Craving a taste of autumn in every bite? Look no further! These apple crumb cookies are your answer. Warm spices meet sweet apples and a buttery crumb topping to create a cookie that’s pure comfort food. Get ready to fall in love with this easy and delicious recipe!
What are Apple Crumb Cookies?
Have you ever pondered the mysteries behind culinary nomenclature? Why are “apple crumb cookies” called just that? Do they magically appear from the apple tree’s crumbs after a successful harvest? Or perhaps they are a secret handshake between apples and cookie dough?
Maybe, just maybe, it’s because they’re overflowing with delicious apple flavor, generously topped with a buttery, crumbly goodness that melts in your mouth! Legend has it, these cookies were created by a busy baker who was trying to use up leftover apple pie filling. ‘The way to a man’s (or person’s!) heart is through their stomach,’ so let’s get baking these unforgettable cookies! Go ahead, whip up a batch and become a part of the legend yourself!
Key Ingredients for Apple Crumb Cookies:
Here’s a look at everything you’ll need to create these delightful fall cookies.
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
How to Make Apple Crumb Cookies:
These apple crumb cookies are surprisingly simple to bake and ready in around 45 minutes. The warm apple filling and buttery crumb topping complement the spiced cookie base perfectly, creating a deliciously satisfying treat ideal for any occasion. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these easy-to-make cookies!
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 15-18 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix well until the apples are coated. Set aside.
- Make the Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Place in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will ensure that the butter stays cold, contributing to a crumbly and delicious topping.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the dough, making the cookies tender.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure to scrape down the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Assemble the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape and Fill Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Spoon in Apple Filling Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill each indentation with a generous spoonful of the apple filling.
- Top with Crumb topping Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the filling.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the crumb topping is lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from breaking while they are still soft.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Crumb Cookies:
These apple crumb cookies are a fall lover’s dream because of their warm spiced flavors, the sweet and gooey apple filling, and the irresistible buttery crumb topping. Baking these at home is also a fantastic way to save money compared to buying bakery-made cookies. And let’s not forget that amazing crumb topping which adds the perfect crunch and sweetness to complement the soft cookie and warm apple inside.
If you love these, you might also enjoy apple pie bars! Another easy and delectable apple dessert! Why not bake a batch of both and see which falls favorite emerges?
These apple crumb cookies will warm you from the inside out! Dive in and experience the fall magic now!
What to Serve Apple Crumb Cookies With:
These apple crumb cookies are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to take your treat to the next level:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing! The cold ice cream complements the warm cookie perfectly.
- Warm Spiced Cider: Embrace the fall vibes with a mug of warm cider alongside your cookies.
- Coffee or Tea: A simple but satisfying pairing for any time of day.
- Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of caramel adds an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream is a delightful addition.
Top Tips for Perfecting Apple Crumb Cookies:
- Use Cold Butter for the Crumb Topping: Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill The Cookie Dough if Needed: If your dough is soft because the butter was too warm, chill it for 30 minutes before forming cookies.
- Adjust Spices to Your Liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your taste preferences. You can also add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
- Use Different Types of Apples: Experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite flavor combination.
- Prevent Soggy Cookies: A small amount of cornstarch added to the apple filling can help avoid soggy cookies.
- Consider Oat Flour A small portion of all-purpose flour can be replaced with oat flour for a nuttier flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will help maintain their freshness.
- Freezer: To freeze the cookies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the cookie tough.
Final Thoughts:
These apple crumb cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee on a cozy afternoon or serving them at a fall gathering, they’re sure to be a hit. With their warm spices, sweet apple filling, and buttery crumb topping, these cookies capture the essence of autumn in every bite.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible cookies. Because after all, every season is cookie season, especially when apples and fall spices are involved!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?
A: While fresh apples are preferred, you can use frozen apples if needed. Make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using.
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and apple filling ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the cookies just before baking.
Q: Can I substitute the brown sugar with white sugar?
A: While you can substitute, brown sugar adds a caramel-like flavor and chewiness to the cookies. If you only have white sugar, you can add a tablespoon of molasses to mimic the flavor of brown sugar.
Q: Can I add nuts to the crumb topping?
A: Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the crumb topping. Add about 1/4 cup to the crumb mixture.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum, as it will help bind the dough.
Q: What if my crumb topping is too dry?
A: Add a little more melted butter, a teaspoon at a time, until the topping comes together.