Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies (Printer-Friendly Version)
Soft, chewy cookies bursting with apple and warm spices, topped with creamy caramel frosting and streusel.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 -
1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
02 -
3/4 cup granulated white sugar
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1/4 cup dark brown sugar
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1 large egg at room temperature
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2 tablespoons concentrated apple juice
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/8 teaspoon allspice
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3/4 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Frosting
15 -
5 ounces softened cream cheese
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
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3/4 cup powdered sugar
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3 tablespoons caramel sauce, homemade or store-bought
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Streusel and Garnish
20 -
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
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1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 1/2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
25 -
1 green apple, diced into small, pea-sized cubes
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the cold butter, then remove from heat and stir in flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until moistened and clumps form. Return to medium heat and stir frequently until the mixture turns golden brown and smells toasted. Transfer to a plate and cool completely.
02 -
In a large bowl, cream softened butter with white and brown sugars until light and fluffy. Add egg, concentrated apple juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated to avoid tough dough.
03 -
Using a 1/4-cup cookie scoop, portion nine equal dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers are slightly underbaked. Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet to maintain a chewy texture.
04 -
In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract. Whip until the frosting is light and fluffy, scraping down the bowl to ensure even mixing.
05 -
Once cookies are fully cooled, frost each one generously using a spatula or piping bag. Top with diced green apple, a sprinkle of cooled streusel, and an optional drizzle of caramel sauce. For best results, chill frosted cookies for 10 minutes before adding apple and streusel to let the frosting set.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Avoid overmixing dough after adding flour to keep cookies tender and soft. Pat diced apples dry and toss lightly in flour to prevent sogginess. Use ripe, firm apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and balanced tartness.