Irresistible Crumbl Copycat Caramel Apple Cookies: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert Masterpiece
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate autumn treat! These Caramel Apple Cookies are a mouthwatering Crumbl copycat recipe, designed to bring the magic of a gourmet bakery right into your kitchen. Imagine a perfectly buttery, soft apple-infused cookie, generously crowned with a silky, rich caramel cream cheese frosting, and finished with an irresistible, crunchy apple streusel. This isn’t just a cookie; it’s a celebration of fall flavors in every single bite.
If you’re a connoisseur of easy-to-make yet incredibly decadent apple desserts, then you’ve certainly landed in the right place. Much like our beloved Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies, this recipe has quickly become a treasured family favorite. It’s perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or simply when you crave something extraordinary.
Experience the Magic of Homemade Caramel Apple Cookies
This fall cookie recipe is truly something you will absolutely drool over. It stands out as one of the most scrumptious cookies I have ever had the pleasure of tasting! What makes these particular cookies so special? They embody the signature Crumbl-style indulgence: large, perfectly soft, and delightfully chewy. The secret to their incredible depth of flavor lies in a few unique ingredients: freeze-dried apples (with an option for dried if preferred) incorporated into the dough, and a “to-die-for” caramel cream cheese frosting. But the real game-changer? The ingenious use of apple cider drink mix. Yes, you heard that right! This unexpected ingredient is folded into both the cookie dough and the crunchy graham cracker streusel topping, imparting a wonderfully tart boost that perfectly balances the sweetness of the caramel.
Every bite of these cookies delivers a magical blend of textures and tastes. The tender cookie base melts in your mouth, followed by the creamy, sweet frosting, and then a delightful crunch from the streusel. The subtle tang from the apple cider mix elevates the entire experience, making these cookies truly unforgettable. They are not just dessert; they are an experience, perfect for celebrating the rich, comforting flavors of the autumn season. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these homemade caramel apple cookies are guaranteed to impress.
Why These Caramel Apple Cookies Are a Must-Try
Beyond being a fantastic Crumbl copycat, these Caramel Apple Cookies offer a symphony of reasons to bake them. Firstly, the use of freeze-dried apples is a game-changer. Unlike fresh apples which can add too much moisture and alter the cookie’s texture, or even dried apples that can be too chewy, freeze-dried apples offer an intense, concentrated apple flavor without compromising the integrity of the cookie. They rehydrate beautifully during baking, giving you that delightful fruitiness without any sogginess.
Secondly, the apple cider drink mix isn’t just a quirky addition; it’s a stroke of genius. It provides a bright, slightly tart counterpoint to the rich sweetness of the caramel and brown sugar. This tangy note is what elevates these cookies from merely delicious to truly extraordinary, cutting through the richness and making each bite feel fresh and exciting. It’s the kind of secret ingredient that will have everyone asking for your recipe!
Finally, the combination of a soft, buttery cookie with a creamy, dreamy caramel cream cheese frosting and a crisp graham cracker streusel is simply divine. The layers of texture and flavor create a balanced and deeply satisfying dessert that feels incredibly luxurious, yet is surprisingly achievable for the home baker. They’re big, they’re beautiful, and they taste like a million bucks!
Essential Ingredients for Your Caramel Apple Cookie Masterpiece
Crafting these sensational Caramel Apple Cookies requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving that perfect Crumbl-style taste and texture. Below is a comprehensive list of what you’ll need, with additional details to guide your selections. The full, detailed list, including precise measurements, can be found in the printable recipe card further down the page.
- Salted Butter: We use salted butter for both the cookie dough and the frosting. The hint of salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors. Ensure it’s softened for optimal creaming.
- Sugars – White Granulated and Light Brown: The combination of these two sugars is crucial. Granulated sugar provides crispness, while light brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle caramel note, contributing to the cookie’s soft interior.
- Eggs: Large eggs act as a binder, adding richness and helping the cookies rise. Make sure they are at room temperature for better emulsification with the butter and sugar.
- Vanilla Extract: A staple in most cookie recipes, vanilla enhances all the sweet flavors. Use a good quality pure vanilla extract for the best results.
- Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and bringing out the complex flavors in the cookie.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of our cookies. Proper measurement (spooned and leveled) is key to avoiding dense or dry cookies.
