Caramel Apple Cookies Crumbl: The Ultimate Recipe & Baking Guide

Caramel Apple Cookies Crumbl – just the name conjures up images of cozy autumn evenings, doesn’t it? Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie, bursting with the sweet and tart flavors of crisp apples and rich, gooey caramel. It’s like taking a bite of fall itself! These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a delightful homage to the classic caramel apple, reimagined in a convenient and utterly irresistible handheld treat.

The combination of apples and caramel has a long and storied history, deeply rooted in autumnal traditions. From harvest festivals to Halloween celebrations, the caramel apple has always been a symbol of seasonal indulgence. We’ve taken that beloved flavor profile and transformed it into a cookie that’s even easier to enjoy. No sticky fingers or awkward apple-on-a-stick maneuvering required!

What makes these Caramel Apple Cookies Crumbl so incredibly popular? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The soft, slightly spiced cookie base provides a comforting warmth, while the chunks of tender apple add a refreshing burst of fruitiness. And then there’s the caramel – oh, the caramel! Its rich, buttery sweetness elevates the entire experience, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make at home, so you can enjoy this Crumbl-inspired treat anytime you like!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Cookie Dough:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped peeled apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
• For the Caramel:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Apple Crumble Topping:
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• Optional:
• Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Preparing the Apple Crumble Topping:

This topping adds a delightful textural contrast to the soft cookies and gooey caramel. It’s super easy to make!

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Make sure there are no lumps of brown sugar.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want small clumps of butter remaining, as these will create flaky bits in the crumble.
3. Set the crumble topping aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the cookie dough. Keeping it cold will help the butter stay solid, resulting in a better crumble texture when baked.

Making the Caramel:

Homemade caramel can seem intimidating, but trust me, it’s worth the effort! Just follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a luscious caramel sauce that will elevate these cookies to the next level.

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir briefly to moisten the sugar.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Do not stir the mixture after this point. Stirring can cause the sugar to crystallize.
3. Allow the sugar to cook undisturbed until it turns a deep amber color. This will take about 8-12 minutes, depending on your stove. Watch it carefully, as it can burn quickly.
4. Once the sugar is a deep amber color, remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately pour in the warmed heavy cream. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble vigorously.
5. Stir in the butter and salt until smooth. The caramel will thicken as it cools.
6. If the caramel seizes up or becomes grainy, return the saucepan to low heat and stir constantly until it smooths out.
7. Set the caramel aside to cool slightly while you prepare the cookie dough.

Preparing the Cookie Dough:

This cookie dough is soft and flavorful, thanks to the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped apples. Don’t overmix it, or the cookies will be tough.

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in the chopped apples. Gently stir until the apples are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. You can chill it for longer, even overnight, if you prefer.

Assembling and Baking the Cookies:

Now comes the fun part – putting it all together! These cookies are best when they’re slightly underbaked, so keep a close eye on them in the oven.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Remove the cookie dough and apple crumble topping from the refrigerator.
3. Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
4. Use your fingers to gently flatten each cookie slightly.
5. Spoon a small amount of the caramel onto the center of each cookie. Don’t use too much, or it will spread too far during baking.
6. Sprinkle the apple crumble topping generously over the caramel.
7. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt over the crumble topping. This adds a nice salty-sweet contrast.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the crumble topping is lightly browned. The centers of the cookies will still look slightly soft, which is what you want.
9. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. The caramel will be very hot, so be careful when handling the cookies.

Tips for Success:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Softened butter and room temperature eggs will cream together more easily, resulting in a smoother cookie dough.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the cookies tough. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allows the flavors to meld together.
• Use parchment paper: Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Don’t overbake the cookies: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
• Store the cookies properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Variations:

• Add nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough or the crumble topping for extra flavor and texture.
• Use different apples: Try using different varieties of apples, such as Fuji or Gala, for a slightly different flavor.
• Add spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cookie dough or the crumble topping for a warmer, more complex flavor.
• Drizzle with chocolate: Drizzle the cooled cookies with melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Make them gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Enjoy your delicious Caramel Apple Cookies! I hope you love them as much as I do!

Conclusion:

These Caramel Apple Cookies aren’t just another cookie recipe; they’re a warm hug on a chilly autumn day, a burst of comforting flavors that will transport you straight to a crisp apple orchard. The combination of the soft, chewy cookie base, the sweet and tangy apple chunks, and that luscious caramel drizzle is simply irresistible. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves fall flavors and wants to bake something truly special.

Why are these cookies a must-bake? Because they’re incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers! The ingredients are readily available, and the steps are straightforward. Plus, the end result is a cookie that’s far more impressive than the effort required. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or simply a cozy night in with a cup of tea. And let’s be honest, who can resist a cookie that tastes like caramel apples?

But the best part? You can totally customize these cookies to your liking! Feeling adventurous? Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt to the caramel drizzle for a sweet and salty kick. Or, if you’re a fan of nuts, fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for added texture and flavor. For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough. You could even use different types of apples, like Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
* Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of apple cider.
* Package them up in cute little bags and give them as gifts to friends and family.
* For a festive touch, add some red and green sprinkles before baking.
* If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making your own.
* For a healthier option, try using whole wheat flour and reducing the amount of sugar.
* Consider adding a cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of richness.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. The secret to truly amazing Caramel Apple Cookies lies in using high-quality ingredients and not being afraid to experiment with different flavors. Don’t be shy about adding your own personal touch to the recipe – that’s what makes baking so much fun!

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of these incredible Caramel Apple Cookies. I promise you won’t regret it!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve baked your own batch of these delightful cookies, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear about any variations you tried, what you thought of the flavor, and how much your family and friends enjoyed them. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear all about your Caramel Apple Cookie adventures!