Irresistible Apple Crisp Cookies: Your New Favorite Fall Dessert Recipe

Apple Crisp Cookies – Imagine your favorite chewy oatmeal cookie, generously filled with a warmly spiced apple mixture, crowned with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting, and sprinkled with a perfectly crisp oat streusel. That’s exactly what these incredible Apple Crisp Cookies deliver. They encapsulate all the cozy, comforting flavors of a classic apple crisp or apple pie, but in a delightful, portable, and much easier-to-make cookie form.

If you’re yearning for the quintessential fall flavors of apple pie but desire a treat that’s a bit more personal, travel-friendly, and significantly less time-consuming to prepare, these Apple Crisp Cookies are your answer. Each bite offers a delightful explosion of textures and tastes: tender chunks of fresh, tart apples nestled in a soft, chewy cookie base, all crowned with a buttery, cinnamon-kissed streusel and a swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting. They are truly the perfect sweet indulgence to savor throughout autumn, winter, or whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re whipping up a batch to share with loved ones or bringing them to a festive fall gathering, these homemade apple crisp cookies are guaranteed to be an unforgettable hit that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Looking for more comforting apple-inspired recipes? Here are some of my top recommendations that you’ll absolutely adore!

• The Best Apple Crisp Cheesecake (With Crumble)
• Spiced Pumpkin Bundt Cake With Brown Sugar Icing
• The Best Apple Cheesecake Cookies

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Apple Crisp Cookies:

• All the Cozy Apple Pie Vibes, Simplified: These cookies brilliantly capture the essence of a warm, comforting apple pie without the hassle of preparing and rolling out a traditional pie crust. You get all the nostalgic, spiced apple goodness in a convenient, handheld form, making them ideal for satisfying that pie craving with much less effort.
• Fresh, Tart, and Perfectly Juicy Apple Filling: At the heart of these cookies is a vibrant, homemade apple filling made with crisp Granny Smith apples. Their natural tartness provides a wonderful counterpoint to the sweet cookie and frosting, ensuring a balanced flavor profile and a refreshing bite in every single delicious cookie.
• A Symphony of Textures: Chewy Meets Crunchy: Prepare for a truly delightful textural experience! The soft, tender, and chewy oatmeal cookie base harmonizes beautifully with a buttery, golden, and undeniably crisp oat streusel topping. Add the creamy frosting, and you have a multi-layered sensation that’s a texture lover’s dream come true.
• Quick, Easy, and Ideal for Sharing: Despite their impressive appearance and complex flavors, these apple crisp cookies are surprisingly simple to whip up. They are perfectly sized for sharing, making them an excellent choice for potlucks, holiday cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with friends and family during your next cozy gathering.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: While they shine as a perfect fall treat, these cookies are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them on their own as a satisfying snack, elevate them with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream for an ultimate dessert experience, or drizzle them with a rich caramel sauce for an extra layer of indulgence that will truly impress.

Key Ingredients for Your Apple Crisp Cookies

Crafting these delightful apple crisp cookies requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of chewy, creamy, and crunchy. While a full, detailed list is available in the recipe card below, here’s a glance at some of the essential components you’ll want to gather from your grocery store. Paying attention to ingredient quality and temperature, especially for butter and eggs, will make a significant difference in the final texture and flavor of your homemade cookies.

• Light Brown Sugar, packed: Provides moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cookie dough and streusel.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, adding structure and richness to the cookie base. Ensure it’s at room temperature for better incorporation.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component of both the cookies and streusel.
• Cornstarch: A secret ingredient for extra chewy cookies and for thickening the apple filling to the perfect consistency.
• Rolled Oats: Essential for the signature texture of oatmeal cookies and the satisfying crispness of the streusel.
• Granny Smith Apples: Peeled and diced into small, pea-sized pieces, these tart apples are crucial for the vibrant, tangy apple filling that cuts through the sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the apple filling and prevents browning.
• Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: The star spices that infuse the apples, cookies, and frosting with warm, autumnal flavors.
• Cold Butter (for streusel) & Room Temperature Butter (for cookies/frosting): Temperature is key! Cold butter creates crumbly streusel, while softened butter ensures smooth cookie dough and creamy frosting.
• Cream Cheese, softened: The foundation of our tangy, rich cream cheese frosting, adding a delightful counterpoint to the sweet apple and cookie.
• Powdered Sugar: The essential sweetener for creating a smooth, lump-free cream cheese frosting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Apple Crisp Cookies

Ready to create these incredibly delicious Apple Crisp Cookies? While the full, detailed instructions with precise measurements and timings are conveniently located in the recipe card below, this section provides a helpful overview of each stage of the baking process. Follow these steps to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, from the chewy oatmeal base to the spiced apple filling, the crispy streusel, and the luscious cream cheese frosting.

1. Prepare the Chewy Oatmeal Cookies:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a sturdy cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well-aerated. This step is crucial for the cookies’ texture. Next, beat in the room-temperature egg until fully incorporated and smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cornstarch, rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Use a cookie scoop to form uniform dough balls, pressing two scoops together for larger cookies, and arrange them on your prepared baking sheets, ensuring ample space between each. Bake until the edges are beautifully golden brown and the centers remain slightly soft, then gently press them down while warm and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Create the Spiced Apple Filling:

For the heart of these cookies, peel and dice your Granny Smith apples into small, pea-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until every piece is well coated. Transfer this aromatic apple mixture to a pot and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly and release their natural juices, simmering gently. In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry. Add this slurry to the simmering apple mixture, stirring continuously. You’ll notice the filling quickly thicken to a beautiful, glossy consistency within about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and transfer the filling to a container to cool completely before assembly. This filling can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

3. Prepare the Crispy Cinnamon Streusel:

To achieve that irresistible crunchy topping, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line another cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and cold, cubed unsalted butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the ingredients together until the mixture forms delightful clumps that resemble coarse sand. Spread this streusel evenly over the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, making sure to stir it halfway through, until it turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes wonderfully crisp. Once baked, let it cool completely on the baking sheet, then crumble it into smaller pieces if necessary, ready to sprinkle generously over your frosted cookies.

4. Whip Up the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

No apple crisp cookie would be complete without a generous swirl of creamy, spiced frosting. In a medium bowl, or using a stand mixer, cream together softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until the mixture is incredibly smooth and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-4 minutes with scraping down the bowl. Gradually add the powdered sugar, a touch of vanilla extract, more ground cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will result in a perfectly light, airy, and luscious frosting that is ready for piping. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest, lump-free frosting.

Assembling Your Masterpiece:

Now for the most satisfying part – bringing all the delicious components together to create your ultimate Apple Crisp Cookies! This simple assembly process ensures each cookie is a perfect bite of chewy, creamy, and crunchy goodness.

1. Ensure all your oatmeal cookies have cooled completely to room temperature. This is vital to prevent the frosting from melting.
2. Transfer your prepared cinnamon cream cheese frosting into a piping bag fitted with your favorite decorative tip (or simply snip a medium-sized hole off the corner of a ziplock bag). This will give your cookies a professional and appealing look.
3. Take each cooled cookie and generously spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the homemade spiced apple filling onto the center, gently spreading it evenly across the top, leaving a small border for the frosting.
4. Using your piping bag, pipe a beautiful swirl or dollop of cream cheese frosting directly on top of the apple filling. Don’t be shy with the frosting – it adds so much flavor and moisture!
5. Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of the crispy cinnamon streusel over the frosting. This adds that essential crunch and authentic apple crisp texture, completing your delectable treat. Serve immediately and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Apple Crisp Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality Apple Crisp Cookies at home is simpler than you think with these expert tips and tricks. From ingredient selection to preparation and storage, these pointers will help you master this delightful fall dessert and ensure every batch is a resounding success.

