Pin
Apple crisp cookies are a cozy treat that brings together the best parts of apple pie and oatmeal cookies in one chewy bite. I always find myself making these on crisp autumn weekends when apples are at their peak or whenever I need a sweet comfort that is quick to whip up with just a few staple ingredients. With only seven ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, these cookies come together fast and deliver that perfect balance of buttery richness and warmly spiced apples.
I first baked these cookies as a way to use up extra apples from our farmers market haul. Now they have become a must bake for every fall gathering and the kids never let a batch last more than a day.
Gather Your Ingredients
- All purpose flour: provides the soft chewy structure pick a brand that feels fine and sifts easily
- Salt: adds balance to all the sweetness a touch brings out the flavors
- Unsalted butter: gives rich flavor and keeps the cookies tender make sure it is nice and soft for creaming
- Brown sugar: adds deep caramel notes use the packed kind for extra chew
- Chopped apples: make the cookies juicy and sweet choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold up during baking
- Rolled oats: create hearty texture use old fashioned for best results and avoid quick cooking oats
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: add crunch and nutty depth optional but they really round out the flavor try to find fresh whole nuts and chop them just before baking
How to Make It
- Preheat and Pan:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 Celsius Place a piece of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on your cookie sheet to prevent sticking
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl combine the flour salt rolled oats and nuts if using Stir everything together with a fork so the ingredients are evenly distributed and the nuts do not clump together
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a separate larger bowl add the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar With a hand mixer or stiff spatula beat them until they look light creamy and fluffy This step takes about three minutes and makes your cookies tender
- Add Apples:
- Stir in the peeled chopped apples to your butter and sugar mixture Mix well so the apples are evenly coated and begin to soften
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Pour your dry ingredient mixture into the wet bowl Stir gently until no streaks of flour remain but do not overmix or your cookies might get tough The dough will be a little thick and chunky
- Scoop the Cookies:
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion your dough into 12 to 16 balls Place them on your lined pan spacing well because they will spread slightly Press the tops very gently to flatten only a little for even baking
- Bake:
- Slide your pan into the hot oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes Start checking at 30 minutes The cookies are done when edges are golden but centers are still a bit soft They will firm up as they cool on the pan
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cookies rest for five minutes on the hot tray then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely This helps them keep their chewy texture Enjoy warm or save for later
My favorite part is biting into a cookie and tasting the soft bits of real apple. I still remember my daughter’s face the first time she discovered a warm one hidden in her lunchbox on a chilly day. Their scent fills the kitchen and feels instantly like home.
Flavor Boosters
Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon in the dry ingredients if you like extra warmth and spice. Using darker brown sugar gives your cookies a richer caramel color and flavor. Chill the dough for at least fifteen minutes before baking for best shape and height.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a big mug of hot cider or coffee for the ultimate fall treat. Serve alongside vanilla ice cream or crumble over yogurt for breakfast.
Creative Twists
If apples are not handy try pears or firm ripe peaches instead. For nut allergies leave out the nuts and use a few more oats. Change up the fruit based on the season or add lemon zest for a refreshing note.
These cookies make any autumn afternoon feel special. Bake a batch to share and make sweet memories all season long.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What type of apples work best?
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and provide a balanced tartness.
- → Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?
Yes, pecans or almonds work well and add a complementary crunch to the crisp.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep the crisp covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mixture and refrigerate before baking to simplify day-of preparation.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.