Description

These Caramel Apple Cookies are a Crumbl copycat that captures the cozy essence of fall in every bite. Featuring a soft cinnamon-spiced cookie base, luscious caramel cream cheese frosting, buttery streusel, and fresh green apple chunks, this easy recipe is perfect for indulgent treats, school lunches, or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
For the streusel, melt butter in a skillet, then stir in flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Toast until golden brown and set aside.
In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg, apple juice concentrate, and vanilla; mix well.
Fold in flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until a smooth dough forms.
Scoop 9 large dough balls (1/4 cup each) onto the baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes. Cool completely.
For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and vanilla. Whip until fluffy.
Frost each cookie generously, top with fresh apple chunks, sprinkle streusel, and drizzle with caramel sauce.

Notes

Don’t skip the concentrated apple juice—it enhances the apple flavor.

Ensure cream cheese and butter are fully softened for a smooth frosting.

If the streusel is too dry, add a touch more melted butter.

Best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American