13 Cozy Apple Recipes for Every Craving

Whenever I think of apples, I instantly picture all the cozy things – warm kitchens, cinnamon-scented air, and that first crisp bite of something freshly baked. Apples are such a classic ingredient, and I love how they can swing sweet or savory without missing a beat. Whether I’m sipping on a spiced drink or pulling a bubbling apple dessert out of the oven, there’s just something about apples that feels comforting and familiar.

Over the years, I’ve collected so many apple recipes that I reach for again and again. Some are perfect for chilly mornings, like muffins, while others are ideal for entertaining, like a beautiful puff pastry tart or even a fun apple-inspired cocktail. And of course, I can’t forget the classics like apple crisp and homemade applesauce, those never go out of style in my kitchen.

So today, I’m sharing 13 cozy apple recipes for every craving. You’ll find a little bit of everything here: sweet treats, savory bites, and sips that are perfect for fall and beyond. If you’ve got a basket of apples on your counter and aren’t sure what to make, this list has you covered. Trust me, there’s no wrong way to enjoy them!

1. Apple Cider Mimosa

When I want something festive but with a cozy fall twist, I always turn to an Apple Cider Mimosa. It’s the perfect balance of bubbly champagne and crisp apple cider, making it just as fun for brunch as it is for a holiday toast. I love how simple it is to make, just two ingredients, and yet it feels so special every time I pour one.

Read more about this recipe and print off a recipe card here.

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. Apple cider
• 3 oz brut champagne

Instructions:

1. Pour champagne into a champagne flute and allow bubbles to settle.
2. Add apple cider to the flute.
3. Serve chilled and enjoy!

2. Apple Cider Mocktail

I love having a fun drink in hand when the weather turns crisp, and this Apple Cider Mocktail is one of my favorites. It’s sweet, tangy, and has just the right amount of fizzy spice from the ginger beer. I like to think of it as a cozy little celebration in a glass, refreshing enough for a fall afternoon but still festive enough to serve at a holiday get-together. Plus, the apple slices and cinnamon stick garnish make it look as good as it tastes!

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

• 4 oz apple cider
• 2 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
• ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 cinnamon stick
• ½ cup ginger beer
• Apple slices (for garnish)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes to keep the mocktail chilled.

2. In a shaker or small pitcher, combine the apple cider, orange juice, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, and cinnamon stick. Stir well to blend the flavors.

3. Pour the mixture into the glass and top it off with ginger beer for a refreshing, spicy fizz.

4. Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

5. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet and tangy balance of apple cider and ginger beer, brightened with a touch of lime.

3. Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins

There’s nothing quite like the smell of Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins baking in the oven, it instantly makes my whole kitchen feel warm and cozy. These muffins are soft and fluffy, packed with juicy apple pieces, and topped with the most irresistible buttery cinnamon crumb. I love making a batch on a chilly morning because they pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and they always feel like such a comforting little treat.

Read more about this recipe and print off a recipe card here.

4. Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream

Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream is one of those desserts that never fails to make me happy, it’s simple, classic, and so comforting. I love the way the apples bake down into a sweet, spiced filling while the buttery oat topping gets golden and crunchy. And honestly, topping it with a big scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream (and maybe a drizzle of caramel) just takes it to the next level. It’s the kind of dessert that feels just as perfect for a weeknight treat as it does for a holiday table.

Read more about this recipe and print off a recipe card here.

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 6 medium apples (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 900 g total)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 g)
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar (50 g)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (2 g)
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (1 g)
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice (0.5 g)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (30 ml)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (8 g)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats (100 g)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (65 g)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (100 g)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 g)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (2 g)
• 1/4 tsp salt (1.5 g)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed (115 g)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) (60 g)

To Serve:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar oven-safe dish.

2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.

3. Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

4. In a medium bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

5. Add cold butter cubes and work them into the mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.

6. Stir in chopped nuts if using.

7. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish.

8. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.

9. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes to allow the juices to settle.

10. Serve warm, scooping apple crisp into bowls and topping with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce if desired.

5. Apple Donuts with Peanut Butter

Apple Donuts with Peanut Butter are one of my favorite fun (and secretly healthy) snacks to make. I love how quick they come together, just crisp apple slices slathered in creamy peanut butter and topped with whatever I’m craving, from fresh berries to a sprinkle of coconut or a drizzle of chocolate. They look so cute and playful, almost like real donuts, and they’re always a hit with both kids and adults.

Servings: 12-14 

Ingredients:

• 4 apples
• 1 ⅓ cups peanut butter
• Suggested toppings: roasted coconut, blueberries, strawberries, sprinkles, white chocolate, and dark chocolate.

