I still remember the first time I tried making Jamie Oliver’s Apple Crumble Cookies. It was a chilly afternoon, and I was craving something warm and comforting, but also a little different from the usual. I stumbled upon the recipe and thought, "Why not try something with apples and that beautiful crumble topping?" The result was nothing short of amazing. The cookies were soft, fragrant, and had that perfect crunch from the crumble. Every bite felt like autumn wrapped up in a treat.
It’s a beautiful mix of flavors: the sweetness of the apples, the buttery crumble, and a touch of cinnamon that makes everything feel cozy. These cookies are an ideal snack for a lazy afternoon or even a festive gathering. The great thing about Jamie’s recipe is that it strikes a perfect balance between being indulgent yet not overwhelmingly heavy. Let’s dive in and break down how to make these scrumptious little bites.
Jamie Oliver’s Apple Crumble Cookies Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s recipe for Apple Crumble Cookies isn’t just any cookie recipe-it’s a twist on the classic apple crumble dessert. It turns the comforting flavors of apples and crumble into a delicious handheld treat that’s as easy to make as it is to eat. The combination of oats, sugar, and apples creates a texture that’s chewy on the inside with just enough crunch on the outside. Here’s the breakdown of the recipe, step-by-step.
Ingredients Needed
To make Jamie’s Apple Crumble Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 125g unsalted butter (softened)
- 100g brown sugar (you can use light or dark)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 150g plain flour
- 50g rolled oats
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 50g demerara sugar (for the crumble topping)
- 50g butter (for the crumble topping)
- 100g plain flour (for the crumble topping)
The ingredients are pretty straightforward and easy to find in any local store. The key to the flavor lies in the apples, the butter, and the oats-simple but delicious.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple Crumble Cookies
When I first made these cookies, I thought I was in for a complex baking challenge. But Jamie’s method is simple, and it all comes together in no time. Here’s how you can recreate it:
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Prepare The Apple Filling
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks. Heat a pan over medium heat, and add a little butter to soften the apples. Cook for about 5 minutes until they’re tender and golden.
- Let them cool down before mixing into the dough.
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Make The Cookie Dough
- In a bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the plain flour, oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
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Add The Apples
- Gently fold the cooked apples into the cookie dough. This gives the cookies that sweet, apple-y filling that makes them so unique.
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Prepare The Crumble Topping
- In a separate bowl, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the demerara sugar and mix to combine. This creates the crumble topping.
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Shape The Cookies
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Slightly flatten each cookie, then sprinkle a generous amount of the crumble topping over the top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy around the edges.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
It’s always interesting to think about why certain ingredients work so well together. In Jamie’s Apple Crumble Cookies, several ingredients contribute to their unique texture and flavor:
- Butter: The butter in both the cookie dough and the crumble topping creates a rich, indulgent flavor and helps the cookies hold together. It also aids in achieving a crisp outer texture while keeping the inside soft.
- Oats: Oats add texture and chewiness to the cookie, making them hearty without feeling too heavy. They absorb some of the moisture from the apples, creating a perfect balance between softness and crunch.
- Apples: Apples provide sweetness, moisture, and flavor. The cooking process breaks down the apples, making them soft and juicy inside the cookie, while the cinnamon enhances that cozy, spiced feeling.
- Demerara Sugar: This sugar adds a slight crunch and a hint of caramel flavor to the crumble topping, giving the cookies a little extra flair.
Expert Tips
I’ve learned a few tips over time that make a big difference when baking Jamie’s Apple Crumble Cookies:
- Choose the Right Apples: Go for apples that are firm and a bit tart, like Granny Smiths. They hold up better when baked and give a nice contrast to the sweetness of the sugar.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet, mix gently. Overworking the dough can make the cookies tough, rather than soft and chewy.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, let the dough chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and bake more evenly.
- Make Extra Crumble: The crumble topping is always a hit, so don’t be afraid to add a little more if you like a crunchy, sugary finish on your cookies.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about Jamie’s Apple Crumble Cookies is how easy it is to adapt the recipe. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Add Nuts: Throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and richness.
- Spices: Experiment with nutmeg, ginger, or allspice to add a different twist to the flavor.
- Cranberries or Raisins: Dried fruit pairs beautifully with the apples and gives the cookies a little extra sweetness.
- Chocolate: Add chunks of dark or white chocolate to the dough for a gooey, indulgent surprise in every bite.
Final Words
After baking Jamie Oliver’s Apple Crumble Cookies a few times, I’ve learned that they’re one of those recipes that’s forgiving yet spectacular. They’re simple enough to make with pantry staples but yield such a rewarding result. The combination of soft, spiced apples and the buttery, crisp crumble topping is a game-changer in the cookie world. Each bite is a comforting reminder of cozy fall days, even if it’s not autumn outside.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Apple Crumble Cookies Special?
These cookies combine the sweetness of apples with the crumbliness of a traditional crumble, creating a soft yet crunchy texture that’s packed with flavor.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple Crumble Cookies Without Dairy?
Yes! You can easily substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter.
How Do I Store These Apple Crumble Cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.