Copycat Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies are a delightful twist on classic cookies that elevate your baking experience with their luscious flavors of caramel and apple. These cookies replicate the popular treat from Crumbl, bringing together chewy oatmeal and chunks of sweet apples, all covered in bits of caramel. Perfect for cozy days, family gatherings, or simply when you’re craving something sweet, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why We Love This Copycat Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this recipe for several reasons. First, its combination of flavors is simply irresistible. The sweetness of the caramel mingling with the tartness of the apples creates a mouthwatering treat that’s hard to resist. The addition of oats provides a chewy texture, making these cookies satisfying and hearty. Additionally, the versatility of the recipe allows you to tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes. The ease of preparation makes them perfect even for novice bakers. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as these cookies bake is simply heavenly.
Ingredients for Copycat Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped apples (peeled and cored)
- 1 cup caramel bits or squares
How to Make Copycat Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies Directions
To start making the Copycat Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is critical as it gives your cookies the right baking environment.
In a large mixing bowl, take the softened unsalted butter and cream it together with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. The key here is to incorporate air into the butter and sugar, making your cookies tender.
Next, add the two large eggs and the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step is essential to evenly distribute the leavening agent (baking soda) and spices throughout the flour. Slowly incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a tender cookie.
Now, it’s time to stir in the rolled oats, chopped apples, and caramel bits. Use a spatula to fold these ingredients gently, ensuring even distribution of the yummy apple chunks and gooey caramel throughout the dough.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows them to spread without sticking together while baking.
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them! Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow the cookies to cool completely, which enhances their texture and flavor.
How to Serve Copycat Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
Serving your Copycat Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies is not just about placing them on a plate. It’s an invitation to indulge in their warmth and flavor. Once they are out of the oven and have cooled slightly, you can stack them on a beautiful dessert platter. Dusting the top with a little powdered sugar can add an elegant touch, making them look even more enticing.
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. The contrasting temperatures and textures of the warm cookie and cold ice cream will make each bite unforgettable. You could also serve these alongside hot beverages, like coffee or tea, for a cozy afternoon snack. These cookies add a delicious touch to any gathering, making them an excellent choice for parties or family feasts.
Expert Tips: Copycat Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
To get the best results with your Copycat Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies, consider a few expert tips. Start with high-quality ingredients, especially the butter and apples, to enhance the overall flavor and texture of your cookies. When measuring flour, use the scoop-and-level method, rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents your cookies from becoming too dense.
When chopping the apples, try to keep the pieces uniform in size. This helps them bake evenly within the cookies. Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice due to their tart flavor, which balances the sweetness of the caramel.
If you find that your dough is too soft to handle easily, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This makes scooping the dough and shaping the cookies less sticky. Monitoring the baking time is crucial, as each oven can have slight variations in temperature, leading to different outcomes. Look for those golden edges as the sign that your cookies are ready.
How to Store Copycat Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
Storing your Copycat Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies properly will help maintain their soft and chewy texture. Once the cookies have cooled down completely, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing your cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer until frozen. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
Variation of Copycat Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
While the classic version of Copycat Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies is delicious as is, there are numerous variations you can explore. For a different flavor profile, consider adding nuts. Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch and richness to your cookies.
If you like a little spice, try adding nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon to elevate the flavor even more. You can also experiment with other types of fruit. Adding chopped pears or even dried cranberries gives a unique twist to the cookie base.
For a caramel overload, drizzle melted caramel sauce over the top of the cookies after they cool completely. This extra touch not only enhances the taste but also gives them a more decadent presentation.
FAQ
What makes Copycat Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies different from regular cookies?
Copycat Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies stand out because of their unique flavor combination of caramel and apple, combined with chewy oats. The recipe replicates the beloved Crumbl cookies, giving you that bakery-fresh experience at home.
Can I use other fruits in place of apples?
Yes! While the recipe features apples, you can substitute with other fruits like pears or even chopped dried fruits, depending on your preferences. Just be mindful of the moisture content.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a soft center. Cookies will continue to cook slightly after removing them from the oven, so you want them to be just set but not overly hard.
Can I double the batch for a larger gathering?
Absolutely! This recipe can be easily doubled. Just be sure to use multiple baking sheets and adjust the baking times if needed, as they may need a few more minutes if concentrated in the oven.
What is the best way to store these cookies to keep them fresh?
To keep your Copycat Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. Alternatively, freeze them for longer storage.
Copycat Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use high-quality butter for best flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Use scoop-and-level method for measuring.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Evenly distribute in dry mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Consider adding nutmeg or ginger for more flavor.
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped apples (peeled and cored) Granny Smith works great for tartness.
- 1 cup caramel bits or squares
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon, then gradually incorporate into the wet ingredients.
- Gently fold in rolled oats, chopped apples, and caramel bits until evenly distributed.
Baking
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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