Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple (Ready-to-Print Version)

Soft, chewy cookies featuring real apple chunks, caramel cream cheese frosting, and a buttery spiced streusel topping.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
02 - 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
03 - 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
04 - 1 large egg, at room temperature
05 - 2 tbsp concentrated apple juice
06 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
07 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
08 - 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
09 - 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
10 - 1/4 tsp ground ginger
11 - 1/8 tsp allspice
12 - 3/4 tsp baking soda
13 - 1/4 tsp baking powder
14 - 1/4 tsp salt

→ Frosting

15 - 5 oz softened cream cheese
16 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
17 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar
18 - 3 tbsp caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
19 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ Streusel Topping

20 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
21 - 1 tbsp granulated white sugar
22 - 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
23 - 1/4 tsp salt
24 - 1 1/2 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed

→ Garnish

25 - 1 green apple, diced into small cubes
26 - Optional extra caramel sauce for drizzling

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the cubed cold butter. Remove from heat and stir in flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until moistened and clumps form. Return to heat, stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant. Transfer to a plate and cool completely.
02 - In a large bowl, cream softened butter with white and brown sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, concentrated apple juice, and vanilla extract until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, stirring just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
03 - Using a 1/4 cup scoop, portion 9 equal dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden and set. Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet to maintain soft, chewy texture.
04 - Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract, whipping until light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl to ensure even mixing.
05 - Once cookies are cooled, frost each generously with caramel cream cheese frosting. Top with diced green apples and cooled streusel. Drizzle extra caramel sauce if desired. Serve immediately or chill frosting for 10 minutes before adding toppings for a firmer finish.

# Handy Tips:

01 - To keep apples from making cookies soggy, pat diced pieces dry and lightly toss in flour before folding into dough.
02 - Avoid overmixing after adding flour to maintain tender cookies.
03 - Let butter and cream cheese warm to room temperature for better creaming and frosting texture.
04 - Bake cookies until edges are set but centers appear slightly underbaked to achieve a soft, chewy result.

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