If you’ve ever dreamed of bottling up the cozy vibes of a crisp fall afternoon, these caramel apple cookies are your answer. With a cinnamon cookie base that tastes like a warm hug, a cloud-like caramel cream cheese frosting, and a sprinkle of buttery homemade streusel, these cookies are a Crumbl copycat that you can whip up right in your kitchen. And let’s not forget the fresh green apple chunks that bring a juicy, tart surprise in every bite.

Whether you’re a busy mom needing a quick treat for school lunches or someone who simply can’t resist caramel apple anything (guilty!), this recipe is designed to impress without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cookies Crumbl Copycat Recipe

First things first: these aren’t your average cookies. The cinnamon cookie base is soft and chewy, perfectly spiced with hints of nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. The caramel cream cheese frosting is rich and fluffy, making every bite feel indulgent yet balanced. And the homemade streusel? Crunchy, golden, and totally irresistible.

Oh, and did I mention the fresh green apple chunks? They add a refreshing pop that cuts through the sweetness, creating that perfect harmony of flavors. It’s like biting into a caramel apple at the county fair—but better, because you get a cookie out of the deal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookie Base:

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
2 tbsp concentrated apple juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp allspice
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

5 oz cream cheese, softened
4 tbsp butter, softened
3 tbsp caramel sauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup powdered sugar

For the Homemade Streusel:

1/4 cup flour
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tbsp butter, cold & cubed

Other Toppings:

1 green apple, cubed
Extra caramel sauce for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat & Prep: Set your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is our blank canvas!
Streusel Time: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until it forms delicious clumps. Toast it gently until golden brown, then set aside to cool.
Mixing the Cookie Dough: Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, apple juice concentrate, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and glossy.
Dry Ingredients In: Fold in the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix until you see no flour streaks—just a beautiful, spiced dough.
Shape & Bake: Scoop out 9 dough balls using a 1/4 cup scoop and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, then let them cool completely.
Frosting Magic: Beat together cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and vanilla, whipping until light and fluffy.
Decorate: Frost each cooled cookie generously. Top with a handful of cubed green apples, sprinkle over that golden streusel, and finish with a luxurious caramel drizzle.

Tips for the Perfect Caramel Apple Cookies

Don’t skip the concentrated apple juice! It gives the cookie base that deep, apple-y punch.
Make sure your cream cheese and butter are truly softened for a smooth frosting—no one wants lumps.
If your streusel seems too powdery, add a tiny bit more melted butter to get those crave-worthy clumps.
Freshly chopped green apple chunks are key; they bring a tart freshness that balances the sweet caramel.

A Little Kitchen Story

I first made these cookies for a fall family get-together when I was in a bit of a pinch—you know, the “I need a showstopper dessert but only have an hour” kind of situation. I had a stash of apples from a weekend orchard trip and a deep love for Crumbl’s seasonal cookies. Well, let’s just say these cookies didn’t make it past the appetizer round. My kids declared them “the best apple dessert ever” (high praise from two picky eaters), and they’ve since become a must-bake for any gathering where I want to wow the crowd without pulling an all-nighter.

What to Serve with Caramel Apple Cookies

These cookies are rich and decadent, so pairing them with something light and refreshing is a good idea. A cold glass of milk is always a classic, but if you’re feeling a little fancy, try them with a spiced chai latte or a simple green tea. For dessert tables, they pair beautifully alongside a fruit platter or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. And if you’re hosting a fall-themed brunch, these cookies make a perfect sweet addition to balance out savory dishes like quiches or breakfast casseroles.

How to Store These Cookies

Because of the cream cheese frosting and fresh apples, these cookies are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to take off the chill and bring back that soft, fluffy texture.

If you want to prep ahead, you can bake the cookies and make the streusel a day in advance. Frost and assemble them the day you’re serving for that bakery-fresh finish.

FAQs about Caramel Apple Cookies Crumbl Copycat Recipe

Can I substitute the green apple chunks with another fruit?

For the classic caramel apple vibe, green apples are best because of their tartness. However, pears can be a mellow, sweet alternative.

How do I keep the streusel crunchy?

Store the streusel separately in an airtight container if you’re not assembling the cookies right away. This way, it stays crisp until you’re ready to serve.

Can I make these without the cream cheese frosting?

You can, but the caramel cream cheese frosting ties everything together. If you prefer less sweetness, try a thin glaze made with powdered sugar and apple juice.

Bake Up Some Joy with Caramel Apple Cookies

There’s something undeniably magical about baking these caramel apple cookies. The scent of cinnamon and caramel filling your kitchen, the first bite of a soft, chewy cookie with that tangy green apple crunch—it’s the kind of simple joy that makes any day feel special. Whether you’re recreating a Crumbl favorite or starting a new family tradition, these cookies are a delicious reminder that homemade is always better.

So grab that apron, rally the kids, or treat yourself to a solo baking session. Either way, you’re in for a sweet, apple-filled adventure.

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