Apple crisp cookies are the ultimate treat for fall and winter, combining the comforting flavors of apple crisp with the soft, chewy goodness of a cookie. These delightful bites are packed with warm cinnamon spice, caramelized apple chunks, and a buttery crumble topping that will remind you of the best ampple crisp you’ve ever had. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or simply enjoying with a hot cup of tea. With easy-to-follow instructions, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite!
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about combining two beloved desserts into one. Apple crisp cookies give you the best of both worlds: the crisp, buttery topping of an apple crisp and the irresistible texture of a cookie. Growing up, my family loved apple desserts, but I can’t recall every having apples in cookies. These cookies were my answer to that. Every bite delivers cozy flavors of caramelized apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a cookie form. Plus, the optional honey glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness!
Ingredients for Apple Crisp Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make these incredible cookies:
For the Cookies:
- Granny Smith Apples (1 ½ cups, diced): These tart apples hold their shape well during baking and balance the sweetness of the cookies. Tip: Peel the apples for a smoother texture.
- Butter (½ cup, room temperature): Provides richness and softness to the cookie dough.
- Sugar (¼ cup) & Brown Sugar (¾ cup): The combination gives the cookies depth of flavor and chewiness.
- Eggs (2): For structure and moisture.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tbsp): Adds warmth and enhances the flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The base for the cookie dough.
- Baking Soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay tender.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor.
For the Crumble Topping:
- Butter (¼ cup, softened): Creates the crumbly texture of the topping.
- Brown Sugar (¼ cup) & Sugar (¼ cup): Adds sweetness and caramel notes.
- Cinnamon (½ tsp): The quintessential spice for apple desserts.
- All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup): Helps bind the crumble together.
- Rolled Oats (⅓ cup): For texture and a classic apple crisp vibe.
Optional Honey Glaze:
- Icing Sugar (½ cup): For the base of the glaze.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Adds a natural sweetness and shine.
How to Make Apple Crisp Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
- Dice your Granny Smith apples into small cubes for even distribution in the dough.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing for tender cookies.
- Fold in the diced apples gently to distribute them throughout the dough.
Step 3: Create the Crumble Topping
- In a separate bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, flour, and rolled oats. Mix until the texture is crumbly.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
- Scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of the crumble topping over each cookie, pressing it gently into the dough to help it stick.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 6: Add the Honey Glaze (Optional)
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the honey glaze over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and shine.
Expert Tips for Perfect Apple Crisp Cookies
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Choose the Right Apple: Granny Smith apples work best due to their tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji can be great alternatives for a sweeter flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the cookie dough and crumble topping in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours and assemble just before baking.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 2 months.
Suggested Post: How to Moisten Dry Cookie Dough
FAQ
Other Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
- Soft and Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies
- Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
- Grapefruit Sugar Cookies
- White Chocolate and Raspberry Cookies
Final Thoughts
Apple crisp cookies combine the warmth of a classic apple crisp with the portability of a cookie—perfect for fall gatherings, holiday cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with your favorite warm drink. With tender apples, a crumbly oat topping, and a drizzle of honey glaze, these cookies are an irresistible treat you’ll want to make again and again. Happy baking!
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Apple Crisp Cookies
Apple crisp cookies combine the warmth of a classic apple crisp with the portability of a cookie—perfect for fall gatherings, holiday cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with your favorite warm drink. With tender apples, a crumbly oat topping, and a drizzle of honey glaze, these cookies are an irresistible treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Granny Smith apples, diced
- ½ cup butter, at room temperature
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
For the Cumble Topping
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the diced apples.
- In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, flour, and oats. Mix with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Scoop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of crumble topping over each cookie, gently pressing it into the dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together icing sugar and honey. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