- Baking Soda: Our leavening agent, it reacts with the acidic brown sugar and apple cider mix to give the cookies their characteristic rise and soft, chewy texture.
- Freeze-Dried Apples: This is a crucial ingredient for intense apple flavor without adding excess moisture. Choose a tart variety like Fuji or Granny Smith for the best balance. Chop them into small pieces for even distribution throughout the dough and streusel.
- Apple Cider Drink Mix: The secret ingredient! This powdered mix, typically found in the hot beverage aisle, adds a wonderful tartness and concentrated apple flavor that truly sets these cookies apart. Brands like Alpine Spiced Apple Cider work wonderfully. If you can only find sugar-free versions, they will work too.
- Graham Crackers: Used for the streusel topping, they provide a delightful crunch and a subtly sweet, comforting flavor. Crush them into fine crumbs.
- Cream Cheese: The base for our luxurious frosting. Use full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature, for the creamiest results.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): For the frosting, it dissolves easily to create a smooth, velvety texture. Sifting it can help prevent lumps.
- Caramel Sauce: Any good quality dessert caramel sauce will work. You can use store-bought or even make your own if you’re feeling ambitious. This provides that classic gooey caramel flavor.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies – A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful Caramel Apple Cookies is simpler than you might think! I’ve broken down the process into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring a smooth baking experience from start to finish. Precision and patience are your best friends here, especially when it comes to ingredients and cooling times.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Begin by creaming together the softened butter and both white and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-aerated. This step is crucial for a tender cookie. Then, incorporate the egg, vanilla, and salt, mixing until fully combined and fluffy. Next, add the unique apple cider mix along with the baking soda, followed by the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed just until combined – be careful not to overmix! Finally, gently fold in the chopped freeze-dried apples. Scoop the dough into generous balls and prepare them for baking.
- Whip Up the Silky Caramel Frosting: While your cookies are baking, you can prepare the luscious frosting. In a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and salted butter until perfectly smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated after each addition to avoid a sugar cloud. Finish by mixing in the vanilla extract and caramel sauce until the frosting is light, airy, and beautifully silky.
- Craft the Crunchy Apple Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, the remaining apple cider mix, and the finely chopped freeze-dried apples. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until a crumbly texture forms. This streusel will add a wonderful textural contrast and an extra burst of apple and spice flavor to your finished cookies.
- Decorate and Serve Your Masterpiece: Once your cookies are completely cooled (this is critical to prevent the frosting from melting!), transfer the prepared frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe a beautiful spiral pattern onto each cookie, starting from the center and working your way out. Finally, generously sprinkle the apple streusel topping over the frosted cookies with a touch of finesse. For an extra touch of decadence, consider drizzling a little more caramel sauce over the streusel before serving. Enjoy your bakery-worthy creation!
Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Cookies
To help you achieve bakery-perfect Caramel Apple Cookies every time, here are some common questions and expert tips:
- What kind of apples are best for caramel apple cookies?
- For this recipe, we specifically recommend using chopped freeze-dried apples. These provide an intense apple flavor and chewy texture without introducing excess moisture that can alter the cookie dough’s consistency. If freeze-dried isn’t available, finely chopped dried apples can be used, though they will be chewier. We recommend tart varieties like Fuji, Granny Smith, or Gala for the best flavor balance. Fresh apples or apple sauce are not recommended as they contain too much moisture and will change the texture of these particular cookies significantly, making them more cake-like rather than soft and chewy.
- Can I make these cookies without apple cider mix?
- While you absolutely could, the unique tart and spiced flavor that the apple cider drink mix adds is truly what makes these cookies so amazing and gives them that distinct “Crumbl copycat” flair. If you prefer not to use it or can’t find it, you could experiment with a blend of apple pie spice, a pinch of cinnamon, and a tiny bit of lemon zest to try and replicate that tart boost. However, for the authentic taste, the apple cider mix is highly recommended. Many brands offer sugar-free versions, which work just as well if you’re mindful of sugar intake.
- Where can I find freeze-dried apples?
