Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple (Printer-Friendly)

Soft, chewy cookies with caramel, apple, warm spices, and creamy frosting topped by a crisp streusel.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Cookie Dough

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

→ Frosting

15 - 5 oz softened cream cheese
16 - 4 tablespoons softened butter
17 - 3 tablespoons caramel sauce
18 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
19 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar

→ Streusel Topping and Garnish

20 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
21 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
22 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
23 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
24 - 1 1/2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
25 - 1 green apple, chopped into pea-sized cubes

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium skillet, melt cold butter over medium heat. Remove from heat, then add flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt, stirring until evenly moistened and clumps form. Return to medium heat and stir frequently until streusel turns golden brown and emits a toasty aroma. Transfer to a plate to cool completely.
02 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, concentrated apple juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until flour disappears. Avoid overmixing.
03 - Using a 1/4 cup cookie scoop, portion 9 dough balls onto prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly. Bake for 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers appear slightly underbaked. Allow to cool completely on baking sheet to maintain chewy texture.
04 - In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and caramel sauce, followed by vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy, scraping down sides to fully incorporate ingredients.
05 - Once cookies are fully cooled, frost each generously with caramel cream cheese frosting. Top with cubed green apple and cooled streusel. Optionally drizzle with additional caramel sauce. Serve immediately or chill frosted cookies for 10 minutes before adding toppings to set frosting.

# Additional Suggestions:

01 - Avoid overmixing the dough after adding flour to ensure soft, chewy cookies. Allow butter and cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing for smooth frosting. Pat diced apple dry and toss lightly in flour to prevent sogginess.
02 - Cookies continue baking on the hot pan after removal; remove when centers are slightly underbaked for ideal softness.