Apple Crisp Cookies combine the cozy flavors of fall into one delightful treat. Featuring the warm sweetness of caramelized apples, cinnamon, and a comforting oatmeal cookie base, these cookies are perfect for cooler days when you’re craving something homemade. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply want to enjoy a cozy snack at home, Apple Crisp Cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face.
Table of Contents
The Best of Fall in One Cookie
What makes these Apple Crisp Cookies stand out is their unique combination of textures and flavors. They’re soft, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet. The oatmeal provides a hearty base, while the caramelized apples offer a burst of rich, warm flavor that elevates these cookies to something special. Infused with cinnamon, they evoke the comforting essence of an apple crisp in a convenient, easy-to-make cookie form.
Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies are both quick and fun to bake, making them a perfect recipe for all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Apple Crisp Cookies
• Granny Smith Apples: Tart and firm apples are perfect for caramelizing and hold up well in the cookie batter.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture in the cookie dough.
• Light Brown Sugar: Sweetens the dough and caramelizes the apples for that extra depth of flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the brown sugar, providing the right sweetness in the dough.
• Rolled Oats: Give these cookies a chewy texture, making them hearty and satisfying.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Ground Cinnamon: A classic fall spice that enhances the apple flavor.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and ensures they’re soft.
• Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples and cinnamon.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions for Apple Crisp Cookies
If you prefer a twist on the original recipe or need to accommodate dietary preferences, here are some suggestions:
• Substitute Granny Smith apples with Honeycrisp or Gala apples for a sweeter, less tart flavor.
• Use gluten-free oats and flour to make these cookies gluten-free while keeping the flavor intact.
• Try substituting coconut oil for butter for a dairy-free version of these cookies.
• Replace the caramelized apples with dried apples if you’re short on fresh fruit or prefer a more intense apple flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Crisp Cookies
- Start by preparing the caramelized apples. Dice 2 medium Granny Smith apples and cook them in a medium frying pan with butter and sugar over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until the apples are tender and golden brown. Set them aside to cool on a paper towel.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Beat on high for 1 minute, then add the vanilla extract.
- Turn the mixer to low and gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until combined. Stir in the rolled oats and caramelized apples until just incorporated.
- Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to scoop and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat.
- Using a medium cookie scoop, place the dough on the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Apple Crisp Cookies
• Be sure to caramelize the apples before adding them to the dough to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for avoiding soggy cookies.
• Chill the dough for at least one hour to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or brown sugar on top of the cookies just before baking.
• Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Apple Crisp Cookies
Apple Crisp Cookies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with a few simple additions. Try serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a more decadent treat. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced cider or a warm mug of tea.
For a fun variation, try making these cookies with a dash of nutmeg or cloves for added warmth. You can also swap out the caramelized apples for dried fruit or even swap in a bit of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast to the chewy oats.
If you’re looking for a way to make the recipe ahead of time, the cookie dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready for fresh, homemade cookies!
Apple Crisp Cookies: A Perfect Fall Treat
These Apple Crisp Cookies offer a delightful combination of familiar, comforting flavors that make them an ideal choice for fall baking. The caramelized apples, oats, and cinnamon make them irresistible and perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, they are a great treat to bake with your family or to enjoy during cozy evenings at home.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Cozy Taste of Apple Crisp Cookies
In conclusion, Apple Crisp Cookies offer a delicious and comforting way to enjoy the classic flavors of apple crisp in a simple cookie format. With the perfect balance of caramelized apples, oats, and cinnamon, these cookies bring warmth and sweetness to your fall baking. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them alone with a cup of tea, they are sure to become a favorite in your seasonal dessert rotation.
Make these Apple Crisp Cookies whenever you want to indulge in a treat that’s full of cozy vibes and mouthwatering flavor. The easy preparation and flexible ingredient swaps make it a go-to recipe that you can tailor to your personal taste. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other types of apples in Apple Crisp Cookies?
Yes, you can substitute Granny Smith apples with other types of apples such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. Each apple variety will provide a slightly different flavor, with Honeycrisp apples being sweeter and Gala apples offering a milder taste. Just make sure to choose apples that hold up well to cooking.
2. Can I make these Apple Crisp Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make these cookies gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the entire recipe is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
3. How can I store leftover Apple Crisp Cookies?
Leftover Apple Crisp Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and thaw them when you’re ready to enjoy.
4. Can I use dried apples instead of fresh apples?
Yes, dried apples can be used instead of fresh apples in this recipe. However, dried apples do not require the caramelization step. Simply chop the dried apples and fold them into the cookie dough. The flavor will be more concentrated, making the cookies slightly sweeter.
More Relevant Recipes
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies: These soft, chewy oatmeal cookies are made with fresh apples and warm cinnamon, making them a perfect treat for fall. The apple pieces add a natural sweetness, while the oats give the cookies a hearty texture, similar to Apple Crisp Cookies.
- Apple Butter Sugar Cookies: These Apple Butter Sugar Cookies combine the smooth richness of apple butter with the classic sweetness of sugar cookies. The apple butter gives them a moist texture and a subtle apple flavor, creating a perfect fall-inspired cookie.
- Apple Crumble Cheesecake: This delicious Apple Crumble Cheesecake features a creamy cheesecake base topped with a sweet apple crumble topping. The combination of apples, cinnamon, and a buttery crumble makes it a comforting dessert similar to the flavors found in Apple Crisp Cookies.

Apple Crisp Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Crisp Cookies combine the cozy flavors of fall into one delightful treat. Featuring the warm sweetness of caramelized apples, cinnamon, and a comforting oatmeal cookie base, these cookies are perfect for cooler days when you’re craving something homemade.
Ingredients
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tsp unsalted butter
- 4 tsp light brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups rolled oats
Instructions
- Place butter, sugar, and diced apples in a medium frying pan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and golden. Spread out on a paper towel to cool.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and sugars on medium-high until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract.
- Turn the mixer to low and gradually add the flour mixture. Mix until combined. Stir in oats and caramelized apples.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a medium cookie scoop, place dough on the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are golden and the centers are soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Caramelizing the apples helps remove moisture and intensifies the flavor, preventing soggy cookies.
- Chilling the dough is important to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- If you prefer a more intense apple flavor, you can use dried apples instead of fresh apples.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 214 kcal
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 111mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 36mg