- Apple Crumb Cookies

$- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup apples, peeled and finely diced (approximately 1 large apple) - 1/2 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - For the Crumb Topping: - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes To make these cookies, you will need: - Mixing bowls - Hand mixer or stand mixer - Whisk - Spatula - Cookie scoop or tablespoon - Parchment paper - Baking sheet - Wire rack You can swap some ingredients based on your taste or needs: - Use coconut oil instead of unsalted butter for dairy-free cookies. - Maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a unique flavor. - Almond flour or gluten-free flour can make these cookies gluten-free. - If you don’t have apples, pears can work well in this recipe. These simple swaps let you enjoy this tasty treat while catering to your dietary needs. If you want to see the full process, check out the Full Recipe. Before you start, gather all your ingredients. You will need butter, sugars, eggs, flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, apples, oats, and nuts. Make sure to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help your cookies bake evenly. 1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar. Mix until the blend is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. 2. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time. Mix well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and combine everything fully. 3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This helps distribute the dry ingredients evenly. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just blended, but don’t overmix. 4. Add the Apple and Oats: Gently fold in the diced apples and rolled oats. If you want, add chopped walnuts or pecans. A spatula works best to keep the apples intact. 5. Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and flour for the topping. Add cold butter, using a fork or your fingers to mix until the mix looks like coarse crumbs with small lumps. 6. Shape the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop dough onto the lined baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. 7. Apply the Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the crumb topping over each cookie dough ball. Press it down gently to make sure it sticks. 8. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch closely until the edges turn golden brown. The centers should remain soft. After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For a great presentation, serve the cookies warm on a wooden platter. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle warm caramel sauce on the side. These steps make your cookies look and taste amazing! For the full recipe, see the instructions above. Start with room temperature butter. This helps your cookies blend well. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can dry out the cookies. Use a cookie scoop for even size. This makes baking time consistent. Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps cookies from sticking and helps with easy cleanup. Add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. This balances with the cinnamon. Try using different apple types. Tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice contrast. Consider adding lemon zest for brightness. It lifts the flavors in the cookies. You can mix in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. They melt beautifully and add richness. Don’t skip chilling the dough if it’s too soft. This helps prevent spreading while baking. Avoid overmixing the dough. This can make the cookies tough. Watch your baking time closely. If you leave them too long, they will dry out. Lastly, don’t forget the crumb topping. It adds crunch and flavor that makes these cookies special. {{image_4}} You can make these cookies gluten-free with a simple swap. Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Opt for a blend that has a good texture. Some brands work better than others, so test a few to find your favorite. The cookies will still taste great with this change! Want to make these cookies vegan? Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. To make one flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. These swaps will keep the cookies moist and delicious. You can use many types of apples in this recipe. Each variety adds a unique flavor. For a tart taste, use Granny Smith apples. For a sweeter cookie, try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. Mixing different apples can create a fun flavor twist. Experiment to find your favorite blend! For the full recipe, check out the entire guide. Enjoy baking! To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps them stay soft and moist. You can layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking. For best results, keep them at room temperature. If you want to save some cookies for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. These apple crumb cookies taste best within a week. After that, they may dry out. If stored properly, they can last up to two weeks at room temperature. For frozen cookies, you can enjoy them for up to three months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving. For the full recipe, check the link above. To make your Apple Crumb Cookies chewier, use more brown sugar. Brown sugar has more moisture than white sugar. You can also add an extra egg yolk, which helps with moisture. Be careful not to overbake them; take them out when they are just set. This will keep them soft and chewy. Yes, you can use other fruits! Pears, peaches, or even berries work well. Just make sure to cut the fruit small, like you do with apples. Each fruit will give the cookies a unique flavor. Experiment and find your favorite mix! The best way to soften butter fast is to cut it into small cubes. Spread the cubes on a plate and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave the butter in short bursts. Just make sure to check it often to avoid melting. This blog post shared the key steps to making delicious Apple Crumb Cookies. We covered ingredients, tools, and substitutions. I provided detailed instructions to guide your baking. You learned essential tips to avoid common mistakes and enhance flavors. We also explored tasty variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. Baking is fun and rewarding. With these steps, you can create amazing cookies. Enjoy your baking journey!$

Indulge in the sweetness of homemade Apple Crumb Cookies with this easy recipe! These delightful cookies, packed with diced apples and topped with a buttery crumb, are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll have 24 scrumptious cookies ready in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this delightful treat!

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Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon fine salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup apples, peeled and finely diced (approximately 1 large apple)

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Crumb Topping:

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter along with the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture. This process should take about 3-4 minutes.

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well-mixed before adding the next. Follow this with the vanilla extract, mixing until completely combined.

Mix Dry Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, fine salt, and ground cinnamon to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and spices. Gradually combine this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just blended — be careful not to overmix.

Add the Apple and Oats: Gently fold in the diced apples and rolled oats into the dough, along with chopped walnuts or pecans if you're using them. Use a spatula for this to maintain the integrity of the apple pieces.

Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and flour for the topping. Add the cold, diced butter and use either a fork or your fingertips to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized clumps.

Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out the dough and drop spoonfuls onto the lined baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Apply the Crumb Topping: Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over each cookie dough ball, gently pressing it down to ensure it adheres properly.

Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain soft. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-baking.

Cool the Cookies: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

- Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve these delightful cookies warm on a rustic wooden platter. For an extra elegant touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving. Pair them with warm caramel sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling, adding a decadent finish to this delicious treat!