Are you ready to bake something delicious? These Crumbl copycat caramel apple cookies will impress your friends and family. With sweet caramel and crunchy apple pieces, each bite is pure joy. I’ll share everything you need in this guide, from ingredients to simple steps to make the perfect cookies. Whether you want a sweet snack for yourself or a treat for a party, these cookies are sure to please!
Ingredients
Complete List of Ingredients
To make Crumbl Copycat Caramel Apple Cookies, gather these items:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 cup grated apple (about 1 medium apple)
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
These ingredients create the perfect blend of flavors. The apple adds moisture and sweetness. The caramel brings a rich, gooey texture. The spices make each bite warm and comforting.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap some ingredients if needed:
– Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
– Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier choice.
– Use egg replacers like flaxseed meal or applesauce if you want to make these cookies vegan.
– For gluten-free cookies, try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
These substitutions keep the essence of the cookies while fitting your needs.
Optional Add-ins
Feel free to customize your cookies with these add-ins:
– Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch.
– Chocolate chips bring sweetness and richness.
– Dried cranberries or raisins can add a fruity twist.
– A sprinkle of sea salt on top can enhance the flavors beautifully.
Add-ins can make your cookies unique and fun. Be creative with what you have!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cookies bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking.
In a mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of softened butter with 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until it is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step helps to create a soft texture.
Next, add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat these together until well mixed. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. Now, fold in 1 cup of grated apple, 1/2 cup of caramel sauce, and any optional nuts or chocolate chips. This ensures each cookie is full of flavor.
Baking the Cookies
Scoop out generous tablespoons of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges while the centers stay soft. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them set before moving.
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. For a fun serving idea, serve the cookies warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. Sprinkle some chopped nuts for added crunch. You can also place apple slices on the side for a fresh touch. Enjoy each bite of these delicious treats!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get the best cookies, focus on your butter. Make sure it is soft but not melted. This helps the cookies become fluffy. Cream the butter and sugars together until light. This step is key for that soft texture. When you mix in the dry ingredients, do it slowly. Over-mixing can make your cookies tough. Aim for a dough that is thick but not dry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is not measuring your flour correctly. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use a spoon to fluff the flour before scooping it. Level it off with a knife for accuracy. Another mistake is baking the cookies too long. They should be soft in the middle when you take them out. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes. This helps them set without getting too hard.
Enhancing Flavor Profiles
To boost flavor, consider adding spices. A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth. You can also try different apples for more taste. Tart apples give a nice contrast to the sweet caramel. Adding a bit of lemon juice to the grated apple can help keep it fresh. If you want a richer flavor, add more caramel. You can drizzle extra on top before serving. Don’t forget to sprinkle some sea salt on the warm cookies! This will enhance the sweet and salty balance.
Variations
Vegan or Dairy-Free Alternatives
You can easily make these cookies vegan. Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use a flax egg instead of a large egg. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This swap keeps your cookies moist and tasty.
Gluten-Free Options
If you need gluten-free cookies, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend with xanthan gum for better texture. You can also use almond flour for a nutty flavor. Just remember, almond flour may change the cookie’s structure a bit.
Seasonal Flavor Additions
Add seasonal flavors to your cookies for a twist! In fall, try adding pumpkin spice or nutmeg. You can also mix in dried cranberries for a tart touch. In winter, add a hint of peppermint extract for a refreshing taste. These variations keep your cookies exciting and fun all year long!
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storage
To keep your Crumbl Copycat Caramel Apple Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and chewy. Place a piece of bread in the container. The bread will help absorb moisture and keep the cookies from drying out. Try to eat the cookies within a week for the best taste.
How to Freeze Cookies
Freezing cookies is easy and smart! First, let the cookies cool completely on wire racks. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can store them for up to three months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!
Reheating Instructions
To enjoy your cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This will make them soft again. You can also microwave a cookie for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the gooey caramel and apple flavor with each bite!
FAQs
How can I make these cookies nut-free?
To make these cookies nut-free, simply skip the nuts. You can replace them with extra chocolate chips or oats. This keeps the texture nice without adding nuts. Always check labels on ingredients to ensure they are nut-free.
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can use any apple you like! Granny Smith apples give a nice tart flavor. Honeycrisp apples add sweetness and crunch. Just make sure to grate the apple well. This helps mix the flavor into the dough.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, freeze them. Place cookies in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. To eat, just thaw them at room temperature.
You’ve learned how to make delicious cookies step by step. We covered the right ingredients and their substitutes. I shared tips for texture and common mistakes to avoid. You saw how to store and freeze cookies for later. Remember, you can customize with different flavors or dietary needs. Enjoy creating cookies that fit your taste and lifestyle. No matter how you make them, these cookies will be a treat. Happy baking!
