If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for snack recipes that are quick, satisfy your sweet tooth, and somehow feel a little healthier too. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Apple Cookies with Peanut Butter, Nuts, and Chocolate Chips Recipe with you—it’s basically the ultimate snack mashup. Crisp apple slices meet creamy peanut butter, crunchy nuts, and melty chocolate chips, and I promise, once you try it, you’ll be hooked just like my family is.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Fast: Just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes to make a delicious snack.
- Perfect Texture Blend: Crunchy apple and nuts meet creamy peanut butter and gooey chocolate chips—it’s a perfect bite every time.
- Great for Everyone: Whether you need a quick after-school snack or a wholesome dessert, these cookies hit the spot.
- Healthy-ish Indulgence: You get natural sweetness from the apple and protein from the peanut butter and nuts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These apple cookies are all about simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. When shopping, pick a crisp, firm apple so the slices hold up well under all those toppings.
- Apple: A firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works great since they won’t get soggy quickly.
- Peanut Butter: I recommend creamy for easy spreading, but if you prefer crunchy, go for it! Just watch the spreadability.
- Almonds: Sliced almonds add a delicate crunch without overpowering the flavors.
- Walnuts: Chopped walnuts bring a rich, slightly bitter note that balances the sweet.
- Shredded Coconut: Adds a bit of chewiness and a tropical hint—feel free to toast it lightly for extra flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work best to keep the balance of flavors.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Apple Cookies with Peanut Butter, Nuts, and Chocolate Chips Recipe is how easy it is to switch things up. Feel free to tailor it to your tastes or what you have on hand!
- Nut-Free Variation: I’ve swapped peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and omitted the nuts when friends with allergies visited, and nobody missed a thing.
- Spices Addition: A sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg on the peanut butter before adding toppings can add a warm twist I always enjoy in fall.
- Other Fruits: When apples are out of season, thin slices of pear or even firm peach work nicely.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and natural peanut butter to keep it plant-based.
How to Make Apple Cookies with Peanut Butter, Nuts, and Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Slice Your Apple Perfectly
Start by slicing your apple into thin rings about ¼ inch thick. I use a mandoline slicer for even thickness, but a sharp knife works just fine. Make sure to remove the core carefully—you want a nice round “cookie” base without the seeds. Thinner slices give a delicate crunch, but if you prefer a heartier bite, slice a bit thicker.
Step 2: Spread the Peanut Butter
Spread about a tablespoon of peanut butter on one side of each apple ring. The creamy texture makes it easy to cover the surface, providing a luscious layer that holds all your toppings in place. I like to let the peanut butter sit at room temperature for a few minutes before spreading to avoid tearing the apple slice.
Step 3: Pile on the Nuts, Coconut, and Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips generously on top of the peanut butter. Don’t be shy! This is where the magic happens with varying textures and flavors. I usually toast the nuts and coconut beforehand to amplify their flavor and crunch.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately so the apple stays crisp. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to prep ahead, chill them briefly and toss in an airtight container.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Cookies with Peanut Butter, Nuts, and Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Choose Crisp Apples: I’ve learned that softer apples make for soggy cookies—always go for firm.
- Toast Nuts and Coconut: Toasting them enhances flavor and adds an irresistible crunch that everyone notices.
- Room Temperature Peanut Butter: Softened peanut butter is easier to spread without damaging the apple slices.
- Assemble Just Before Serving: Putting these together too far ahead can cause sogginess—best enjoyed fresh.
How to Serve Apple Cookies with Peanut Butter, Nuts, and Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey over the finished cookies for an extra layer of sweetness. Sometimes, a little sea salt sprinkle on top helps the chocolate and peanut butter flavors really pop—trust me, it’s magic!
Side Dishes
These apple cookies are amazing with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. For a more filling snack, I often serve them alongside Greek yogurt or a small bowl of cottage cheese for a nice balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to arrange these apple cookies on a wooden platter with extra nuts and chocolate chips scattered around. Add some fresh mint leaves for a pop of green and a fancy touch—your guests will think you spent hours on the spread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you do have leftovers (and sometimes I do!), store the apple cookies in an airtight container in the fridge, but try to consume within 24 hours. The apple slices start to lose their crispness, but they’re still tasty chilled.
Freezing
I haven’t had the best luck freezing these apple cookies because the texture of the apple changes when thawed. If you want to prep in advance, I suggest slicing and storing apples separately with lemon juice to prevent browning, then assembling right before eating.
Reheating
Since these are best fresh, I usually don’t recommend reheating. But if you want the chocolate chips a bit melty, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave does the trick without making the apple too soft.
FAQs
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Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work beautifully, especially if you have a peanut allergy or want to change the flavor profile.
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How do I prevent the apple slices from browning?
To keep them looking fresh, soak your apple slices in a mixture of water and a little lemon juice for about 10 minutes before assembling. Drain and pat dry well before topping.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply use dairy-free chocolate chips and make sure your peanut butter contains no honey or other animal products.
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Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely. Kids love the sweet and creamy combination, and the fun shape of an apple ring makes it especially appealing. Just watch for nut allergies!
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Apple Cookies with Peanut Butter, Nuts, and Chocolate Chips Recipe comes together so quickly, yet delivers such a satisfying mix of flavors and textures. My family goes crazy for these, and it’s become our go-to snack when we want something both delicious and wholesome. I hope you give it a try and find yourself reaching for these cookies over and over—sharing a plate of these with friends and family is one of my favorite simple joys.
PrintApple Cookies with Peanut Butter, Nuts, and Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 cookies
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delicious and wholesome Apple Cookies are a healthy snack made by layering sliced apple rings with creamy peanut butter and topped with crunchy nuts, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips. Perfect for a quick treat that combines natural sweetness with satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 apple
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup almonds, sliced
- ¼ cup walnuts, chopped
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Slice the apple: Slice the apple into thin rings, making sure to remove the core completely from each slice to create a sturdy base for toppings.
- Spread peanut butter: Evenly spread peanut butter over one side of each apple ring to act as the adhesive layer for the toppings and add creaminess.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips over the peanut butter on each apple ring. Press gently to help ingredients stick.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp apples for the best texture and flavor.
- To keep nuts crunchy, add them just before serving.
- For a vegan option, use dairy-free chocolate chips and peanut butter without additives.
- Variation: swap peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg