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Sliced apples and peanut butter are the perfect afternoon snack, and these easy apple slice cookies are the cutest upgrade on a classic! Fresh apples are cored, then sliced into doughnut-shaped rounds, then topped with peanut butter and your favorite toppings. They’re easy even for young kids to hold and eat and are ready in just moments!
No Bake Apple Cookies
It’s funny how changing the shape of an ordinary food can make it so much more fun and exciting. These apple slice cookies are the perfect example. My kids love spreading the peanut butter and choosing their own toppings!
Better yet, although these “cookies” look like dessert, they’re actually just a tasty, healthy snack served in a fun new way!
For more apple-infused snacks, try these Apple Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars or Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce!
Why We Love This Fun Snack Idea
- Ready in just a few minutes
- High in fiber from the nuts and apple
- Great source of healthy fats from the peanut butter
- Classic flavor combination kids love
- So easy to customize and make your own
- Perfect way to get kids involved in the kitchen
- Naturally sweetened treat you’ll feel good about serving
- Just 2 apples make enough for 10 “cookies”
Ingredient Notes
- Apples: Choose a crisp apple variety. Any type will work!
- Peanut butter: For healthy fats and a little protein. Feel free to substitute your favorite nut butter instead.
Assorted Toppings:
- Unsweetened shredded coconut
- Hemp hearts
- Chopped nuts (i.e. peanuts, walnuts, etc.)
- Mini chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place an apple corer over the stem of the apple and press down until it goes all the way through the center of the apple. Twist the corer gently and pull upwards to remove the core.
- Next, place the apple on its side and using a large knife, carefully cut it horizontally into 1/2 inch wide slices that resemble donuts. Repeat with both apples. You should get about 10-12 circular slices.
- Place the apple slices on a plate and spread with a thin layer of peanut butter. Decorate with desired toppings. Serve and enjoy!
Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!
RECIPE TIPS
- If you don’t have an apple corer, you can simply cut the apple slices horizontally and use a small circular cookie cutter or knife to cut out the center core.
- For an easier time spreading the peanut butter, blot each slice of apple with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, but just like prepping any apple slices, you may need to brush them with a little lemon juice to avoid browning.
You can use any type of apple. I prefer to use one with a crisp texture for more of a crunch. Depending on your kid’s preferences, you may want a sweeter option like Fuji or Gala or a tart variety like Granny Smith and Pink Lady.
Yes, but you’ll have to adapt them slightly. Depending on your baby’s age and fine motor development, they may not quite be ready to hold the whole apple slice in their hands and take bites. This sort of development usually shows up around 12 months of age.
For younger babies, try slicing the apples into very thin rounds or cutting them into thin slices that resemble matchsticks. You’ll also want to skip any chopped nuts and chocolate for babies under the age of two. Learn more about serving apples to babies here.
Storage Guidelines
- I recommend serving these apple cookies fresh for the best flavor and texture. For longer storage, brush or soak the apple slices in a little bit of lemon juice first. They will last 2-3 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Topping Ideas
Raid the pantry for lots of fun toppings to make these cookies even more exciting! My kids enjoy these options the most:
- Mini or regular-sized dark chocolate chips
- Unsweetened coconut flakes or shreds
- Chopped nuts (i.e. peanuts, walnuts, etc.)
- Hemp hearts
- Chia seeds
- Granola (try this pumpkin flax seed granola)
- Raisins or other dried fruit
- A dash of cinnamon
- Drizzle of honey (for kids over 2 years old)
Recipe Variations
- Try a different spread: Instead of peanut butter, use almond butter or sunflower seed butter. For a nut-free option, try Greek yogurt. For a sweeter option, try the date-sweetened caramel from these apple nachos or my 4-ingredinet peanut butter dip.
- Use cookie cutters: For a different shape, you can also use cookie cutters to trim the apple slices into little hearts or stars!
- Try pears: Firm, fresh pears can also be sliced into rounds for these no bake cookies. Be sure to choose a firm variety, like Asian or Bosc.
Like it? Save this recipe for later!
More Fun Fruit Snacks
- Fruit Fries
- Frozen Banana Pops With Yogurt
- Rainbow Fruit Board
- Heart Shaped Fruit Kabobs
- Flower Crackers
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a star rating and review!
Apple Slice Cookies – Fun & Healthy Snack!
Ingredients
- 2 apples, washed
- 2-3 tablespoons natural peanut butter
Assorted Toppings
- Unsweetened shredded coconut
- Hemp hearts
- Chopped nuts
- Mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Place an apple corer over the stem of the apple and press down until it goes all the way through the center of the apple. Twist the corer gently and pull upwards to remove the core.
- Next, place the apple on its side and using a large knife, carefully cut it horizontally into 1/2 inch wide slices that resemble donuts. Repeat with both apples. You should get about 10-12 circular slices.
- Place the apple slices on a plate and spread with a thin layer of peanut butter. Decorate with desired toppings. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- If you don’t have an apple corer, you can simply cut the apple slices horizontally and use a small circular cookie cutter or knife to cut out the center core.
- For an easier time spreading the peanut butter, blot each slice of apple with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
