I still remember the first time I bit into an apple crumb cookie at my friend’s house. The warm, buttery goodness mixed with the hint of cinnamon and tender bites of apple just made my taste buds dance. It felt like a warm hug on a chilly day, and I couldn’t help but ask for the recipe. After experimenting a bit, I found the perfect balance between crunchy crumb topping and soft, flavorful cookies. Now, every time I bake these Apple Crumb Cookies, I’m transported back to that cozy kitchen, surrounded by laughter and love.
These cookies are not just delicious; they’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having a casual get-together or just want to treat yourself, these cookies will surely impress. Plus, they use simple ingredients you probably already have at home!
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why make this recipe
Apple Crumb Cookies combine the best of both worlds: a delightful cookie base with a crunchy crumble on top. They offer a wonderful balance of flavors and textures, making them a hit with kids and adults alike. You can enjoy them fresh from the oven or later in the week, and they’re versatile enough for any season. Try them with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea!
how to make Apple Crumb Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup apple butter*
- 2 medium apples (peeled and chopped into small pieces, about 2 cups)
Directions:
- To make the crumb topping: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add cold, cubed butter and mix until crumbly. Set aside.
- To make the cookies: In another bowl, mix 2 cups flour, baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in one bowl. In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and apple butter, mixing until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Finally, fold in the chopped apples.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top each cookie with a generous sprinkling of the crumb topping.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
tips to make Apple Crumb Cookies
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping.
- Make sure the butter is cold for the crumb topping to get that perfect crunch.
- If you want a softer cookie, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
how to serve Apple Crumb Cookies
These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Pair them with a cup of coffee or warm apple cider for a cozy afternoon treat!
how to store Apple Crumb Cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, you can also freeze them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
variation
Feel free to swap out the apples for other fruits like pears or peaches when they’re in season. You could also use pumpkin puree in place of apple butter for an autumn twist.
PrintApple Crumb Cookies
Deliciously soft cookies topped with a crunchy crumb, featuring warm apple flavors and a hint of cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup apple butter
- 2 medium apples (peeled and chopped into small pieces, about 2 cups)
Instructions
- To make the crumb topping: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add cold, cubed butter and mix until crumbly. Set aside.
- To make the cookies: In another bowl, mix 2 cups flour, baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and apple butter, mixing until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Finally, fold in the chopped apples.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top each cookie with a generous sprinkling of the crumb topping.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping. Make sure the butter is cold for the crumb topping to achieve a perfect crunch. For a softer cookie, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought apple butter?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple butter works just as well as homemade and saves time.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use white sugar with a tablespoon of molasses mixed in for flavor and moisture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Just replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has a binding agent for the best texture.
