I’ve always been a fan of simple, heartwarming desserts. A few years ago, I was watching one of Jamie Oliver’s shows and saw him whip up a batch of 5-ingredient apple crumble cookies. It was one of those "Why didn’t I think of that?" moments. The recipe was so easy, yet the end result looked absolutely amazing.
The beauty of it? It’s quick, uses minimal ingredients, and delivers big on flavor. Ever since I tried it, these cookies have become a staple in my kitchen. They’re perfect for those moments when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
So let’s dive into Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredient apple crumble cookies, and I’ll walk you through every step.
Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Apple Crumble Cookies Recipe
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques or special gadgets required. Just five ingredients, a little mixing, and you’ve got the perfect cookie to snack on with a hot cup of tea.
It’s one of those recipes that shows you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something mouthwatering. The combination of apples and crumble, in cookie form, is a twist on the traditional apple crumble, but with that same cozy, comforting feel.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make Jamie’s apple crumble cookies:
- Butter (unsalted) – It’s essential for a rich, soft cookie texture.
- Flour – The base of the dough. You’ll want plain flour for a light yet sturdy cookie.
- Sugar – To add just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart apples.
- Apples – Preferably tart ones like Granny Smith. They hold up well in baking.
- Oats – These give the crumble texture and help bind everything together.
That’s it. Simple, right? No fancy ingredients or hard-to-find items. Just the basics, done right.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Apple Crumble Cookies
I remember when I first made these, I was surprised by how easy it was to pull together. You don’t even need a mixer! Here’s how you do it:
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and chop the apples into small chunks. Pop them into a small saucepan with a tiny bit of water, then simmer them over low heat until soft but still chunky. This creates that lovely, caramelized apple filling that gives these cookies their signature flavor.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together your flour, sugar, and oats. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. It’s totally optional, but it adds that extra depth of flavor.
- Incorporate the Butter: Cut the butter into cubes and add it to your dry ingredients. Use your fingers (or a pastry cutter) to rub the butter in until you get a crumbly mixture. It should look like coarse breadcrumbs.
- Add the Apples: Stir in your softened apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed. This will be a slightly sticky dough, but don’t worry. It’s normal.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop out spoonfuls of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently flatten them with your fingers and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
When I first made these cookies, I found myself wondering why such simple ingredients could yield such incredible results. So here’s a little breakdown of the science behind each ingredient:
- Butter: It’s not just for flavor! Butter coats the flour, preventing it from fully absorbing the liquid. This creates that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture in the cookies.
- Flour: The flour helps structure the cookie. Without it, the dough wouldn’t hold together, and your cookies would fall apart.
- Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness but also plays a role in texture. It helps to create that crisp, golden-brown edge on your cookies.
- Apples: Apples provide moisture, and their natural pectin helps bind everything together, giving a nice chewy texture. Plus, they offer that fresh, fruity tang that pairs so well with the crumble.
- Oats: Oats are the unsung heroes here. They provide that signature crumble texture and absorb moisture, helping to balance the softness of the apple filling with a bit of bite.
Expert Tips
- Use Cold Butter: For the best texture, make sure your butter is cold. It’ll keep the dough from spreading too much while baking.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just enough to incorporate the ingredients.
- Play with Apple Variety: While tart apples like Granny Smith work best, you can experiment with others like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor.
- Add a Little Crunch: For extra texture, try sprinkling a few crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Version: Swap the butter for plant-based butter or coconut oil. Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) as a binder instead of an egg.
- Spicy Apple Crumble: Add some cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of ground ginger to the dry mix for an extra kick.
- Chocolate Chip Twist: If you’re a chocolate lover, throw in some chocolate chips. The apple and chocolate combo is delicious.
- Add Some Cream Cheese: For a tangy twist, mix in a little cream cheese. It’ll give the cookies a slight cheesecake vibe.
Final Words
These cookies have a special place in my heart. They’re not just a dessert-they’re a reminder of how simple things can be the most satisfying. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing them with friends, there’s something about the combination of soft apples and a crunchy crumble that’s both nostalgic and comforting.
If you’re in the mood for a quick treat or need something to bring to a gathering, these apple crumble cookies are perfect. And the best part? You don’t need a pantry full of ingredients to make them. Just five essentials and a little love.
FAQs
What Are The Five Ingredients For Jamie Oliver’s Apple Crumble Cookies?
The five ingredients are apples, flour, butter, sugar, and oats.
Can I Use A Different Fruit Instead Of Apples In This Recipe?
Yes, you can try pears or berries for a different twist on the crumble cookies.
How Long Do I Need To Bake These Apple Crumble Cookies?
You’ll need to bake them for about 15-20 minutes at 180°C (350°F), or until golden and crispy.