- Freeze-dried apples are becoming increasingly common and can often be found in the preserved fruit section, snack aisle, or baking aisle of many larger grocery stores. Health food stores or online retailers are also excellent sources. Look for packages labeled “freeze-dried apple slices” or “freeze-dried apples.” You’ll want to chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the dough and streusel.
- Optional Drizzle for Extra Caramel Bliss: For an even more intense caramel experience, after frosting and sprinkling with streusel, lightly drizzle additional caramel sauce over the finished cookies. This adds another layer of flavor and a beautiful glossy finish.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When adding flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dense cookies instead of soft, tender ones.
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together properly, creating a smooth, emulsified batter and frosting. Cold ingredients won’t combine as effectively, leading to a less desirable texture.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience is a virtue when it comes to frosting! If you try to frost warm cookies, the cream cheese caramel frosting will melt and slide right off. Let them cool completely on a wire rack for at least 30-60 minutes.
- Storage Suggestions: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature but should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting. They will keep well for up to 3 days. For longer storage, unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw, then frost before serving.
More Unique Cookie Recipes to Elevate Your Baking
If you’ve fallen in love with these Caramel Apple Cookies and are searching for more extraordinary cookie ideas, I’ve got you covered! Expanding your baking repertoire with unique and delicious cookie recipes is a fantastic way to delight friends, family, and yourself. Here are a few more of our very favorites, perfect for any occasion – be it holidays, birthdays, bake sales, or simply when you’re craving something a little different from the norm. These recipes offer distinct flavors and textures that are sure to impress and satisfy even the most discerning palates.
- Neapolitan Cookies Recipe: A delightful trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in one charming cookie.
- Pistachio Pudding Mix Cookies: Incredibly soft, vibrant green, and bursting with nutty pistachio flavor.
- Biscoff Filled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Classic crinkle cookies with a surprise creamy Biscoff center.
- Butterscotch Chip Cookies: A simple yet irresistibly chewy cookie loaded with sweet butterscotch chips.
Each of these recipes offers a distinctive flavor profile and a joyful baking experience. Whether you’re in the mood for fruit, nuts, chocolate, or a classic sweet treat, you’ll find something new to love and share.
I sincerely hope you enjoy these magnificent Caramel Apple Cookies as much as my family and I do! They are without a doubt bakery-worthy – with their impressive size, rich buttery flavor, and decadent toppings. Yes, they are a calorie commitment, but OOOOOH, they are absolutely amazing and worth every single bite! Don’t hesitate to treat yourself and your loved ones to this incredible fall dessert. Happy baking!
📝 Printable Recipe
Caramel Apple Cookie
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, salted
- ¾ cup granulated white sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 0.74 oz packets Apple Cider Drink Mix
- 2½-3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup freeze dried apple, chopped (1 oz package makes 1.5 cups chopped)
For the Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ¼ cup salted butter (4 Tablespoons)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 Tablespoon caramel sauce
For the streusel
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 Tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup freeze dried apple, chopped
- 1 packet Apple Cider Drink Mix
Instructions
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In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or large bowl with electric hand mixer) combine the butter, white sugar and brown sugar and beat on high speed until mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally.
Add in egg and vanilla extract and mix on medium speed until fluffy and mixed well.
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Add salt, baking soda and 2 packets apple cider mix. Mix dough until just combined. Add flour one cup at a time and mix on low speed about 1 minute until flour is completely mixed in. Last add 1 cup chopped freeze dried apples. Reserve ½ cup for streusel topping.
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Preheat oven to 350° F. Line 2 cookie or baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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Using ¼ cup scoop, measure out 12 -13 balls of dough and space evenly on cookie sheets, 6 to a pan.
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Bake one sheet at a time for 10-12 minutes, until cookies begin to crack. Prepare frosting and streusel while baking.
Cool completely before frosting.
For the Frosting:
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In a stand mixer or hand mixer with paddle attachment beat together cream cheese and butter on medium/high speed until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time mixing on low speed until powdered sugar is completely mixed in between additions. Add vanilla extract and caramel sauce and mix well.
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After cookies have cooled, transfer frosting into a piping bag and using a large round tip, frost each cookie in a spiral pattern.
For the streusel:
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In a bowl or plastic resealable bag combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, 1 packet apple cider mix, and ½ cup chopped freeze dried apples. Mix well.
Sprinkle over frosted cookies and serve.