I remember the first time I baked Jamie Oliver’s Apple Crumble Cookies. I had just watched one of his shows where he made these cookies, and the way he described them – warm, crunchy, with that little hint of spice – made my mouth water. So, I decided to give it a go. It was one of those moments where I wasn’t expecting anything too extraordinary, but the result was simply amazing. The cookies were soft in the middle with a crunchy crumble topping that reminded me of my grandmother’s famous apple crumble dessert. That’s when I realized – a cookie could be both comforting and exciting at the same time. Since then, I’ve baked these cookies countless times, tweaking them a little each time, but always coming back to Jamie’s original recipe.
Jamie Oliver’s Apple Crumble Cookies bring together the best of both worlds: the comforting warmth of apple crumble and the bite-sized joy of a cookie. Whether you’re baking for a gathering, a family dessert, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are always a hit.
Jamie Oliver’s Apple Crumble Cookies Recipe
Jamie’s approach to cooking has always been about making things simple, using fresh, quality ingredients, and adding a personal touch. His Apple Crumble Cookies are no exception. Here’s the recipe breakdown, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on your own:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
- Serves: 12-16 cookies, depending on size
It’s such a fun recipe because it’s not just about baking; it’s about making something that feels like home.
Ingredients Needed
Baking these Apple Crumble Cookies doesn’t require anything too exotic. The ingredients are simple, but they work wonders when combined:
- Flour – The base for our cookie dough.
- Baking powder – To give the cookies a light, fluffy texture.
- Butter – The essential ingredient that provides richness and flavor.
- Brown sugar – For that caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Egg – To bind everything together.
- Oats – This is where the “crumble” part of the recipe comes in. Adds crunch and texture.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg – These spices add that warm, comforting flavor.
- Apple (Granny Smith or another tart variety) – The star of the show! Adds a slight tang and keeps the cookies moist.
- Vanilla extract – For a depth of flavor.
- Crumble topping – A mixture of butter, sugar, and oats for that crisp, buttery finish.
Each ingredient plays a role in making the perfect balance of flavors and textures. And when you take that first bite, it’s clear that Jamie nailed it.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple Crumble Cookies
Making these cookies is pretty straightforward, but the key is not rushing through it. Here’s how I usually go about it:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Prepare The Crumble Topping
- Mix the oats, sugar, and butter together in a small bowl.
- Rub it with your fingers until it forms a crumbly texture.
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Make The Cookie Dough
- In a larger bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until it forms a dough.
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Add The Apples
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. Fold them gently into the dough.
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Shape The Cookies
- Spoon out the dough and place it on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Top each cookie with a little of the crumble mixture.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp at the edges.
- Cool on a wire rack, but not for too long – you’ll want them warm!
One of the things I love about this recipe is that it doesn’t take long from start to finish. You can have these cookies ready in about 30 minutes, making them perfect for those last-minute cravings.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Ever wonder why butter and sugar create such a nice texture in cookies? The science behind it is actually quite fascinating:
- Butter: When butter is creamed with sugar, it traps air. This air expands during baking, making the cookies soft. The fats in butter also help keep the cookies moist.
- Sugar: Both brown and white sugar contribute to the texture. Brown sugar has molasses, which not only adds flavor but helps the cookies stay chewy. It also promotes browning, giving the cookies that golden hue.
- Oats: These oats don’t just contribute texture, they also absorb moisture, giving the cookies that crumbly topping that contrasts with the soft inside.
- Apples: When you bake apples, they soften, releasing moisture, which keeps the cookies from drying out. The natural sugars in the apples caramelize slightly, adding to the overall sweetness.
Understanding the science behind these ingredients makes it even more satisfying to take a bite.
Expert Tips
Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this recipe even better:
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can make your cookies tough. Mix until just combined, and stop there.
- Use cold butter for the crumble topping: Cold butter helps the crumble keep its texture while baking, giving it a more authentic ’crumble’ feel.
- Let the dough chill: If you have the time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading and results in thicker, puffier cookies.
- Apple variety: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best contrast to the sweet dough. They hold up well during baking and provide a pleasant bite.
- Mix up the spices: While cinnamon and nutmeg are classic, a dash of ginger or allspice can add a little extra kick.
These tweaks might seem small, but they can make a big difference in how the cookies turn out!
Recipe Variations
Sometimes, I like to get creative with Jamie’s basic recipe and make a few variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans make for a great addition to the cookie dough, giving them a nice crunch.
- Dried fruit: Toss in some raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for added texture and a little extra sweetness.
- Chocolate chips: A handful of dark chocolate chips in the dough adds a decadent twist to the apple crumble base.
- Spices: Experiment with different spice blends. A touch of cardamom or cloves can change the flavor profile and make them feel even more festive.
These variations are easy to incorporate, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make the recipe your own.
Final Words
There’s something so comforting about baking cookies, and when you bake Jamie Oliver’s Apple Crumble Cookies, you’re not just making a dessert – you’re making memories. Whether you’re baking with kids, surprising a friend, or simply treating yourself, these cookies will hit the spot every time.
FAQs
How Do I Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple Crumble Cookies?
You’ll need butter, sugar, flour, oats, and apples. The basic idea is to combine these into a dough, add the apples, and bake them into crumble-inspired cookies.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Apple For Jamie Oliver’s Apple Crumble Cookies?
Yes, any apple variety works, but tart ones like Bramley or Granny Smith balance the sweetness of the cookie well.
How Do I Store Jamie Oliver’s Apple Crumble Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them.