Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat Recipe. It captures all the cozy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors of those famous bakery treats right in your own kitchen. I discovered this recipe after craving Crumbl’s version for weeks, and I’m telling you — these cookies hit that perfect balance of soft cinnamon cookie base, luscious caramel cream cheese frosting, and crisp green apple chunks. Stick around, because I’m going to walk you through every step to get these just right!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in a harmonious way to deliver that classic cinnamon-spiced cookie with a luscious caramel cream cheese finish. When shopping, try to get fresh green apples and quality cream cheese for the best results.

• Butter: Use softened butter for the dough and frosting to get that irresistibly creamy texture.
• Imperial Sugar Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar helps sweeten the cookies without overpowering the spices.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the cookie taste.
• Large Egg: Room temperature helps with proper mixing and a tender crumb.
• Concentrated Apple Juice: This is the secret to boosting that apple flavor in the dough—totally worth seeking out.
• Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla is magic in cookie dough and frosting alike.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie, lending structure while staying soft.
• Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Allspice): These warm spices create the cozy fall vibe in every bite.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Give the cookies just enough lift and perfect texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Cream Cheese: Softened for that rich, tangy frosting that pairs so well with caramel and apples.
• Caramel Sauce: Homemade if you have time, or store-bought for convenience—I love both!
• Powdered Sugar: Keeps the frosting smooth and sweet without graininess.
• Flour (for streusel): Adds the right texture to the crumbly topping.
• Granulated Sugar (for streusel): Gives a slight crunch and sweetness to the crumb topping.
• Cold Cubed Butter (for streusel): Key for that classic crumbly streusel texture.
• Green Apple: Fresh, crisp, diced apples add a juicy pop and fresh contrast to the rich cookie.

Variations

One of the best things about this Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to add a little twist or adjust for dietary needs, these cookies welcome creativity.

• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend once, and the cookies still came out super soft and delicious.
• Vegan-Friendly: Using vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives works pretty well, but keep an eye on texture and bake time.
• Spiced Up: If you love a little heat, I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne to the dough for a surprising kick that balances the sweetness.
• Apple Varieties: Granny Smith is classic, but I’ve also tried Fuji or Honeycrisp to subtly change the flavor profile.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. While the oven heats, make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened at room temperature—that’s crucial for smooth mixing and a tender crumb.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Adding the concentrated apple juice here is my secret to really dialing in the apple flavor — it makes a subtle but delicious difference. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so be gentle!

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the dough rests, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the caramel sauce and vanilla extract, mixing well. Then gradually add the powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a thick, spreadable consistency. Trust me, this frosting is the star of the show — tangy, sweet, and rich with caramel.

Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping

Combine the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Cut in the cold cubed butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This topping bakes into a crunchy, sweet, and spiced sprinkle that adds the perfect texture contrast.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto your lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart because they will spread slightly. Bake for about 12 minutes — the edges should be set but centers still soft. Remove from oven and let cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese topping.

Step 6: Frost, Top, and Add Apples

Spread or pipe the caramel cream cheese frosting on top of cooled cookies. Then sprinkle with the prepared streusel, and finish by gently pressing diced green apple chunks onto each cookie. Drizzle any extra caramel sauce over the top for that luxurious finish.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle — it really heightens the flavor by balancing the sweetness. Another favorite is a dash more cinnamon or even tiny bits of toasted pecans for crunch.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine on their own, but if you want to amp up a fall dessert spread, I suggest pairing with a warm cup of chai tea or apple cider. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns them into a decadent dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or gatherings, I like placing the cookies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra caramel sauce for dipping. Wrapping individual cookies in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming edible gift too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover caramel apple cookies in an airtight container in the fridge where they keep well for up to 5 days. Bringing them back to room temperature before serving keeps the frosting creamy and soft.

Freezing

Freezing works great! I like to freeze unfrosted cookies on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw completely, then add the frosting and toppings fresh.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked warmth, I zap these cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it or the frosting might get too soft. Alternatively, a quick 2-minute warm-up in a low oven works beautifully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I can’t recommend this Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat Recipe enough. It’s one of those rare recipes that not only tastes incredible but is enjoyable to make, too. Every bite makes me feel cozy and nostalgic, and sharing these with family and friends always earns rave reviews. I hope you’ll give this a try soon—because once you master these, I’m pretty sure they’ll become a staple in your cookie rotation, just as they are in mine!

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