Instructions:

1. Rinse the apples thoroughly.

2. Slice the apples into ½ inch thick pieces, discarding the top and bottom slices.

3. Use a small biscuit or cookie cutter, or a melon baller, to remove the core from each slice.

4. Spread peanut butter evenly over each apple slice.

5. Add your favorite toppings on top and drizzle with chocolate.

6. Apple Hand Pies

Apple Hand Pies are one of those treats that always make me feel a little nostalgic. There’s just something so cozy about holding a warm, golden pie in your hand, filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and finished with a sweet glaze. I love that they’re portable, perfectly portioned, and just as good for sharing at a fall gathering as they are for sneaking as a late-night snack.

Read more about this recipe and print off a recipe card here.

Servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 2 smaller Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 Honeycrisp apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Assembly:

• 2 sheets of store-bought pie crust
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Add the diced Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.

3. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the apples soften slightly.

4. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.

5. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Roll out the store-bought pie crust and cut out 4–5 inch circles using a cookie cutter or glass rim.

7. Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of one dough circle.

8. Top with a second dough circle and gently press around the edges to seal.

9. Crimp the edges with a fork to fully seal the pies.

10. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.

11. Cut two small slits on top of each pie to allow steam to escape.

12. Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

13. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

14. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

15. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled hand pies and let it set for a few minutes.

7. Brie, Bacon, Apple & Honey Panini

This Brie, Bacon, Apple & Honey Panini is my idea of the ultimate comfort sandwich. I love how the creamy Brie melts into the smoky bacon, while the crisp apple slices add a fresh crunch and the honey brings just the right touch of sweetness. Pressed until golden and gooey, it’s the kind of panini that feels a little fancy but is still super easy to whip up for lunch or a cozy dinner.

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of your favorite bread
• 1/2 wheel of Brie cheese, sliced
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked until desired crispiness has been reached
• 1/2 apple, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. Take 2 slices of bread and place Brie cheese on one side of each slice.

2. Add two slices of cooked bacon on top of the cheese-covered side of each bread slice.

3. Layer thinly sliced apples on top of the bacon.

4. Drizzle honey over the apples.

5. Top each sandwich with the remaining slices of bread.

6. Spread butter on the outer side of each sandwich.

7. Heat a panini grill over medium heat.

8. Place the sandwiches on the grill and cook until the bread is golden brown and the Brie is melted, about 3-5 minutes.

9. Slice in half and enjoy while warm.

8. Double-Crust Honeycrisp Apple Pie

There’s just something magical about a Double-Crust Honeycrisp Apple Pie, it’s the kind of dessert that instantly makes the whole house smell like fall. I love the way the flaky, golden crust holds in all those tender, cinnamon-spiced Honeycrisp apples, and the little sprinkle of sugar on top gives it that perfect sparkle and crunch. Whether I serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy a slice the next day with my morning coffee, it always feels like a cozy, homemade treat worth savoring.

Read more about this recipe and print off a recipe card here.

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

For the Pie Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
• 6-8 tablespoons ice-cold water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 medium-sized Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 small egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.

2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and mix with your hands until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Gradually add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking the dough.

4. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

5. Remove one dough portion from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer it to the dish, pressing gently on the bottom and sides.

7. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

8. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.

9. In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined.

10. Add the sugar mixture to the apples and toss until evenly coated.

11. Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust, mounding slightly in the center.

12. Dot the filling with small pieces of unsalted butter.

13. Roll out the second dough portion on a floured surface into a circle slightly larger than the pie dish.

14. Place the rolled dough over the filling, trim excess dough leaving about a 1-inch overhang.

15. Fold the overhang under the bottom crust edge and crimp edges to seal.

16. Cut small slits or decorative vents in the top crust for steam to escape.

17. Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle evenly with granulated sugar.

18. Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden and filling is bubbling.

19. Remove the pie from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.

20. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream or yogurt.

9. Fireball Apple Cider

Fireball Apple Cider is one of my favorite cozy cocktails when the weather turns chilly, it’s sweet, spiced, and has just the right kick of warmth. I love how easy it is to make, whether I’m sipping it hot by the fire or pouring it over ice for a fun fall party drink. The apple slices and cinnamon stick garnish make it look extra festive, but honestly, it’s delicious even without the extras.

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

• 7 Ounces Apple Cider, hot or chilled
• 3 Ounces Fireball Whiskey
• Red Apple Slices (optional garnish)
• Cinnamon Sticks (optional garnish)
• Whole Star Anise (optional garnish)
• Fresh Rosemary Sprigs (optional garnish)

Instructions:

1. For a chilled drink, place a few ice cubes in your glass. If you’d prefer it warm, heat the apple cider until nicely warmed through.

2. Pour the Fireball into the glass, then fill the rest with apple cider.

3. Add a garnish of red apple slices, a cinnamon stick, whole star anise, and a sprig of fresh rosemary, if you like, and serve!

10. Instant Pot Applesauce

Making Instant Pot Applesauce is one of those little kitchen joys for me, it’s so simple, but the flavor is just unbeatable. I love how the mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples gives it that perfect balance of tart and sweet, and the cinnamon makes the whole house smell amazing while it cooks. Plus, the Instant Pot makes it practically effortless, and I can serve it warm, chilled, or even use it in baking.

