in your egg, concentrated apple juice, and vanilla extract, making sure everything’s fully combined before moving on.
Step 2: Spice It Up and Mix
Next, whisk together your dry ingredients—flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt—in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry mix to your wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix here; you want your cookies tender, not tough.
Step 3: The Streusel Topping Magic
For that crispy, buttery streusel topping, combine powdered sugar, flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This topping bakes up golden and crunchy, which contrasts so nicely with the soft cookie base. Trust me, it’s the best part!
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Scoop your dough onto the prepared baking sheet, gently pressing a small amount of streusel on top of each cookie. Bake for about 12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers are still slightly soft. When you take them out, set the pan on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting—this ensures the caramel cream cheese topping won’t melt and slide off.
Step 5: Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies cool, whip your softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Beat in caramel sauce and vanilla, then gradually add powdered sugar to reach a thick but spreadable consistency. When your cookies are cool, spread a generous dollop on each, top with fresh green apple cubes, and finish with a drizzle of leftover caramel sauce. This frosting steals the show every time!
Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat Recipe
- Use Room Temp Eggs: I learned that using eggs right from the fridge makes creaming butter and sugar harder, so always let them sit out 30 min first.
- Don’t Skip the Apple Juice: It adds depth without saturating the dough like fresh juice might, keeping your cookies perfectly textured.
- Chill Your Streusel Butter: Cold butter ensures you get those perfect little chunks of crispy topping rather than a melted mess.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: This prevents your caramel cream cheese topping from sliding off, which I found out the hard way!
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish these cookies with a little extra drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans. The pecans add a subtle crunch that complements the apple and cinnamon nicely. Sometimes, a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top works wonders, too—it really balances the caramel’s sweetness!
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai or classic black coffee. If you’re serving after dinner, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside these warm cookies turns it into an unforgettable dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings or fall parties, I love arranging these cookies on a wooden board with autumn leaves and mini pumpkins around the edges—it makes the presentation feel warm and inviting. Wrapping individual cookies in parchment paper tied with twine also makes for adorable, edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover caramel apple cookies in an airtight container in the fridge, which keeps that caramel cream cheese frosting fresh and slightly firm. They’ll last nicely for about 3-4 days this way. If you prefer the cookies a bit softer, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before enjoying.
Freezing
Freezing these cookies works great if you want to prep ahead. Freeze unfrosted cookies on a baking sheet until solid, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw completely, then spread the caramel cream cheese frosting and add toppings fresh. This keeps everything tasting bright and fresh.
Reheating
To enjoy stored cookies, I gently warm them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds—it revives that warm, gooey-cookie feeling without melting the frosting into a mess. Warmed cookies with frosting are just like fresh-baked!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Green apples are tart and hold their shape well, but sweeter varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala also work superbly and add a different flavor twist. Just make sure to cut them into small, uniform cubes so they bake evenly.
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How do I make homemade caramel sauce for this recipe?
Simple homemade caramel sauce can be made by melting sugar until golden, then carefully adding butter and cream while stirring until smooth. Let it cool before using. I find this adds a richer flavor than store-bought sauce, but both are delicious.
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Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, by substituting plant-based butter, a flax egg for the egg, and dairy-free cream cheese and caramel sauce, you can make a vegan-friendly version. The texture will be slightly different but still delightful.
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Why do the cookies need baking soda and baking powder?
Baking soda helps with spreading and browning, while baking powder gives extra lift and softness. Using both ensures your cookies have that perfect fluffy yet tender texture typical of Crumbl cookies.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat Recipe turns out—each bite takes me right back to those cozy fall afternoons spent with friends and family. The blend of sweet caramel, tart apple, and warm spices really makes these cookies stand out. I’ve shared this recipe with so many friends, and honestly, it’s become a go-to for holiday baking and special occasions. You’re going to enjoy making these as much as eating them, and that’s a promise!
Print
Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Total Time: 42 min
- Yield: 9 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Caramel Apple Cookies are a Crumbl copycat featuring a soft cinnamon-spiced cookie base, topped with a luscious caramel cream cheese frosting, crisp green apple chunks, homemade streusel, and a drizzle of rich caramel sauce. Perfectly balanced with warm spices and sweet-tart apple flavor, these cookies deliver a comforting treat reminiscent of fall favorites.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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 cup all-purpose 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
Caramel 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
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tbsp Imperial Sugar granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter, cold and cubed
Toppings
- 1 green apple, sliced into cubes
- Additional caramel sauce for drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with the granulated and dark brown sugars until smooth and creamy. Beat in the egg, concentrated apple juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Form Cookies and Bake: Scoop cookie dough into evenly sized balls and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 12 minutes or until edges are golden and centers are set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting and Streusel: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add caramel sauce and vanilla extract and combine well. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. To make the streusel topping, in another small bowl combine the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cold cubed butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix until crumbly.
- Assemble the Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of the caramel cream cheese frosting on each cookie. Sprinkle the streusel mixture on top, then add the cubed green apple evenly over the cookies. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce to finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these caramel apple cookies immediately or refrigerate to chill the frosting. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days for optimum freshness.
Notes
- These Curmbl caramel apple cookies are a delicious copycat version that replicate the original’s perfect balance of flavors.
- The cookies combine warm spices with sweet caramel and crisp tart apple for a full autumnal taste.
- Using concentrated apple juice boosts the apple flavor in the dough without adding excess moisture.
- Ensure the cookies are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- The streusel topping adds a delightful crunchy texture contrast.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container and refrigerate if keeping beyond 1 day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 511 kcal
- Sugar: 43 g
- Sodium: 899 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 71 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 68 mg
