Description
Soft, chewy cookies packed with cinnamon-spiced apple chunks and topped with a buttery, crunchy crumb. These easy apple crumb cookies combine the flavors of apple pie and crisp in a hand-held treat perfect for fall gatherings or cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and diced apple (about 1 medium apple, any variety)
- For the crumb topping:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Peel, core, and finely dice the apple (about 1/4-inch cubes). Set butter out to soften if needed.
- In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup oats, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add cold, cubed butter and work with fingers or a pastry cutter until coarse crumbs form. Chill crumb mixture in the fridge.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg.
- In another large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Beat in 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and combined. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in diced apple with a spatula.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
- Sprinkle chilled crumb topping generously over each cookie. Press lightly so crumbs stick.
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until edges are golden and crumb topping is set. If cookies spread, nudge them back into shape with a spatula immediately after baking.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Notes
Blot juicy apples with a paper towel before folding into the dough to prevent soggy cookies. Chill the crumb topping for maximum crunch. Use a cookie scoop for even size and uniform baking. For gluten-free, substitute flour and oats with certified gluten-free versions. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 60
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: apple crumb cookies, fall dessert, apple cookies, easy cookie recipe, apple crisp cookies, cinnamon apple cookies, autumn baking, apple dessert, crumb topping, kid-friendly cookies