APPLE CRUMBLE COOKIES

Apple Crumble Cookies pack all the cozy flavors of homemade apple pie into a soft, buttery cookie. Each one is topped with a layer of warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and a sweet oat crumble, then baked until golden and finished with a drizzle of caramel. They’re the perfect treat for fall gatherings, holiday dessert tables, or anytime you’re craving a comforting, bakery-worthy cookie.

Recipe Highlights

• Apple Crumble in Cookie Form: All the comforting flavors of apple crumble but in a smaller, easier-to-serve package.
• Perfect Texture Layers: Buttery shortbread base, tender cinnamon apples, and crunchy oat topping create a delightful bite.
• Beautiful Presentation: These cookies look impressive with their golden crumble and caramel drizzle, yet they’re easy to make.
• Customizable Flavors: Switch up the apples, add nuts to the topping, or drizzle with white chocolate instead of caramel.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Great for potlucks, holiday parties, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients in Apple Crumble Cookies

Cookie Dough:

• All-purpose flour – The base structure for the shortbread cookies, giving them a tender crumb.
• Powdered sugar – Creates a smooth, delicate sweetness while keeping the dough soft.
• Cornstarch – Adds lightness and prevents the dough from being too dense.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Unsalted butter – Provides richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Room temperature butter blends easily for even mixing.
• Vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the apples and cinnamon.

Apple Filling:

• Granny Smith apples – Firm and tart, they keep their shape and balance the sweetness of the cookie.
• Cinnamon – Infuses the apples with a warm, spiced flavor.
• Light brown sugar – Adds a subtle molasses sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.

Crumble Topping:

• Old-fashioned oats – Provide a hearty crunch and a rustic look.
• Light brown sugar – Caramelizes slightly as the cookies bake.
• All-purpose flour – Helps bind the crumble mixture together.
• Cinnamon – Adds depth and warmth to the topping.
• Unsalted butter – Creates a rich, golden finish for the crumble.

Optional:

• Caramel sauce – Drizzle over the top for extra sweetness and a polished finish.

Helpful Tips for Making Apple Crumble Cookies

Full instructions for making the cookies can be found on the recipe card below, but here are a few helpful tips.

• Dice Apples Evenly: Cutting apples into small, uniform cubes ensures they bake at the same rate and fit nicely into the cookie centers.
• Chill Dough if Needed: If the dough feels too soft to work with, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes for easier rolling and cutting.
• Don’t Overfill the Centers: A small spoonful of apple filling is plenty—too much can cause overflow during baking.
• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh cinnamon delivers the best aroma and flavor, making the cookies taste bakery-fresh.
• Add Caramel Just Before Serving: This keeps the topping crisp and prevents cookies from becoming soggy in storage.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try adding chopped pecans or a drizzle of white chocolate for a festive variation.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator – Keeps for up to 5 days; bring to room temp before serving.
• Freezer – Freeze without caramel for up to 2 months. Thaw and drizzle before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a sweeter apple instead of Granny Smith?
Yes! Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples will give a sweeter, less tart flavor, though the filling will be softer.

Can I make these without oats?
Absolutely—just replace the oats in the topping with the same amount of flour for a softer, streusel-like crumble.

Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional, but it creates a smoother texture for the filling. If you prefer a rustic look, keep the peel on.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes—assemble the cookies without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving for the freshest taste.

Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes—freeze without caramel for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then drizzle with caramel before serving.

More delicious apple cookie recipes to try:

• A buttery cookie base and sweet apple pie filling make Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Cookie Cups a perfect blend of two classic desserts.
• With fresh apples, warm spices, and a simple vanilla glaze, Vanilla Glazed Spiced Apple Cookies are as cozy as they are delicious.
• Spiced Apple Pie Cookies wrap a rich apple, butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar filling inside a flaky pie crust for the perfect handheld dessert.
• Chunky Apple Cinnamon Cookies combine fresh apple chunks, warm spices, and creamy white chocolate chips for a comforting, indulgent fall treat.
• Cake mix, chopped apples, and Rolo candies come together in Caramel Apple Cake Mix Cookies for a simple treat that tastes just like a caramel apple.

Apple Crumble Cookies are a delicious twist on traditional apple desserts—easy enough for a weekday bake but impressive enough for a special occasion.