• Chill the Dough for Superior Texture: For an exceptionally chewy cookie with a deeper, more developed flavor, I highly recommend chilling your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This not only helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer, more satisfying bite.
• Experiment with Apple Varieties: While tart Granny Smith apples provide a fantastic contrast and structure to the filling, don’t hesitate to customize! If you prefer a sweeter apple filling, try using a blend of Granny Smith and a sweeter variety like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn. This will add more complexity and sweetness to your spiced apple layer.
• Leverage Make-Ahead Components: To make your baking day smoother and more enjoyable, prepare the apple filling and cinnamon streusel in advance. Both can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing you to quickly assemble and bake the cookies when you’re ready.
• Coconut Sugar for a Caramelized Twist: For those looking for an alternative sweetener or a subtle flavor variation, you can easily substitute the granulated sugar in the apple filling with coconut sugar. This swap will impart a lovely, delicate caramel note to your apple crisp cookies, enhancing their autumnal profile.
• Achieve the Perfect Streusel Crumble: If your streusel mixture seems too dry and isn’t forming those desirable clumps, don’t despair! Simply add a teaspoon of cold butter to the mixture and continue to mix until it binds together into perfect crumbles. Conversely, if it’s too wet, add a little more flour or oats.
• Optimal Storage for Freshness: Once baked and assembled, store your delicious Apple Crisp Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and delightful texture. If you’ve baked a large batch or prefer to enjoy them later, see the “Storing and Freezing” section for more detailed tips on preserving your cookies.

Recommended Baking Tools:

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. Here’s a list of recommended equipment that will help you prepare these Apple Crisp Cookies with ease and precision:

• Cookie Sheets: Essential for baking your cookies and streusel evenly.
• Electric Mixer (Stand or Handheld): Perfect for creaming butter and sugar, and whipping up fluffy frosting.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Ensures non-stick baking and easy cleanup.
• Cookie Scoop: For consistent cookie sizes and even baking.
• Mixing Bowl Set: A variety of sizes for different stages of preparation.
• Pastry Cutter or Your Fingertips: Ideal for incorporating cold butter into the streusel for that perfect crumbly texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Have some questions about making these delectable Apple Crisp Cookies? Here are answers to some of the most common queries to help you on your baking journey, ensuring your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Q: Can I use a different type of apple for the filling?
A: Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are highly recommended for their crisp texture and tartness, which balances the sweetness of the cookie and frosting beautifully, you can certainly experiment. Feel free to mix in a sweeter apple variety like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn if you prefer a less tart, more mellow apple flavor profile in your filling. Just ensure they are firm enough to hold their shape during cooking.

Q: How do I store these Apple Crisp Cookies to keep them fresh?
A: To maintain their optimal freshness, texture, and flavor, store your baked and assembled Apple Crisp Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully delicious for up to 5 days. If stacking them, you might want to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to protect the frosting and streusel.

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes, you certainly can! Freezing the unbaked cookie dough balls is a fantastic way to prepare ahead. Simply scoop the dough balls, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe ziplock bag or airtight container. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw the dough balls in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with the baking instructions.

Q: How do I know when the cookies are finished baking?
A: The cookies are perfectly baked when their edges are beautifully golden brown, but the centers still appear slightly soft. Don’t worry if they seem a little underdone in the middle; they will continue to set and firm up as they cool on the baking sheet and then on the wire rack. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, so keep an eye on those golden edges!

Q: Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with an alternative?
A: While the cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds a unique tang and creaminess that complements the apple crisp flavors perfectly, you can definitely substitute it if you prefer. A simple vanilla buttercream would be a delicious alternative. For an even simpler twist, you could omit the frosting entirely and just drizzle the cookies with a homemade or store-bought caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness and sticky goodness.

Storing and Freezing Your Apple Crisp Cookies

To ensure your Apple Crisp Cookies remain as fresh and delightful as the day they were baked, proper storage is key. Once fully assembled, store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their wonderful chewy texture, creamy frosting, and crispy streusel for up to 5 days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or for sharing at multiple gatherings.

