Caramel Apple Cookies Crumbl Copycat Recipe

Sweet Caramel Apple Cookies: A Crumbl Copycat Recipe

Sweet memories dance through my kitchen when mixing this caramel apple cookies crumbl copycat recipe that reminds me of autumn afternoons.

Crisp apple chunks nestle between buttery dough, creating unexpected bursts of flavor.

Warm spices whisper comfort with each delightful bite.

Nostalgic bakery vibes emerge from these soft, pillowy treats that connect generations of dessert lovers.

Maple undertones complement the rich caramel glaze, making each cookie feel like a celebration.

Home bakers can easily recreate this magical dessert with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Pro Tips for Crumbl-Style Caramel Apple Cookies

  • Prevent Spreading Mishap: Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading and maintain a perfect round shape.
  • Customize Apple Texture: Dice apples finely for a smoother topping or leave them slightly chunky for more rustic bite and varied texture.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar to enhance the caramel and molasses undertones in the cookies.
  • Make Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate gluten-sensitive guests without compromising taste.
  • Control Sweetness Level: Reduce caramel drizzle or use a lighter hand when adding sauce to balance the overall sweetness of the cookie.

Storage and Reheating for Crumbl Copycat Cookies

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep apple topping and caramel sauce separate to maintain cookie crispness.
  • Place individual cookies between wax paper layers in a freezer-safe container. Cookies will stay fresh for 2-3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
  • Warm cookies in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in oven at 300F for 3-4 minutes. Restore crispness by briefly toasting in a preheated oven.
  • Gently reheat apple mixture and caramel sauce separately before drizzling over cookies to restore original flavor and texture.

Beverages That Go with Caramel Apple Cookies

  • Warm apple cider perfectly complements the caramel apple cookie's flavor profile, enhancing the sweet and spicy notes with its comforting warmth.
  • Vanilla bean ice cream provides a cool, smooth counterpoint to the cookie's warm, rich texture, creating a delightful temperature and taste balance.
  • Chai tea offers a spiced background that mirrors the cookie's cinnamon undertones, creating a harmonious flavor experience that elevates the dessert.
  • Toasted almond milk adds a subtle nuttiness that highlights the caramel and apple elements, bringing depth and complexity to each bite.

Flavor Twists for Caramel Apple Cookies Crumbl Copycat

Gluten-Free Apple Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free baking blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains soft, chewy texture.

Vegan Caramel Apple Dream: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and create dairy-free caramel using coconut cream and maple syrup for plant-based enthusiasts.

Low-Sugar Wellness Cookie: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener, reduce brown sugar amount, and use sugar-free caramel sauce for diabetic-friendly and low-carb options.

Keto Friendly Adaptation: Utilize almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, incorporate chopped pecans into apple topping, and use sugar-free caramel for a ketogenic-compliant treat.

FAQs for Caramel Apple Cookies Crumbl Copycat Recipe

  • What gives these cookies their unique texture?

The combination of cornstarch and baking powder helps create a soft, tender cookie with a perfect chewy consistency that stays moist and doesn’t dry out quickly.

  • Are these cookies difficult to make for beginners?

Not at all! These cookies are relatively simple to prepare, with basic baking techniques like creaming butter and sugar, and cooking a quick apple topping that even novice bakers can master easily.

  • Can I use different types of apples for the topping?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or Gala for a balanced flavor. Just ensure the apples are firm and can hold their shape during cooking.

  • How can I make the caramel drizzle at home?

You can create a simple homemade caramel by heating sugar and water until it turns golden, then adding cream and butter. Alternatively, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly fine for this recipe.

Caramel Apple Cookies Crumbl Copycat Made at Home

  • Combine classic apple pie warmth with cookie indulgence, creating a treat that appeals to kids and adults alike.
  • Transform a traditional autumn dessert into a handheld cookie that celebrates fall flavors without complex baking skills.
  • Impress guests or family with a gourmet-looking dessert that requires minimal culinary expertise and basic pantry ingredients.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cookies Crumbl Copycat

Cookie Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender texture for the cookie, choose unbleached flour for best results.
  • Cornstarch: Helps create a soft, tender cookie with a delicate crumb.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for light and fluffy cookies.
  • Salt, Ground Cinnamon: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the cookie.
Sugars and Wet Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Create sweetness and contribute to the cookie's soft texture, light brown sugar works best.
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a tender cookie, use unsalted for better control of salt content.
  • Eggs, Vanilla Extract: Bind the ingredients and provide depth of flavor.
Apple Topping and Caramel:
  • Apples: Fresh, crisp apples work best for a vibrant topping, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  • Butter, Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Create a warm, spiced apple topping.
  • Cornstarch, Water: Thickens the apple mixture for a perfect consistency.
  • Caramel Sauce: Adds a sweet, luxurious finish to the cookies.
Optional Garnish:
  • Sea Salt: Provides a delightful contrast to the sweet caramel and apple topping.

How to Bake Caramel Apple Cookies Crumbl Copycat

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350F (175C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Create Cookie Base

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar

Whip until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon

Slowly incorporate dry mixture into wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined.

Step 4: Shape And Bake Cookies

Scoop cookie dough using a large cookie scoop onto prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each mound. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Develop Apple Topping

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add:
  • Chopped apples
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon

Cook for 5 minutes until apples soften. Mix cornstarch with water, then stir into apple mixture. Continue cooking for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 6: Decorate Cookies

Generously spoon apple topping onto each cooled cookie. Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Step 7: Final Touches

Sprinkle sea salt over cookies for a sophisticated flavor boost. Serve cookies warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

Print
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Caramel Apple Cookies Crumbl Copycat Recipe

Caramel Apple Cookies Crumbl Copycat Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Crumbl Copycat Caramel Apple Cookies blend nostalgic fall flavors with irresistible sweetness, creating a perfect dessert that feels like autumn’s warm embrace. Cinnamon-kissed cookies topped with luscious caramel drizzle will make sweet memories for cookie enthusiasts who crave comfort and indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Cookie Base and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Caramel Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
  2. Create the cookie base by vigorously creaming butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and airy, then incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, blending until silky smooth.
  3. Develop the dry ingredient mixture by whisking flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents.
  4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to prevent overworking the dough and maintain a tender texture.
  5. Portion the cookie dough using a large scoop, placing each mound onto the prepared baking sheet with slight flattening to encourage even spreading during baking.
  6. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as an indicator of perfect doneness, then allow complete cooling on a wire rack.
  7. Craft the apple topping by melting butter in a saucepan, then introducing diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon, simmering until the fruit softens and caramelizes.
  8. Thicken the apple mixture by stirring in cornstarch and water, cooking for an additional two minutes until the sauce reaches a glossy, luxurious consistency.
  9. Allow the apple topping to cool slightly, then generously spoon over each cookie, creating a luscious fruit layer.
  10. Enhance the cookies with a decadent caramel sauce drizzle, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor impact.
  11. Optionally elevate the final presentation by sprinkling a pinch of sea salt, which will accentuate the sweet-savory profile of the cookies.
  12. Serve the cookies warm or at room temperature, inviting everyone to indulge in this delightful treat.

Notes

  • Choose ripe, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in the topping.
  • Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create a thicker, chewier cookie.
  • Adjust cornstarch amount in apple topping to control thickness – less for a runnier sauce, more for a thicker consistency.
  • Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, ensuring the same rich, tender cookie base.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 202
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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