APPLE CRUMB COOKIES: HEAVENLY!

I can still picture my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with the warm, comforting scent of cinnamon and baked apples. It was always a welcoming space, and her apple desserts were legendary. One of my fondest memories is sneaking a still-warm cookie from the cooling rack – the perfect blend of sweet apples and buttery crumbs. That’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – a simplified, equally delicious take on her classic: Easy Apple Crumb Cookies! Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy Apple Crumb Cookies you’ll ever make!

Easy Apple Crumb Cookies: Your New Favorite Fall Treat

Okay, friend, let’s talk about these cookies. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re little bites of autumn heaven. The warm, spiced apple filling, the sweet and buttery crumb topping… honestly, they’re addictive! And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make. I know baking can sometimes seem intimidating, but trust me on this one. We’re going to break it down step-by-step, and I’ll be right here with you the whole time.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Crumb Cookies

• Easy to make: Seriously! We’re keeping it simple and straightforward.
• Packed with flavor: The perfect balance of sweet apples, warm spices, and buttery goodness.
• Perfect for fall: These cookies are the ultimate autumn treat. They’re guaranteed to impress at any gathering.
• Customizable: Want to add a little extra something? I’ll give you some ideas later on!
• Freezer-friendly: Bake a batch and freeze some for later. You’ll thank yourself, trust me!

What You’ll Need: Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

For the Apple Filling:

• Apples: I recommend using a firm, slightly tart apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala. A mix of varieties can also be fun! We need about 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced.
• Brown Sugar: Light or dark, your preference! Brown sugar adds a delicious caramel-y sweetness. ¼ cup is perfect.
• All-Purpose Flour: Just a tablespoon! This helps to thicken the filling slightly.
• Cinnamon: A must for apple desserts! ½ teaspoon adds that warm, cozy flavor.
• Nutmeg: A pinch (about ¼ teaspoon) adds a touch of warmth and complexity.
• Lemon Juice: Just a squeeze (about 1 teaspoon) brightens up the flavor and prevents the apples from browning too much.
• Salt: A pinch (⅛ teaspoon) to enhance all the flavors.

For the Cookie Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour: Our base! We need 1 ½ cups.
• Baking Powder: This is what gives our cookies that lovely lift. 1 teaspoon is perfect.
• Salt: Again, a pinch (¼ teaspoon) to balance the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Cold, and cut into cubes. This is *crucial* for a tender, crumbly cookie. ½ cup (1 stick).
• Granulated Sugar: For sweetness! ½ cup.
• Egg: Just one! It helps bind the dough together.
• Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

For the Crumb Topping:

• All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup.
• Brown Sugar: ¼ cup.
• Unsalted Butter: Cold, and cut into cubes. This is what creates those lovely crumbs! ¼ cup (½ stick).
• Cinnamon: Another ¼ teaspoon to complement the filling.

Let’s Bake! Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get started? Let’s do it! Don’t be afraid to get your hands a little messy. That’s part of the fun!

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Mix gently until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside while we prepare the cookie dough. This will give the flavors a chance to meld together beautifully.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is *key* for a tender cookie! You want to see small bits of butter throughout the flour mixture.
3. Add the granulated sugar and mix until combined.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix! The dough should be slightly crumbly.
6. Gently knead the dough a couple of times to bring it together into a ball.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumb Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Again, you want to see small bits of butter.
3. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Divide the cookie dough into about 12 equal portions. You can use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing, or just eyeball it.
3. Roll each portion into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create a well in the center of each cookie.
5. Spoon the apple filling into the wells. Don’t overfill!
6. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple filling.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and the crumb topping is lightly browned.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Apple Crumb Cookies

Okay, now for the insider secrets! These little tips will help you take your cookies to the next level.

• Keep the butter cold: I can’t stress this enough! Cold butter is essential for a tender, crumbly texture. If your butter starts to soften, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Use parchment paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Let the cookies cool completely: This will allow the flavors to meld together and the cookies to firm up.
• Adjust the spices to your liking: If you prefer more cinnamon or nutmeg, feel free to add a little extra.
• For a richer flavor, try browning the butter for the crumb topping. It adds a nutty, caramelized flavor that is absolutely divine.
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce after baking for an extra touch of decadence.

Variations and Add-ins: Get Creative!

Now for the fun part: customizing your cookies! Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be delicious in the crumb topping.
• Use different spices: Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the apple filling.
• Add dried fruit: Raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots would be a great addition to the apple filling.
• Chocolate chips: A sprinkle of chocolate chips in the cookie dough or on top of the crumb topping would be amazing.
• Maple syrup: Drizzle a little maple syrup over the cookies before baking for a touch of maple flavor.
• If you’re looking for something a little different, try my Autumn Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake, it has a similar crumbly texture with a pumpkin spice flavor!

Storage Instructions

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw them completely before serving. I find that freezing them individually on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer bag, helps prevent them from sticking together.

If you love apple desserts, you should definitely try my APPLE CIDER CHEESECAKE HEAVEN. It’s another fall favorite of mine!

Craving more apple goodness? Be sure to check out my Caramel Apple Snickers Salad for a fun and easy treat. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! Or, if you’re in the mood for cake, my Caramel Apple Poke Cake is incredibly moist and delicious. And if you want a simple yet flavorful dessert, the Caramel Apple Spice Cake will not disappoint. And, for even more great recipes, check out my FALL BAKERY page for all my favorite fall dessert ideas!

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Homemade Apple Crumb Cookies!

There you have it – my recipe for the most delicious and Easy Apple Crumb Cookies! I truly hope you enjoy making these as much as I do. They’re perfect for cozy nights in, holiday gatherings, or any time you’re craving a little bit of autumn magic. So go ahead, bake a batch, share them with your loved ones, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of fall. Happy baking, friend!

Easy Apple Crumb Cookies

These Easy Apple Crumb Cookies are little bites of autumn heaven. The warm, spiced apple filling combined with a sweet and buttery crumb topping makes for an addictive treat. They are easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any fall gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 43 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 medium apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (small, medium, large)
• measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry blender or fork
• whisk
• baking sheet
• parchment paper
• Cookie scoop (optional)
• wire rack
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt. Mix gently until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Add the granulated sugar and mix until combined.
6. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract.
7. Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix; the dough should be slightly crumbly.
8. Gently knead the dough a couple of times to bring it together into a ball.
9. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
10. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
11. Divide the cookie dough into about 12 equal portions.
12. Roll each portion into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
13. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create a well in the center of each cookie.
14. Spoon the apple filling into the wells. Don’t overfill.
15. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple filling.
16. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and the crumb topping is lightly browned.
17. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For best results, use cold butter and avoid overmixing the dough. Adjust spices to your liking. For a richer flavor, try browning the butter for the crumb topping. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for added texture and flavor. A drizzle of caramel sauce or maple syrup after baking enhances the sweetness. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh.