Name: Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 2 tablespoons butter; ¼ cup brown sugar; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); ¼ teaspoon sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)

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These Caramel Apple Cookies are a Crumbl Copycat recipe that delivers the perfect combination of a soft, chewy cinnamon-spiced cookie topped with luscious apple pie filling and drizzled with creamy caramel. These bakery-style cookies are the ultimate fall treat, packed with warm flavors and a gooey, decadent topping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crumbl Copycat Quality – Just like the famous bakery but homemade!
Soft & Chewy – A thick, buttery cookie base with a tender texture.
Loaded with Apple Flavor – A sweet and spiced apple topping.
Perfect for Fall – The ultimate cozy, autumn dessert.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookie Base:

Unsalted butter (softened)
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Cinnamon
Salt

For the Apple Topping:

Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled & diced)
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Cornstarch
Water
Lemon juice

For the Caramel Drizzle:

Soft caramel candies (or homemade caramel sauce)
Heavy cream

Directions

1. Make the Cookie Dough

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.

2. Bake the Cookies

Scoop out large dough balls (about ¼ cup each) and place them on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are soft.
Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

3. Make the Apple Topping

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir into the apple mixture.
Simmer for 5-7 minutes until apples are tender and the sauce thickens. Let cool.

4. Make the Caramel Drizzle

Melt caramel candies with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

5. Assemble the Cookies

Spoon apple topping onto each cooled cookie.
Drizzle warm caramel over the apples.
Serve immediately or let set for a few minutes before enjoying!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 large cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes

Variations

Salted Caramel Apple Cookies – Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel drizzle.
Nutty Apple Cookies – Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Maple Apple Cookies – Replace vanilla with maple extract for extra fall flavor.
Apple Pie Filling Shortcut – Use canned apple pie filling for quicker prep.
Extra Gooey – Add a dollop of cream cheese frosting before the apple topping.

Storage/Reheating

Storage – Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for 4-5 days.
Reheating – Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
Freezing – Freeze unassembled cookies for up to 3 months. Add toppings after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel?

Yes! Any caramel sauce works, or melt store-bought soft caramels with cream.

What apples work best?

Granny Smith apples add tartness, while Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if needed.

Can I make these cookies smaller?

Yes! Use 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Can I make the apple topping ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and warm slightly before using.

Do I have to use cornstarch?

Cornstarch helps thicken the apple mixture, but you can substitute with flour or arrowroot powder.

How do I make these cookies extra soft?

Use room temperature butter and don’t overbake! The centers should still be soft.

Can I add oats to the cookie dough?

Yes! Replace ¼ cup of flour with rolled oats for a chewy texture.

What other toppings go well with these cookies?

Try white chocolate drizzle, powdered sugar, or a cinnamon-sugar sprinkle.

How do I make a homemade caramel sauce?

Simmer 1 cup sugar, 6 tbsp butter, and ½ cup heavy cream until thickened for a homemade version.

Conclusion

These Caramel Apple Cookies (Crumbl Copycat) are the ultimate fall treat, combining soft cinnamon cookies, warm spiced apples, and a rich caramel drizzle. Whether for a cozy dessert, a holiday party, or just because—these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Try them today and enjoy bakery-style goodness at home!