Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup Imperial Sugar granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup Imperial Sugar dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 2 tbsp concentrated apple juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/8 tsp allspice
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Streusel Topping
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tbsp Imperial Sugar granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter (cold, cubed)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 5 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 tbsp butter (softened)
- 3 tbsp caramel sauce (homemade or store bought)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup Imperial Sugar powdered sugar
Toppings
- 1 green apple (sliced into cubes)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for baking the cookies.
- Make the Streusel: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove the skillet from heat and immediately add the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until the mixture is fully moistened and forms small clumps. Return the skillet to medium heat and stir frequently. Continue cooking until the streusel turns a golden brown color. Once done, transfer the streusel to a plate to cool completely.
- Prepare Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg, concentrated apple juice, and vanilla extract, mixing to fully incorporate.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix until no flour is visible and the dough is uniform.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Using a large cookie scooper (approx. 1/4 cup or 4 tablespoons), scoop out nine evenly sized dough balls and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: In a clean bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract, then whip the frosting until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, generously frost each cookie with the caramel cream cheese frosting. Top each frosted cookie with cubed green apples, a sprinkle of the cooled homemade streusel, and an optional drizzle of additional caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure the egg is at room temperature to help the dough come together smoothly.
- The concentrated apple juice adds a rich apple flavor; if unavailable, you may reduce this slightly and add a bit of apple extract or increase the fresh apple topping.
- For the streusel, watch carefully to avoid burning as it browns quickly.
- Use cold butter in the streusel to help create crumbly clumps.
- Cookies are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to substitute green apples with tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a tarter topping.
- To make caramel sauce at home, gently melt sugar and butter over medium heat and add cream, then cook until smooth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American