This best apple cookies recipe is made with bits of fresh apple and a hint of cinnamon for the perfect sweet treat. With slightly crispy edges and a soft center, they’re not overly sweet, which makes them ideal for pairing with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of ice cream. Best of all, they’re simple to make, freeze beautifully, and fill your kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma of fall.
Why You'll Love these Apple Cookies
- First, you can use fresh apple bits or dried apples – enjoy them with crisp, juicy apple chunks for a burst of freshness, or opt for chewy dried or baked apples for a different texture.
- Next, they are perfect to make ahead and freeze – simply bake a batch, pop them in the freezer, and pull them out whenever you need a quick treat.
- Additionally, they are both kid-friendly and adult-approved – sweet without being too sugary, making them a great choice for all ages.
- Finally, they’re customizable – add nuts, change the fruit, or swap spices to make them your own.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love these Apple Cookies
- Equipment You Need
- Best Apple Cookie Recipe Ingredients & Substitutions
- Instructions for the Apple Cookie Recipe
- Variations of Apple Cookie Recipe
- Ways to Enjoy Apple Cookies
- How to Store & Reheat Apple Cookies
- Make Ahead Freezer Dough Version
- Tip: Best Apples for Baking
- Cooking With Lori Quality Seasonings
- FAQs
- More Delicious Sweet Treats to Try
- More Cooking With Lori Recipes
- Best Apple Cookies
Equipment You Need
- First, grab a large bowl to mix the wet ingredients in and a medium-sized bowl for the dry ingredients.
- Then, you’ll need a knife and cutting board to chop the apple.
- Next, a sheet pan will be needed for baking the cookies, and lining it with parchment paper will make cleanup quick and easy.
- In addition, an electric mixer will help you blend the ingredients smoothly.
- Of course, don’t forget measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Finally, you’ll need a cooling rack so the cookies can cool properly after baking.
Best Apple Cookie Recipe Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need for this apple cookies recipe – plus why each ingredient is important and how you can substitute if needed:
- Palm shortening – This creates a soft, tender texture. Alternatively, you can use softened butter as a substitution.
- Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a warm, caramel-like flavor. If you prefer, you can swap in coconut sugar for a less refined choice.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients together. However, for an egg-free version, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water).
- Vanilla – Enhances the flavor and adds warmth.
- Apple – peeled and finely chopped – Brings in fresh flavor and moisture. As an alternative, use dried apples for a chewier bite.
- Flour – Provides structure. For a gluten-free option, use an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.
- Quick oats – Add a hearty texture. Alternatively, use rolled oats for a chewier cookie.
- Baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly.
- Lori’s Apple Crisp Cookie Seasoning Packet – Delivers the perfect blend of fall spices.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions for the Apple Cookie Recipe
Step 1: First, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F.
Next, in a large bowl, add the palm shortening or butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix with a hand mixer on medium speed until well combined.
Step 2: Next, in a separate bowl, add the flour, quick oats, baking powder, and seasoning packet. Stir the dry ingredients together using a hand mixer, fork or spoon.
Step 3: Now, add the apple to the batter. Mix with a hand mixer or spoon until everything is just combined.
Step 4: Once mixed, use a small cookie scooper or spoon to scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared pan, leaving space in between each cookie. Flatten each dough ball slightly with your fingers.
Step 5: Finally, bake for 8–10 minutes, depending on your oven, or until slightly browned. This recipe makes about 24 cookies when using a small cookie scoop.
Variations of Apple Cookie Recipe
While these apple cookies are delicious as they are, there are plenty of ways to make them your own:
- For added crunch, mix in chopped walnuts or pecans.
- If you want more fruity sweetness, use different dried fruits such as cranberries, cherries, or raisins.
- Finally, for an elegant finish, drizzle the cookies with a light vanilla or maple glaze to take them up a notch.
Ways to Enjoy Apple Cookies
These cookies are wonderful on their own, but you can also enjoy them in other ways:
- First, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm-and-cold contrast.
- Next, serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- For a cozy option, dip them into a hot cup of tea, cider, or coffee.
- Finally, take them up a notch by using them to make ice cream sandwiches.
How to Store & Reheat Apple Cookies
- To store: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- To freeze: Freeze baked cookies once fully cooled in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- To reheat: Remove from the freezer and either let them thaw at room temperature or place on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 4–5 minutes until warm.
Make Ahead Freezer Dough Version
After mixing the dough, scoop into cookie dough balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls directly on a baking sheet (no need to thaw) and bake at 350°F, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Tip: Best Apples for Baking
For apple cookies, the best choice is Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, and here’s why:
- Honeycrisp – Naturally sweet, crisp, and juicy without being overly soft. They hold their shape during baking and give the cookies a pleasant sweetness without needing too much extra sugar.
- Granny Smith – Firm, tart, and slightly tangy, which balances the sweetness of the cookie dough. They also keep their texture well, so you get little bursts of apple flavor instead of mushy spots.
If you want a balanced flavor, you can even do half Honeycrisp and half Granny Smith—that way you get both sweetness and tang.
Cooking With Lori Quality Seasonings
When I created these flavorful seasoning packets, I knew from the beginning they had to be made with only the best ingredients. That’s exactly why they contain no anti-caking agents, no MSG, and no preservatives—just pure seasonings and herbs. Moreover, this is extremely important to me because I want every meal to be as clean and wholesome as possible. With that in mind, my seasoning packets allow you to enjoy bold flavors without the unnecessary additives often found in store-bought mixes. As a result, every blend—including this Apple Crisp Cookie Recipe is carefully crafted to bring out the best in your dishes. Ultimately, they make home cooking easier, healthier, and more delicious. Use the code WELCOME15 to receive 15% off your first order!
FAQs
Yes! Just use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum.
Absolutely. Granny Smith apples add a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp or Fuji add more sweetness.
No, peeling is optional, but it does create a softer texture in the cookie.
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. However, because this recipe uses fresh apples, they may begin to brown slightly in the dough over time. The browning won’t affect the flavor, but if you want to minimize it, toss the chopped apples in a little lemon juice before mixing them in.
More Delicious Sweet Treats to Try
- Easy Air Fryer Baked Peaches
- Air Fryer Baked Apple Cobbler
- Summer Blackberry Cobbler
- Delicious Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
More Cooking With Lori Recipes
Best Apple Cookies
Ingredients
- ½ C butter or palm shortening
- 1 C brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¾ C apple peeled and chopped or baked apple crisps
- ¾ C quick oats
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- Lori's Apple Crisp Cookies Seasoning Packet
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, add the palm shortening or butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla and beat together with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, add the flour, quick oats, baking powder, and seasoning packet. Stir until combined.
- Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix with the hand mixer until everything is well blended.
- Using a spoon, stir in the chopped apple until combined.
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough onto the baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Flatten slightly with your fingers.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes about 24 cookies with a small scoop.
