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If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a delightful treat that perfectly balances the warm, cozy flavors of fall with the satisfying crunch of a cookie, you’re in for a real treat with this Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe. Imagine a tender, buttery cookie base cradling tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, all crowned with a crispy, oat-studded topping that melts in your mouth. It’s like having your favorite apple crisp dessert in a perfectly portable cookie form, ideal for cozy afternoons, gatherings with friends, or just indulging yourself with a little comfort on the side. Once you try these Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe, you’ll quickly see why they’ve become a beloved classic in my kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe relies on surprisingly simple ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element—from the tart apples and cinnamon in the filling to the buttery crust and crumbly oat topping—plays a crucial role in making these cookies truly unforgettable.
- Pie crust: Provides a flaky, buttery base that holds all the delicious fillings together.
- Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness and makes the apple filling shine.
- Sugar: Adds the right level of sweetness to the apple mixture and the crisp topping.
- Cinnamon: Warms the apple filling with that classic, cozy spice flavor.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the filling and prevents the apples from browning.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the apple filling so it stays perfectly in place when baked.
- All-purpose flour: Helps create the tender crumble topping that contrasts with the soft filling.
- Rolled oats: Add a hearty, rustic texture to the crisp topping, avoiding instant oats for the best bite.
- Light brown sugar: Brings a rich molasses undertone to the crunchy topping.
- Cold unsalted butter: Essential for the crumble’s flaky, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness while making every bite pop.
How to Make Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 24-cup muffin tin. This gives your cookie cups the perfect shape and ensures nothing sticks during baking. It really sets the tone for perfectly uniform, golden cookies every time.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Base
Roll out your pie crust and use a cookie cutter or glass to cut 24 two-inch circles. Press each circle gently into the muffin tin wells so they form little shallow cups. This crust is going to support all your luscious apple filling and crumble topping, so handle it with care for even thickness.
Step 3: Cook the Apple Filling
In a saucepan, combine the peeled and diced Granny Smith apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often until the mixture thickens into a luscious, jammy filling that still holds small tender apple pieces. This step infuses the apples with warmth and spice, transforming them into a perfectly balanced filling.
Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping
Mix the flour, white sugar, brown sugar, rolled oats, and kosher salt in a bowl. Add diced cold butter and work it in with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks crumbly and sandy with pea-sized butter pieces. This topping is where that lovely crisp texture comes from and provides contrast to the soft filling and tender crust.
Step 5: Assemble the Cookies
Spoon about a tablespoon of the apple filling into each prepared crust cup. Then generously sprinkle roughly two tablespoons of the crumble topping over the apples. For a golden finish, lightly spray the tops with canola oil, which helps with browning and adds a subtle sheen.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until the crumble topping is golden brown and crispy, and you can see the apple filling bubbling beneath. The smell at this point is irresistible—like a warm hug from your oven.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Let your Apple Crisp Cookies cool in the muffin tin for a bit so the filling can set properly. Then transfer them to a wire rack. These cookies are delightful warm or at room temperature, so feel free to enjoy them however you like.
How to Serve Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side elevates these cookies to dessert superstar status, melting slowly over the warm topping. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a delicate, festive touch, or try a drizzle of caramel sauce for a rich, indulgent finish. Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and freshness, too.
Side Dishes
These Apple Crisp Cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea for cozy afternoons. If serving as part of brunch, a bowl of spiced apple cider or a light yogurt dip with cinnamon can complement the flavors beautifully without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies on a rustic wooden platter for casual entertaining or arrange them carefully on elegant dessert plates for a refined touch. For a fun twist, serve them in small ramekins or mini tart pans as individual apple crisps with cookie crust, captivating your guests with an unexpected presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, preserving the crispness on top while keeping the filling soft and flavorful. If you prefer, refrigeration is also fine but bring the cookies back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully—just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months, making it easy to enjoy a taste of fall any time you like. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your Apple Crisp Cookies back to their freshly-baked glory, pop them in a preheated 325°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. This helps revive the crisp topping and warms the filling just right. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firmness, you can use varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji if you prefer a sweeter or slightly softer filling. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor might shift a bit, and you may want to adjust the sugar amount accordingly.
Is it necessary to use a store-bought pie crust?
Not at all. Homemade pie crust works wonderfully here if you want that extra personal touch and control over ingredients. Just be sure it’s rolled out evenly and chilled for easy cutting and lining of the muffin tin wells.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil and use a vegan pie crust. Just be mindful that the texture and flavor might vary slightly but should still be deliciously satisfying.
What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch are great substitutes for thickening the apple filling. If those aren’t available, you can try flour, but the filling might be less glossy and a bit denser.
How do I keep the crumble topping crispy longer?
The key is to store the cookies in an airtight container once cooled completely and avoid refrigeration unless necessary. If refrigerated, warm them slightly before serving. Adding the topping just before baking and using cold butter also ensures the best crumble texture from the start.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe is a personal favorite that I know you’ll fall for just like I did. It captures all the charm of traditional apple crisp but in a fun, portable format that’s perfect for sharing or sneaking a delightful treat anytime. Give it a go and watch these cookies quickly become a staple dessert in your home—you won’t regret it!
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Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Apple Crisp Cookies that perfectly combine the tender, fruity filling of a classic apple crisp with the convenience of a cookie. Featuring a buttery pie crust base, a warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a crisp oat crumble topping, these bite-sized treats bake in a muffin tin for easy serving and irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 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 Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 24-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Pie Crust Base: Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface and cut into 24 two-inch circles. Press each circle firmly into individual muffin tin wells to create a sturdy cookie base.
- Cook Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook and stir for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture thickens and the apples soften but still hold their shape.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, brown sugar, rolled oats, and kosher salt. Add the cold diced butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the ingredients until the mixture becomes coarse and crumbly.
- Assemble Cookies: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of warm apple filling into each crust-lined muffin cup. Top each with 2 tablespoons of the crumble mixture. Lightly spray the tops with canola oil to help achieve a golden finish.
- Bake Cookies: 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 bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool in the tin before transferring to a wire rack. Serve these apple crisp cookies warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast that balances the sweetness of the crumble topping.
- Chilling the butter before mixing helps create a better crumble texture.
- You can substitute homemade pie crust with store-bought for convenience.
- These cookies are best enjoyed within 2 days but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Lightly spraying with oil helps the crumble crisp up nicely but can be omitted if preferred.
