These Caramel Apple Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet caramel, chewy oats, and tender apples. The texture is a satisfying balance between soft and chewy, making every bite a delightful experience. A drizzle of caramel on top adds an irresistible touch!
Perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy evenings at home, these cookies bring the warm flavors of fall into every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo, they are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup brown sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup caramel bits
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1 cup dried apples, chopped
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1/2 cup rolled oats
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
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Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
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Stir in the caramel bits, dried apples, and rolled oats.
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Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
Why You Need to Try These Caramel Apple Cookies
Crumbl’s caramel apple cookies are the perfect combination of flavors that everyone can enjoy. They’re soft, chewy, and loaded with layers of flavor that evoke the essence of caramel apples but with a creative twist. Here are a few reasons why you should make these cookies today:
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Perfect for Fall: The warming spices in the cookie base, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice, combine to create the perfect fall-inspired treat. The apple juice concentrate enhances the apple flavor, while the caramel adds a rich sweetness that contrasts nicely with the tartness of the green apples on top.
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Budget-Friendly: By making these cookies at home, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors of Crumbl’s seasonal offering without spending extra money on store-bought versions. The recipe also allows for customization, letting you adjust ingredients to suit your taste.
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Great for Parties: These cookies are not only easy to make, but they also look impressive when decorated with caramel sauce, streusel, and fresh green apples. They are a great treat for gatherings and parties, especially during the holidays.
How to Make the Best Caramel Apple Cookies
While this recipe may seem involved, it’s actually quite simple when you break it down into its parts. Here’s a closer look at the steps involved in creating these delicious cookies:
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The Cookie Base: The base of the cookie is a soft, chewy cinnamon apple-spiced dough. The combination of butter and sugars creates a smooth, rich dough, while the addition of apple juice concentrate helps to enhance the flavor. The spices are essential to creating the warm, cozy flavor profile that’s perfect for fall. Once the dough is mixed, it’s scooped into balls and baked to perfection.
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Homemade Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting: The frosting is what really takes these cookies to the next level. By combining cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and caramel sauce, you create a smooth, fluffy frosting that perfectly complements the flavors of the cookies. You can either use store-bought caramel or make your own for a more elevated taste.
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Topping It Off: Once the cookies are baked and cooled, they are topped with the creamy frosting. Then, the cookies are finished off with a sprinkle of homemade cinnamon streusel, chopped green apples, and a drizzle of caramel. This not only adds visual appeal but also provides the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
Why Imperial Sugar?
For this recipe, the choice of sugar plays an important role in bringing out the depth of flavor. Imperial Sugar’s dark brown sugar is the key ingredient for the cookie dough base, as it adds a rich molasses flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies. Using high-quality sugars like these ensures that your cookies will have the perfect texture and flavor, making them just like the ones from Crumbl.
Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Cookies
To get the most out of this recipe, consider these helpful tips:
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: When making the dough and frosting, be sure to use room temperature butter and eggs. This ensures that the ingredients mix more easily and result in a smoother dough and frosting.
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Make Your Own Caramel: While store-bought caramel is convenient, homemade caramel sauce will elevate these cookies and make them truly decadent. If you have the time, try making your own caramel at home for the best results.
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Customize the Toppings: Feel free to adjust the toppings to your liking. If you prefer more or less caramel, or want to add extra spices to the streusel, go ahead and make this recipe your own.
Storing and Freezing Caramel Apple Cookies
These cookies are perfect for making ahead of time. You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to make them ahead of time for a special event, frost the cookies but wait to top them with the chopped green apples until you’re ready to serve them. This will keep the apples from browning.
For longer storage, these cookies can also be frozen. Simply place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature and frost them before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies can be enjoyed on their own as a sweet treat or paired with a warm cup of tea or apple cider for the ultimate autumn experience. They also make a great addition to any holiday dessert spread, from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of Crumbl’s seasonal caramel apple cookies or simply love fall flavors, this homemade version is sure to impress. From the chewy apple-spiced cookie base to the decadent caramel cream cheese frosting, every bite is packed with flavor. With the added crunch of the streusel and the tartness of the green apples, these cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and savory.
Making these cookies at home gives you the freedom to enjoy this fall favorite whenever you like, and they are sure to become a go-to recipe for your family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday gathering, or simply for yourself, these caramel apple cookies are an absolute must-try.
Try them today, and get ready to fall in love with this delicious twist on the classic caramel apple!