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+ servings
Soft, chewy cookies with a crispy topping shown in a cozy kitchen setting.

Apple Crumble Cookies

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Flaky pie crust, spiced apple filling, and a buttery brown sugar topping come together in these mini apple crumble cookies—perfectly portable and warmly comforting for any occasion.
18 Servings

Ingredients

For the Crumble Topping

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

For the Apple Filling

  • 3 Granny Smith apples peeled and finely diced
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Crust

  • 2 9-inch refrigerated pie crusts, at room temperature

Instructions
 

Prepare the Crumble Topping:

  1. In a mixing bowl or using a stand mixer or food processor, combine the melted butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until a sandy, crumbly texture is formed. Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 20 minutes or up to overnight.

Cook the Apple Filling:

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, butter, lemon juice, salt, cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 10 minutes or until the apples have softened slightly and the mixture is bubbling. Transfer the mixture to a ceramic or metal bowl and allow it to cool for approximately 15 minutes.

Preheat the Oven:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Pie Crusts:

  1. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the pie crusts. Using a 3-inch round cutter (or a similarly sized glass or lid), cut circles from the dough. Re-roll scraps as needed to make use of the entire crust.

Shape the Cookie Shells:

  1. Gently press each dough circle over the bottom of a small glass or mug to shape it into a shallow cup. Transfer each shaped piece into a paper cupcake liner placed inside a muffin tin. Press lightly so the crust reaches about halfway up the sides.

Assemble the Cookies:

  1. Spoon a small amount of the cooled apple filling into each prepared crust. Do not overfill. Top generously with the chilled crumble topping.

Bake:

  1. Place the muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the crust edges are golden brown and the topping is crisp and aromatic.

Cool Before Serving:

  1. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the filling to set and makes removal easier.

Notes

To prepare these Apple Crumble Cookies gluten-free, substitute a certified gluten-free pie crust and use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crumble topping. Ensure all other ingredients are verified gluten-free, especially the flour and pie crust brand used.
Bitty