Apple Crumble Cookies

Apple Crumble Cookies—the ultimate cozy fall treat with the comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon wrapped in a soft cookie, topped with a buttery crumble. These Apple Crumble Cookies bring the essence of fall into each bite, with flavors of cinnamon-spiced apple and buttery crumble in a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for a cozy day in or to bring to gatherings, these cookies are a guaranteed hit that will have everyone asking for the recipe. We’ll go step-by-step through the process of making these cookies, with tips on the ingredients and ways to get the perfect result.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Apple Crumble Cookies:

For the Cookie Dough:

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie and a crumbly topping.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and crumble while aiding structure.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, creating a chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies and forms the crumble topping.
• Cinnamon: Brings a cozy, spiced flavor to both cookie and crumble.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly, adding lightness.
• Apples: Add moisture, natural sweetness, and a fall-inspired flavor to the cookies.

For the Crumble Topping:

• Butter: Adds moisture and creates a soft, crumbly texture for the topping.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure, helping the crumble hold its shape.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the topping and adds a slight caramelization.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and complements the apple flavor in the cookies.

For the Apple Mixture:

• Apple (peeled and diced): Provides a juicy, fresh apple flavor that is essential to the filling.
• Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps soften the apples, enhancing their flavor.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spiced note that complements the sweetness of the apples.

You’ll need the following tools for making the Apple Crumble Cookies:

• Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for combining the cookie dough ingredients and smaller ones for measuring.
• Measuring Scale: To accurately measure all your ingredients in grams.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugars, and mixing the dough.
• Spatula: To fold in the dry ingredients and combine the mixtures.
• Baking Sheet: For baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet, preventing the cookies from sticking.
• Cookie Scoop: To evenly portion out the dough.
• Cooling Rack: For allowing the cookies to cool evenly after baking.

Here is the full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 113g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temp
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 240g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tbsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda

For the Crumble:

• 71g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter
• 120g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
• 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the Apple Mixture:

• 150g (1 1/2 cups) apple, peeled and diced
• 57g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp cinnamon

Directions:

Prepare:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to ensure the cookies bake evenly.

Make the Dough:

1. Make the Crumble Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the cold butter, flour, sugar, and cinnamon with your hands. The goal is to create a coarse, crumbly mixture. Avoid overmixing, as you want pieces that will give a crunchy texture on top of the cookies.
2. Place the crumble mixture in the fridge to keep it firm while preparing the cookie batter.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients for Cookies: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 3-5 minutes, or until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the mixture, creating a soft texture for the cookies.
5. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, beating until well combined. These ingredients add flavor and bind the mixture together.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until almost combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it could make the cookies dense.
7. Fold in the Apples: Finally, add the diced apples, folding them in gently with a spatula. The apples add moisture and flavor, making each bite of these cookies juicy and delicious.

Shape & Bake:

1. Shape the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form balls of dough. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving about 3 inches between each cookie as they will spread. Make a small well in the center of each dough ball to hold the crumble topping.
2. Top with Crumble and Bake: Take the chilled crumble topping and spoon it over each cookie, pressing slightly so it sticks. Bake the cookies for 16-20 minutes. Halfway through baking, you can add a bit more crumble on top if you like a thicker layer.
3. The cookies are done when they have spread out and the edges are slightly golden. The center should still be soft to give them a chewy texture once they cool.

Serve & Enjoy:

1. Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them as they are or serve warm for a gooey, fall-inspired treat!

Tips & Tricks:

Tips for the Cookies:

• Chill the Crumble: Keeping the crumble cold until baking helps it retain a crumbly texture rather than melting into the cookie dough.
• Grate and Measure Apples: Dice the apples finely so they mix well with the dough and give consistent flavor throughout the cookies.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allowing the butter and egg to come to room temperature before mixing helps the dough come together smoothly.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in tough cookies, so fold in the ingredients until they’re just combined.
• Bake Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the cookies, especially around the 16-minute mark. The edges should be golden, but the center should still be soft.
• Add a Caramel Drizzle: For an extra treat, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies after they cool for added sweetness and a beautiful presentation.

General Tips:

• Use a Cookie Scoop: For evenly-sized cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This ensures even baking and makes them look professional.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze the dough for up to 2 months.
• Serve Warm: If you want to serve them later, warm the cookies slightly in the microwave or oven to bring back that fresh-baked goodness!

More Baking Ideas:

• Chai Cookies – Infused with warm chai spices and topped with a sweet spiced glaze, these Chai Cookies are the perfect cozy treat for fall!
• Pumpkin Sugar Cookies – These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are soft, spiced, and packed with the rich flavors of fall, perfect for a cozy treat any time!
• Apple Cheesecake Cookies – The perfect blend of tart apples and creamy cheesecake, all in a sweet and chewy cookie that melts in your mouth.
• Cinnamon Roll Cookies – Soft, buttery cookies swirled with cinnamon sugar, bringing all the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls in a delightful cookie form.

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe: