Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies

Finding the perfect cookie that captures all the cozy flavors of fall can feel impossible, especially when you’re craving something that tastes just like Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies. These delightful treats blend sweet apples, creamy caramel, and warm spices into a soft and chewy cookie that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies will surely impress everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh apples and caramel sauce delivers a deliciously unique taste that stands out.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in with a cup of tea.
• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, these cookies are simple enough for bakers of any skill level.
• Chewy Texture: The blend of cream cheese and butter creates a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and crunch.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious cookies, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining ingredients thoroughly and ensuring even distribution of flavors.
• Electric mixer: Makes mixing dough easy and ensures a consistent texture without much effort.
• Baking sheets: Provide the perfect surface for baking your cookies evenly without sticking.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies:

For the Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 3/4 cup imperial sugar white sugar
• 1/4 cup imperial sugar dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg at room temperature
• 2 tbsp concentrated apple juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground 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 Filling

• 5 oz softened cream cheese
• 4 tbsp butter, softened
• 3 tbsp caramel sauce (homemade or purchased)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup imperial sugar powdered sugar

For the Topping

• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tbsp imperial sugar white sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tbsp cold butter, cubed
• 1 green apple, chopped into cubes

How to Make Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until creamy.
2. Add in the egg, concentrated apple juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl:
1. Blend together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Mix in caramel sauce and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach a creamy consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

1. Scoop a tablespoon of cookie dough onto each prepared baking sheet.
2. Create an indentation in each dough ball using your thumb or a small spoon.
3. Fill each indentation with about one teaspoon of cream cheese filling.
4. Top with chopped green apple pieces.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until golden around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool on wire racks before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies fresh from the oven!

How to Serve Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will elevate your cookie experience.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee – Pair your cookies with a steaming cup of coffee. The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the cookies.
• Hot Chocolate – Enjoy these cookies alongside a cup of hot chocolate for a cozy treat that’s perfect for chilly days.
• Herbal Tea – A soothing herbal tea can balance the sweetness and add a refreshing touch to your cookie snack.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Platter – Arrange the Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies on a platter with other types of cookies for a fun dessert spread.
• Ice Cream Sundae – Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream and drizzle with extra caramel sauce for an indulgent sundae.
• Fruit Salad – Serve with a side of fresh fruit salad to add a light, refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.

For Special Occasions

• Birthday Parties – These cookies make great party favors; package them in decorative bags for guests to take home.
• Holiday Gatherings – Serve these cookies during holiday celebrations as a festive treat that everyone will love.

How to Perfect Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies

Making the perfect Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they come out just right.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure that your butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure Flour Accurately – Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off without packing it down. This prevents dry cookies.
• Chill the Dough – Allow the cookie dough to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
• Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Keep an Eye on Baking Time – Bake until edges are lightly golden. They will continue cooking slightly after being removed from the oven.
• Let Cool Completely – Allow your cookies to cool completely on wire racks before serving or storing, which helps maintain their texture.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies

Pairing these delicious cookies with complementary side dishes can enhance their flavor even more. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Caramel Sauce Dip – Serve with extra caramel sauce for dipping, enhancing the caramel flavor found in the cookies.
3. Apple Slices – Fresh apple slices provide a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the soft texture of the cookies.
4. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses adds savory notes that pair well with sweet treats, creating an exciting flavor combination.
5. Spiced Nuts – Roasted spiced nuts offer crunch and warmth, complementing the spices in the cookies beautifully.
6. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and chopped apples for a healthy twist that pairs well with the flavors of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to a dense cookie. Always bring your butter and egg to room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make cookies tough instead of tender. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for the best texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can dry out your cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Ignoring chill time: If your dough feels too warm, chilling it for a short while helps in shaping. This can also enhance the flavors in your cookies.
• Using stale spices: Fresh spices elevate flavor. Ensure your ground spices are fresh for that warm, comforting taste in every bite.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies

• Freeze cookies individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds until just warm; be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies.

How do I make my Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, try reducing the baking time slightly or adding an extra tablespoon of apple juice to the dough.

Can I customize my Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts or swap out apples for other fruits like pears for a different flavor.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed. Just be cautious not to add too much.

Can I use other sweeteners instead of sugar?

Yes! You can substitute with coconut sugar or maple syrup, but this may slightly change the texture and baking time.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their soft texture combined with rich caramel and apple flavors makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins or spices to suit your taste!