Freezing Baked Apple Crisp Cookies

If you’d like to extend the life of your baked cookies or prepare a batch for future enjoyment, they can be frozen! Place the cooled, assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Once firm, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature for a few hours before serving. This makes them an ideal make-ahead treat for unexpected guests or a quick dessert whenever a craving strikes.

If you absolutely adored this recipe, please don’t forget to show your love by leaving a 5-star review and a comment below! Your valuable feedback means the world to me and helps other bakers discover these fantastic cookies. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok for more delicious content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and baking inspiration. I can’t wait to connect with you there and see your beautiful creations!

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Recipe

Apple Crisp Cookies

Molly Murphy

Oatmeal cookies with spiced apple filling, cinnamon cream cheese frosting, and a crispy oats streusel

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Course
Dessert

Cuisine
American

Servings

8
cookies

Ingredients

FOR THE OATMEAL COOKIES

• ¾
  cup
  unsalted butter room temperature
• ½
  cup
  brown sugar packed
• ½
  cup
  granulated sugar
• 1
  
  egg room temperature
• 1 ½
  cup
  all-purpose flour
• 1
  tablespoon
  cornstarch
• 1 ½
  cups
  rolled oats
• 1
  teaspoon
  cinnamon
• ¼
  teaspoon
  nutmeg
• 1
  teaspoon
  baking powder
• 1
  teaspoon
  salt

For the Apple Filling

• 3
  
  large Granny Smith apples
  peeled and diced into pea-sized pieces
• 1
  tablespoon
  lemon juice
• ½
  cup
  granulated sugar
• ¾
  teaspoon
  ground cinnamon
• Pinch
  of salt
• 2
  tablespoons
  cornstarch
• ¼
  cup
  cold water

For the Cinnamon Streusel

• ¼
  cup
  light brown sugar
• ⅔
  cup
  all-purpose flour
• 1
  teaspoon
  ground cinnamon
• Pinch
  of salt
• 4
  tablespoons
  unsalted butter
  cold and cubed
• 3
  tablespoons
  rolled oats

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4
  ounces
  cream cheese
  softened
• ½
  cup
  unsalted butter
  softened
• ¼
  teaspoon
  vanilla extract
• 2
  cups
  powdered sugar
• 1
  teaspoon
  ground cinnamon
• Pinch
  of salt

Instructions

For the Oatmeal Cookies:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the egg and beat on medium-low speed for 30 seconds, until fully incorporated and smooth.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Scrape down the sides and bottom to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
• Use a 3-tablespoon-sized cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Press two scoops of dough together to form larger cookies. This will make seven large cookies. Roll each into a ball in the palm of your hand.
• Place 3-4 dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 14-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
• Remove from the oven and, while still warm, gently press the cookies down to about ½ inch thick using a flat spatula or the bottom of a cup.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Apple Filling:

• In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Toss until evenly coated.
• Place the apple mixture in a medium-large pot over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally as the apples cook and release their juices, bringing the mixture to a slow boil.
• In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry.
• Once the apples have slightly softened, add the slurry to the pot, stirring constantly. The mixture should thicken within 30 seconds. If it doesn’t, you may need to add a bit more slurry.
• Remove from heat and transfer the apple mixture to a container. Allow it to cool completely before using. The filling can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

For the Cinnamon Streusel:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, oats, butter, cinnamon, and salt. Mix with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms clumps resembling sand.
• Spread the streusel mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through. The streusel should be golden brown. Allow it to cool completely, then crumble into smaller pieces if necessary.

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Cream on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, then beat for another 2 minutes.
• With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla, ground cinnamon, and salt. Once combined, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for an additional 2-3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.

Assembly:

• Once the cookies have cooled completely, begin assembling.
• Place the cinnamon cream cheese frosting in a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a medium-sized hole cut in one corner. Set aside.
• Take each cookie and top with 1-2 tablespoons of the apple filling, spreading it evenly across the top.
• Pipe a swirl of frosting on top of the apple filling.
• Sprinkle the cinnamon streusel over the frosting. Serve and enjoy

Keyword
apple, apple crisp, cream cheese, cookies, frosted

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