Oatmeal Cookie Apple Crisp: A Warm and Delicious Fall Dessert

Fall is in the air, and that means it’s time for cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and, of course, apple desserts! This Oatmeal Cookie Apple Crisp is the perfect way to celebrate the season. It combines the comforting flavors of warm apple crisp with the satisfying crunch of an oatmeal cookie topping. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to become a family favorite.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Comforting Flavors:** The combination of sweet apples, warm spices, and a buttery oatmeal cookie topping is simply irresistible.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
* **Perfect for Fall:** Apples are at their peak during the fall season, making this dessert the perfect way to enjoy their fresh, sweet flavor.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This apple crisp is always a hit at potlucks, holiday gatherings, and family dinners.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by using different types of apples, adding nuts to the topping, or incorporating other spices.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for both the apple filling and the oatmeal cookie topping:

### Apple Filling:

* **Apples:** 6-8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced. A mix of apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Gala is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Honeycrisp provides sweetness, Granny Smith adds tartness, and Gala offers a balanced flavor.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar. Brown sugar adds a caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the filling.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 tablespoons. Flour helps to thicken the apple filling as it bakes.
* **Cinnamon:** 1 teaspoon. Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the apple filling. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.
* **Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon. Nutmeg complements the cinnamon and adds a subtle, nutty flavor.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon. Lemon juice brightens the flavors of the apples and prevents them from browning.
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon. Salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon (optional). Vanilla extract adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

### Oatmeal Cookie Topping:

* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1 cup. Flour provides structure to the topping.
* **Rolled Oats:** 1 cup. Rolled oats give the topping its signature oatmeal cookie texture and flavor. Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant oats.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar. Brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the topping.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1/4 cup. Granulated sugar adds additional sweetness and helps to create a crispy topping.
* **Baking Soda:** 1/2 teaspoon. Baking soda helps the topping to rise slightly and become tender.
* **Cinnamon:** 1/2 teaspoon. Cinnamon complements the flavors of the oats and apples.
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon. Salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold, unsalted butter, cut into cubes. Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly topping. Use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the topping.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch baking dish:** This size is ideal for a family-sized apple crisp.
* **Mixing bowls:** For preparing the apple filling and oatmeal cookie topping.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measuring of ingredients.
* **Apple peeler, corer, and slicer (optional):** These tools can make prepping the apples much easier.
* **Pastry blender or fork:** For cutting the cold butter into the dry ingredients for the topping.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious Oatmeal Cookie Apple Crisp:

### 1. Prepare the Apple Filling:

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the crisp from sticking to the dish.
* Peel, core, and slice the apples into approximately 1/4-inch thick slices. A mix of apple varieties is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Aim for uniformity in slice thickness to ensure even cooking.
* In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, salt, and vanilla extract (if using). Toss gently to ensure the apples are evenly coated. The lemon juice prevents browning and enhances the flavor.
* Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

### 2. Make the Oatmeal Cookie Topping:

* In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined to ensure even distribution.
* Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to keep the butter cold. The cold butter is key to creating a crumbly, delicious topping.
* Stir in the vanilla extract.

### 3. Assemble and Bake:

* Sprinkle the oatmeal cookie topping evenly over the apple filling. Make sure the entire surface is covered to prevent the apples from drying out.
* Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.
* Let the apple crisp cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth.

### 4. Serve and Enjoy:

* Serve warm, plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. These toppings add extra richness and flavor to the dessert.
* Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

## Tips and Variations

* **Apple Variety:** Experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite combination. Granny Smith apples provide tartness, Honeycrisp apples offer sweetness, and Gala apples offer a balanced flavor.
* **Add Nuts:** Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the oatmeal cookie topping for extra crunch and flavor. About 1/2 cup of chopped nuts is a good amount.
* **Spice it Up:** Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to your liking. You can also add a pinch of ginger or cloves for a warmer, more complex flavor.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Vegan Option:** Use vegan butter and ensure your brown sugar is vegan-friendly. Many brown sugars are processed with bone char, so look for brands that are not.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle with homemade or store-bought caramel sauce before serving for an extra touch of indulgence.
* **Ice Cream Pairing:** Vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing, but try caramel, cinnamon, or brown sugar ice cream for a more unique flavor combination.
* **Smaller Portions:** Bake in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned desserts.
* **Make Ahead:** Prepare the apple filling and oatmeal cookie topping separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake just before serving.

## Troubleshooting

* **Topping is burning:** If the topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.
* **Filling is too watery:** Make sure to use enough flour to thicken the filling. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch for extra thickening power.
* **Apples are not tender:** Make sure the apples are sliced thinly and evenly. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.
* **Topping is too dry:** Add a tablespoon or two of melted butter to the topping mixture.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving (depending on portion size and toppings).
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Protein: 3-5g

*Note: This is an approximate nutritional information and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.*

## Final Thoughts

This Oatmeal Cookie Apple Crisp is a delightful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to become a family favorite. The warm, comforting flavors are perfect for fall, but you can enjoy this dessert any time of year. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure apple crisp perfection!

Enjoy! Let me know in the comments if you try the recipe and how it turns out.