Any time of year is perfect for these Apple Crumble Cookies. Fresh apple mingles with a tender sugar-cookie base and a cinnamon-scented crumb topping for a delicious bite every time.
If you enjoy Crumbl-style treats, these chewy apple cookies are a satisfying copycat that you can make at home. The centers taste like apple pie filling, delivering all the classic apple-cinnamon flavor without leaving your kitchen.
I’ve baked many apple-based cookies over the years, and these chewy thumbprint-style cookies are among my favorites. The apple and cinnamon combination is bold and comforting, making these cookies a go-to whenever I’m craving warm, spiced sweetness.
These cookies are also aptly described as apple pie cookies because the filling and crumb topping recreate that familiar dessert profile in cookie form.
See the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and full instructions.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – the main dry ingredient for the cookie dough.
- Salted butter – brings richness and helps bind the dough. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt.
- Brown sugar – for a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
- Egg white – acts as a binder for the dough.
- Vanilla extract – enhances the other flavors.
- Apple – peeled and finely chopped; any crisp, juicy apple will work.
- Cinnamon – warms the apple filling and crumb topping.
Refer to the recipe card for exact quantities.
How to Make Apple Crumble Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step One: Combine the cookie dough ingredients in a food processor.
Step Two: Pulse until the dough comes together into a ball.
Step Three: Divide the dough into 10 equal balls and space them a few inches apart on the prepared sheet.
Step Four: Press the center of each ball with your thumb or the back of a spoon to form a well for the apple filling.
Step Five: Spoon the chopped apple evenly into the centers of the cookies. The apple will reduce as it bakes, so a generous portion is fine.
Step Six: Pulse the crumb topping ingredients in the food processor until coarse crumbs form.
Step Seven: Divide the crumb mixture over the apple-filled centers and press down lightly to adhere.
Step Eight: Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden. Allow them to cool completely on a rack before serving.
Top Tip
Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough evenly—it’s faster and keeps cookie sizes consistent.
Variations
- Add oats – Stir rolled oats into the crumb topping for extra chew and texture.
- Spices – Try apple pie spice or a pinch of nutmeg to boost warm flavors.
- Toppings – Add small caramel pieces on top or drizzle with caramel after baking.
- Apple varieties – Use Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Braeburn, or any juicy apple you prefer to vary sweetness and tartness.
Equipment
You’ll need a food processor (or stand mixer), a rubber spatula, a cookie sheet lined with parchment, a cookie scoop, and a cooling rack.
Storage
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep the apple flavor well and stay delicious for several days. Enjoy them chilled or bring them to room temperature before serving.
Common Questions
A stand mixer or hand mixer works well for the dough. The food processor speeds up chopping and blending, but other mixers will produce the same result.
Yes. Cool the cookies completely, then store them in an airtight freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature when ready to eat.
You can swap the apple for chopped pear or another firm fruit that won’t release too much liquid. You can also try different fillings, like chocolate, for variety.
Related
Try other apple desserts for more inspiration.
Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies-
Single Serve Apple Crumble
-
Rice Pudding with Apples
-
Cherry Apple Crumble
📖 Recipe
Apple Crumble Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup salted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon egg white
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Crumb Topping
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely chopped
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoon salted butter
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough ingredients in a food processor until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into 10 balls.
- Press the center of each ball with your thumb to form a well.
- Spoon the chopped apple into each cookie center.
- Pulse the crumb ingredients in the food processor until coarse crumbs form, then divide them over the apples and press slightly.
- Bake 16–18 minutes or until golden. Cool completely before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 214.6 kcal
Carbohydrates: 23.6 g
Protein: 1.9 g
Fat: 12.8 g
Sugar: 10.8 g
If you make these, leave a comment and rating—enjoy baking and sharing these apple crumble cookies with friends and family!