If you’re looking to combine the best of both worlds—homemade apple crisp warmth and the convenience of a handheld treat—then this Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled inside a buttery crust, all crowned with a delightfully crumbly oat topping. Each bite delivers that nostalgic autumn feeling, yet packaged perfectly as an individual cookie. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and cozy vibes in abundance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, everyday ingredients come together beautifully to create the magic behind this Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe. Each component plays its part—from the crispness of Granny Smith apples to the buttery crumble that tops these treats, the balance of flavors and textures is just right.
- Pie crust: A ready-to-use pie crust makes forming the base fast and flaky, or make your own for that extra homemade flair.
- Granny Smith apples: Their tartness holds up perfectly during cooking, providing a fresh contrast to the sweet crumble.
- Sugar: Used in both the filling and topping to bring out the apples’ sweetness and caramelize beautifully in the oven.
- Cinnamon: Adds warming spice that’s essential for classic apple flavor.
- Lemon juice: Keeps the apples bright and prevents browning while enhancing overall brightness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the filling to keep it perfectly gooey without running.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure in the crumble topping for a light, crisp texture.
- Rolled oats: Give that signature rustic texture and added chewiness to the crumble layer.
- Light brown sugar: Brings a deeper caramel flavor and moisture to the topping.
- Cold unsalted butter: Cut into the topping for flaky, tender crumbs that melt in your mouth.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor complexity.
How to Make Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure the perfect baking temperature. Grease a 24-cup muffin tin so each cookie releases easily once baked, setting you up for success before diving into the fun stuff.
Step 2: Form the Cookie Bases
Roll out your pie crust and use a round cutter to cut out twenty-four 2-inch circles. Press these gently into each muffin cup to create a sturdy base. This crust will hold your luscious apple filling and crumbly topping, so take care to press firmly but not too thin.
Step 3: Cook the Apple Filling
In a medium saucepan, toss together diced Granny Smith apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and the apples soften—about 5–7 minutes. This step is crucial for that classic apple crisp flavor packed into each cookie.
Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping
Combine flour, sugar, brown sugar, rolled oats, salt, and cold diced butter in a bowl. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend everything until it resembles coarse crumbs. This buttery topping will bake to golden perfection, adding irresistible texture and sweetness.
Step 5: Assemble the Cookies
Spoon a tablespoon of the warm apple filling into each pie crust-lined muffin cup. Then generously sprinkle two tablespoons of your crumble topping over each, making sure every bit is covered. A light spray of canola oil on top helps the topping develop a beautiful golden finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes. When the tops turn golden brown and the filling bubbles enticingly, your Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe has reached its delicious destination.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool in the tin first, giving the filling time to set so each cookie holds its shape. When ready, transfer to a wire rack and serve warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top or a dollop of whipped cream makes these cookies feel extra special and indulgent. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a hot cup of spiced tea or a rich, creamy latte for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make for a charming dessert alongside caramel sauce or a drizzle of maple syrup for an added layer of sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a charming fall-themed platter. For parties, stack them like mini towers or package them in decorative boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Apple Crisp Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them sealed ensures the crumble topping stays crisp while the filling remains moist and flavorful.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cookies individually wrapped or in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently to bring back that freshly baked goodness.
Reheating
To reheat, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes. This warms the filling and crisps the topping beautifully, reviving that just-baked experience every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firmness, but you can swap with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter or more floral flavor. Just keep in mind that softer apples may result in a less firm filling.
Is it okay to use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, using store-bought pie crust is a great time-saver and works perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure it’s thawed according to package instructions before cutting the circles, so it doesn’t crack.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
You can make the apple filling a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Before assembling, warm it slightly to loosen it up, making it easier to spoon into the crust bases.
What if I don’t have rolled oats?
Rolled oats add great texture, but if you don’t have them, you can substitute with quick oats or even chopped nuts for a different crunch. The flavor will still be wonderful!
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute the all-purpose flour in the crumble topping with a gluten-free alternative. Just be sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe is a charming twist on a beloved classic that’s sure to become a staple in your baking rotation. It’s the perfect way to savor the flavors of fall any time you want, or simply to enjoy a comforting treat that feels homemade with every bite. Give these cookies a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds in no time!
Print
Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these easy-to-make Apple Crisp Cookies, featuring a buttery pie crust base topped with warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling and a crunchy oat crumble. Perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting treat any time of year, these cookies combine the classic flavors of apple crisp in a convenient, handheld form.
Ingredients
Pie Crust Base
- 1 pie crust (half a standard recipe or store-bought)
Apple Filling
- 5 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup rolled oats (not instant)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 10 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 24-cup muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Crust: Roll out the pie crust and use a round cutter to cut 24 circles about 2 inches in diameter. Press each circle into the wells of the muffin tin to form the base cups for the cookies.
- Make Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir frequently and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture is thickened and the apples are tender but not mushy.
- Make Crumble Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, brown sugar, rolled oats, kosher salt, and cold diced butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble Cookies: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the warm apple filling into each muffin cup lined with pie crust. Then, top each filled cup with approximately 2 tablespoons of the crumble topping. Lightly spray the tops with canola oil to promote browning.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool in the muffin tin for several minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the topping.
- Ensure the butter for the crumble topping is cold to achieve a nice crumbly texture.
- Lightly spraying the tops with oil helps the topping brown evenly.
- These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
