Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect fall-inspired treat, these Apple Crisp Cookies are sure to steal your heart (and taste buds). Imagine a soft and chewy oatmeal cookie loaded with juicy apple bits and crowned with a buttery streusel topping — it truly feels like biting into a cozy slice of fresh-baked apple crisp, but in convenient cookie form. Whether you’re planning a bake sale, need an autumn potluck dessert, or just want your kitchen to smell like cinnamon-spiced heaven, this recipe brings together the warm, nostalgic flavors of apple crisp in a bite-sized, irresistible package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of pantry staples and crisp apples can transform into such mouthwatering Apple Crisp Cookies! Each ingredient plays a special role, from creating a plush cookie crumb to adding pops of juicy, tart fruit and a sweet, buttery crunch up top.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their rich, tender base — make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Infuses deep caramel notes and keeps the cookies moist throughout.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the apples and spice.
- Large eggs (2): Bind it all together and add a touch of richness to each bite.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a layer of warmth and enhances every other flavor in the dough.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The structure builder — it keeps everything delightfully chewy and soft.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Provides just the right lift so your cookies bake up thick and plush.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The star spice — nothing says “apple crisp” like fragrant cinnamon.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Sharpens and balances each sweet and spicy note.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (2 cups): Add hearty, chewy texture for a classic apple crisp vibe.
- Finely chopped peeled apples (1 1/2 cups, such as Granny Smith): Use a tart, firm variety for bright pops of apple in every cookie.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): For an extra layer of crunch and a nutty finish to complement the apples.
- For the streusel topping (optional): Skip this only if you must! It brings decadent crisp magic to the top of each cookie.
- Flour (1/4 cup): Helps the topping become crumbly and light.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the streusel and brings rich molasses flavor.
- Cold butter, cubed (2 tablespoons): Ensures the topping comes out crisp and crumbly, just like on your favorite apple crisp.
- Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Because one level of warm cinnamon is never enough!
How to Make Apple Crisp Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Tools
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, letting you get right to the best part: eating!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened unsalted butter with both brown and granulated sugars. Mix this for a couple of minutes until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and looks irresistible. This helps set up that melt-in-your-mouth texture signature to great Apple Crisp Cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in your eggs, one at a time, followed by a splash of vanilla extract. Keep mixing until the dough is silky and smooth — this ensures each cookie will have just the right chew and depth of flavor.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt so everything is evenly distributed. This little step makes sure your Apple Crisp Cookies bake up evenly, with just the right amount of height and spice in each bite.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet, a bit at a time, to avoid over-mixing. Once it’s mostly combined, stir in the oats, finely chopped apples, and nuts if you’re using them. You’ll see the dough become thick and hearty — every spoonful packed with texture and flavor.
Step 6: Prepare the Streusel Topping (if using)
In a small bowl, use a fork (or your fingertips) to blend together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cubed cold butter until the mix resembles crumbly sand. This rustic topping melts into sweet, crisp nuggets atop the soft cookies — trust, you won’t want to skip it!
Step 7: Scoop and Top the Cookies
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches between each cookie. Gently press a pinch of streusel mixture onto the top of each mound for maximum Apple Crisp Cookies charm.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Let them rest on the baking sheet for five minutes (if you can wait!) before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The hardest part? Not sneaking one while they’re still warm!
How to Serve Apple Crisp Cookies
Garnishes
Taking these cookies over the top is all about the finishing touches. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert that looks as spectacular as it tastes. A scattering of extra chopped pecans adds nutty flair, too.
Side Dishes
Serve Apple Crisp Cookies with a big mug of cinnamon-spiced chai, warm apple cider, or classic black coffee. If you’re feeling extra fancy, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — trust me, the melty, creamy contrast is nothing short of magical.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring a little joy to snack time by turning these cookies into sandwich treats (spread a little cream cheese frosting between two). Stack them up on a rustic platter for a bake sale, or package in cellophane with a cinnamon stick for a sweet homemade gift. They’re a guaranteed hit at autumn parties or as lunchbox surprises!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Apple Crisp Cookies soft and tasty by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, and actually taste even better on day two as the flavors mingle.
Freezing
If you want to stock up, let the cookies cool fully first, then layer them in a freezer-safe airtight container with parchment between the layers. They freeze beautifully for up to three months — just thaw and rewarm when your apple crisp craving strikes.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked magic, pop a cookie (or a batch!) in a 300°F oven for four to five minutes. They’ll emerge warm, aromatic, and just as good as the day they were baked, if not better.
FAQs
Can I make Apple Crisp Cookies gluten free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend, and be sure your oats are certified gluten free. The cookies turn out just as delicious and chewy — nobody will notice the difference.
What are the best apples to use?
Firm and tart varieties like Granny Smith work best for these cookies. Their texture holds up well while baking and their tangy flavor balances the sweetness. Honeycrisp or Braeburn are also great alternatives.
Do Apple Crisp Cookies need the streusel topping?
While not absolutely essential, the streusel gives these cookies their signature apple crisp flair. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip it, but once you try that buttery crunch, you may never look back!
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough up to 48 hours in advance. Store it covered in the fridge, then scoop and bake when you’re ready — you may need to add an extra minute or two to the bake time if the dough is very cold.
What’s the best way to chop apples for cookies?
Peel and finely dice your apples so they distribute evenly through the dough, ensuring every bite is bursting with fruit. A small, sharp knife or a food processor with a dicing attachment makes the task super quick and easy.
Final Thoughts
If you adore the flavors of a classic apple crisp but want something fun, cozy, and easy to share, you’re going to fall hard for these Apple Crisp Cookies. They bring all the warm, nostalgic notes of fall right to your kitchen, no pie crust or forks required. I hope you bake up a batch soon and watch them disappear — just be sure to snag one for yourself before they vanish!
Print
Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Crisp Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic apple crisp dessert, combining the flavors of cinnamon, oats, apples, and a buttery streusel topping into a portable treat.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped peeled apples (like Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Streusel Topping:
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs and vanilla until well combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
- Incorporate remaining ingredients: Stir in oats, chopped apples, and nuts if using. For streusel topping, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter until crumbly.
- Bake: Scoop dough onto baking sheet, top with streusel if desired, and bake for 12–14 minutes until golden.
- Cool and serve: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For best results, use firm apples and finely chop them for a better texture.
- Cookies can be frozen after baking and reheated for a warm treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
