Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful fall dessert? This Caramel Apple Crumble Cookie recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, crunchy, and comforting—a delicious homemade treat that's surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is perfect for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, ideal for cozy nights or delightful gatherings. Get ready to experience the ultimate autumnal cookie!
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Apple Filling:
- 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions:
Get started with the cookie dough:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
Prepare the caramel apple filling:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and melted.
- Stir in the diced apples. Set aside to cool slightly.
Make the crumble topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, pecans (or walnuts), and cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble and bake the cookies:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball.
- Fill each indentation with a spoonful of the caramel apple filling.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the filling.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Crumble Cookies:
- Use good quality butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overmix the cookie dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Let the cookies cool completely before serving to prevent them from crumbling.
- For a richer caramel flavor, use salted caramel candies.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of apples and nuts.
Variations:
- Spiced Caramel: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the caramel filling for an extra layer of warmth.
- Chocolate Swirl: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a decadent twist.
- Cranberry Crunch: Incorporate dried cranberries into the crumble topping for a festive touch.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 12-15g Saturated Fat: 8-10g Sugar: 25-30g
Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make Caramel Apple Crumble Cookies! They're the perfect treat for any fall occasion. These healthy meals are surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick dinner idea or a special homemade cooking project. They're definitely among the best recipes for delicious dishes.