Read more about this recipe and print off a recipe card here.

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. Granny Smith apples
• 2 lbs. Honeycrisp apples
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2-4 tablespoons organic cane sugar
• ¾ cup water

Instructions:

1. Peel the apples, remove their cores, and chop them into small pieces.

2. Place the apple pieces, water, sugar, and cinnamon sticks into the Instant Pot and stir to combine.

3. Seal the vent and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. Once done, perform a quick release.

4. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency.

5. Serve warm or chilled, whichever you prefer.

11. Puff Pastry Apple Roses

Puff Pastry Apple Roses are one of those desserts that look way fancier than they actually are, which is why I love making them. The thin apple slices bake up soft and sweet inside buttery puff pastry, and when they’re rolled into little rose shapes, they’re just stunning. I like dusting them with powdered sugar right before serving, it makes them look like something straight out of a bakery, even though they’re surprisingly easy to put together at home.

Read more about this recipe and print off a recipe card here.

Servings: 12

Ingredients:

• 1 box (2 sheets) of Pepperidge Farms puff pastry sheets
• 3 red apples (I used Fuji apples)
• ½ lemon, juice
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp cinnamon powder
• 2 tbsp butter
• Powdered sugar, optional

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a muffin tray with nonstick spray.

2. Wash the apples, cut them in half lengthwise, and remove the core.

3. Slice the apples thinly across the width, keeping the cut side down.

4. Place the thin apple slices in a bowl and squeeze the juice of half a lemon over them.

5. Sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons of sugar and a small pinch of cinnamon over the apples and stir until everything is well combined. Set the remaining sugar and cinnamon aside.

6. Melt the butter and brush it onto one side of each puff pastry sheet.

7. Combine the remaining sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it over the buttered side of the puff pastry.

8. Cut each puff pastry sheet into six equal strips.

9. Place a few apple slices along each strip of puff pastry and fold the pastry over to encase the apples.

10. Carefully roll the pastry and apples into a rose shape, then place it in the prepared muffin tray. Repeat for all 12 roses.

11. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

12. Let the roses cool for 10 minutes before serving.

12. Star-Spangled Fruit Salad

This Star-Spangled Fruit Salad is such a fun and festive way to enjoy apples, and it couldn’t be easier to put together. I love how the bright strawberries, juicy blueberries, and crisp apple stars come together to make a dish that’s both refreshing and eye-catching. It’s perfect for summer cookouts, holiday picnics, or anytime I want to add a little patriotic flair to the table.

Read more about this recipe and print off a recipe card here.

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 Pink Lady apple, sliced and cut into star shapes
• 1 lb strawberries, quartered
• 1 lb blueberries

Instructions:

1. Rinse the strawberries, quarter them, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Wash the blueberries and add them to the bowl with the strawberries. Gently toss to mix.
3. Wash the Pink Lady apple. Using a small star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out stars from the apple slices.
4. Add the star-shaped apple pieces to the bowl with the other fruits. Toss everything gently to mix without crushing the fruits.
5. Chill the fruit salad until ready to serve.

13. Upside Down Apple Tart

This Upside Down Apple Tart is one of those desserts that feels a little fancy but is actually super simple to make. I love how the apples caramelize in butter and sugar until they’re perfectly tender, then get topped with flaky puff pastry that bakes up golden and crisp. Flipping it out of the pan always feels a bit dramatic, but the end result is such a gorgeous, glossy tart that looks like it came straight from a bakery.

Read more about this recipe and print off a recipe card here.

Servings: 6 turnovers

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed if frozen
• 1 Red Delicious apple, peeled, cored, and cut into thin slices
• 1/8 cup (25g) brown sugar
• 1/8 cup (25g) granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• A pinch of salt
• Confectioners sugar, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a round baking pan or oven-proof skillet, approximately 9 inches in diameter.

2. In the pan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add both types of sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, stirring until the sugars dissolve and the mixture starts to bubble.

3. Add the apple wedges to the pan, arranging them tightly in a circular pattern. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until the apples are somewhat tender and caramelized. Be careful not to burn the caramel.

4. While the apples are caramelizing, roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 6 even rectangles.

5. Once the apples are caramelized, let them cool for a few minutes.

6. Place 1 square of butter on a baking sheet, add 4 slices of caramelized apple, and place the puff pastry on top. Press the edges down with a fork.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed.

8. After removing the tart from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then carefully flip it onto a plate. Be cautious, as the caramel and pan will be very hot.

9. Dust some confectioners’ sugar over the tart.

10. Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

I hope you’re feeling as inspired as I am to grab a basket of apples and start cooking! From warm, cinnamon-spiced desserts to fresh, fun snacks and even a few sippable treats, these recipes prove just how versatile apples can be. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, or a little bit festive, there’s definitely a recipe here to satisfy that craving. I know I’ll be making these on repeat all season long, and I can’t wait to hear which one you try first!