Name: Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 3 cups old-fashioned oats; 1 1/2 cups finely chopped peeled apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith); 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional); 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats; 1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

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There’s something undeniably comforting about the sweet aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, especially when it means a fresh batch of Apple Crisp Cookies is about to emerge from the oven. These cookies deliver all the cozy flavors of a classic apple crisp but in a portable, irresistibly chewy treat. Imagine pockets of juicy apple mingling with toasty oats, hints of warm spice, and just the right buttery crunch on the edges. If you’ve been looking for a new fall favorite—or simply need a cookie that tastes like a hug in every bite—these Apple Crisp Cookies absolutely need a spot in your recipe box.

Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Apple Crisp Cookies is in their simplicity, yet every ingredient plays a starring role—bringing in chewiness, warmth, or layers of flavor reminiscent of a just-baked apple dessert. Here’s a look at what you’ll need and why each item matters.

Unsalted butter (softened): Creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture while emphasizing every warm spice in the cookie.
Brown sugar (packed): Adds deep molasses notes that make these cookies taste especially cozy and rich.
Granulated sugar: Ensures the cookies have just enough sweetness and helps achieve those crisp edges.
Large eggs: Provide structure and bind all those apples and oats together perfectly.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the flavor of apples and spice with a gentle finish.
All-purpose flour: The backbone that gives the cookies their tender crumb without overpowering the other flavors.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise ever so slightly and develop their chewy center.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and makes everything pop.
Ground cinnamon: Delivers that signature apple crisp spice that brings instant autumn vibes.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a touch of depth and warmth that complements the apples beautifully.
Old-fashioned oats: Create the perfect hearty, chewy texture that mimics a traditional crisps’ topping.
Finely chopped peeled apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Brings juiciness, sweet-tart flavor, and genuine apple crisp appeal.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Give a lovely nutty crunch for extra texture, but the cookies are wonderful even without.
Quick-cooking oats: Lend bonus texture and help the cookies hold together, harnessing that “crisp” feel.
Granulated sugar mixed with ground cinnamon (for topping): Sprinkled on top, this gives a sparkly, spiced finish that’s irresistible.

How to Make Apple Crisp Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. While the oven warms, take a few minutes to soften your butter and finely chop those apples—smaller pieces help the cookies hold together, ensuring you get apple in every bite.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, leading to tender Apple Crisp Cookies and extra chewiness.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully blended before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which perfumes the dough with its sweet, warm notes and brings balance to all the flavors.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking mixes the leavening and spices evenly throughout, so every bite has the perfect blend of warmth and lift.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated—don’t overmix. It’s okay if you still see a few streaks of flour at this point because more mixing will happen in the next step.

Step 6: Fold in Oats, Apples, and Nuts

Using a spatula or a sturdy wooden spoon, gently fold in the old-fashioned oats, the finely chopped apples, the optional chopped nuts, and the quick oats. Be gentle here—you want to keep the texture hearty and make sure the apples are distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Shape and Top the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or a rounded tablespoon to drop balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly press each mound down, then generously sprinkle the tops with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This step adds that irresistible, crisp sparkle to your finished cookies.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden and the centers look set but still soft. If you prefer your Apple Crisp Cookies extra crisp, leave them in the oven for just a minute or two longer. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack—the cookies will finish setting up as they cool.

How to Serve Apple Crisp Cookies

Garnishes

Whenever I serve Apple Crisp Cookies, I love to add a little flourish. A light dusting of powdered sugar gives a classic, bakery-style look. If you want to go all out, drizzle the cookies with a simple vanilla glaze or even a caramel sauce for extra decadence.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a steaming cup of chai tea or a frothy cappuccino. For dessert tables or brunch spreads, set them next to a bowl of fresh apple slices or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream—nothing says autumn like apples and spice.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Apple Crisp Cookies into a showstopper by stacking them in glass jars with ribbons for a homemade gift. Layer them between scoops of vanilla ice cream for quick apple crisp ice cream sandwiches, or crumble a cookie over yogurt for a crunchy, spiced topping at breakfast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, keep your Apple Crisp Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They’ll stay soft and chewy, and the flavors deepen over time. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Once cooled completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to two months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes—just as fantastic as the day they were baked.

Reheating

If you crave that fresh-from-the-oven magic, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for a couple of minutes. The oats get even toastier, and those apple bits become irresistibly tender!

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples in Apple Crisp Cookies?

Absolutely! Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp hold up best during baking, but feel free to experiment with your favorites. Just make sure to chop them finely and peel for the best texture.

What’s the best way to chop apples for these cookies?

Finely dice your apples, aiming for pieces about the size of a green pea. Smaller chunks help the cookies hold together and ensure apple flavor in every bite, while larger pieces can cause the cookies to spread unevenly.

Can I make Apple Crisp Cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The cookies will still bake up chewy and delicious—just check the dough texture and add a splash of milk if needed.

How can I make my cookies even crispier?

For a crispier result, bake the cookies for an extra minute or two until the edges are deeply golden. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet to firm up, and you’ll get that extra crunch reminiscent of the best apple crisp topping.

Is it okay to skip the nuts?

Definitely! The nuts are totally optional in Apple Crisp Cookies. Leaving them out won’t affect the structure or taste, so if you prefer nut-free cookies or are baking for allergies, feel free to omit them.

Final Thoughts

It’s honestly a joy to share these Apple Crisp Cookies, because they’re one of those recipes that brings instant comfort and happiness with every batch. Whether you bake them for your family on a chilly afternoon or sneak them into a lunchbox for a sweet surprise, I hope these cookies become a new favorite in your home. So go ahead—preheat that oven and enjoy some homemade magic!

Apple Crisp Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Apple Crisp Cookies are a delightful twist on classic oatmeal cookies, packed with the flavors of fall. Chewy oats, sweet apples, and warm spices make these treats perfect for cozy days.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 1/2 cups finely chopped peeled apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

For Topping:

1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
Add Mix-ins: Fold in the old-fashioned oats, apples, nuts (if using), and quick oats.
Bake: Drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Press the tops and sprinkle each cookie with the cinnamon-sugar topping. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden around the edges.
Cool: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.