Sliced apples and peanut butter have always been a favorite afternoon snack around here, and these easy apple slice cookies are such a fun twist on the classic combination! Crisp apples are cored and cut into donut-shaped slices, then spread with peanut butter and finished with your favorite toppings. They’re simple enough for little hands to hold and enjoy, and you can have them ready in just a few minutes.

No Bake Apple Cookies

One of my favorite ways to make snack time a little more exciting is by giving everyday foods a fun twist. These apple slice cookies are a perfect example! My grandkids always have a great time spreading on the peanut butter and picking out their favorite toppings to create their own unique combinations.

Even better, while these “cookies” may look like a sweet treat, they’re actually a wholesome snack made with simple, nutritious ingredients. It’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy fresh fruit while making healthy eating feel a little more special.

Overhead view of apple slice cookies topped with peanut butter, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and walnuts on white plates, with fresh apples and ingredients arranged nearby.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Slice Cookies

Quick and easy to make. These apple slice cookies come together in just a few minutes with no baking required, making them perfect for busy afternoons, after-school snacks, or last-minute treats.
Made with simple ingredients. All you need are fresh apples, peanut butter, and a handful of toppings to create a snack that’s both delicious and satisfying.
Perfect year-round. Enjoy them as a refreshing summer snack, a healthy back-to-school treat, or a simple way to use up fresh apples any time of year.
Perfect for healthy snacking. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, a lunchbox addition, or a lighter dessert option, these apple slice cookies are a delicious way to enjoy fresh fruit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!)

Overhead view of ingredients for apple slice cookies arranged on a white marble surface, including red apples, peanut butter, lime juice, chocolate chips, sweetened coconut flakes, and chopped walnuts before assembly.

Apples – Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, and Pink Lady apples all work well because they stay crisp and hold their shape.
Lime juice (for soaking the apple slices) – A quick lime juice soak helps prevent the apples from browning and keeps them looking fresh.
Peanut butter – Creamy peanut butter spreads most easily, but crunchy peanut butter also works.
Chocolate chips
Sweetened coconut flakes
Chopped nuts

How to Make Apple Slice Cookies

Overhead view of cored apple slices in a glass bowl during preparation for apple slice cookies, with bowls of lime juice and sweetened coconut flakes nearby on a white marble surface.

Overhead view of cored apple slices soaking in lime juice in a glass bowl, with peanut butter, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes nearby during preparation for apple slice cookies.

Overhead view of cored apple slices drying on a wire rack after soaking in lime juice, preparing them for peanut butter and toppings in an apple slice cookies recipe.

Overhead view of snack spread with peanut butter and arranged on a wire rack, preparing them for toppings.

Overhead view of snack topped with peanut butter, chocolate chips, sweetened coconut flakes, and walnuts on a wire rack before serving.

Step 1: Slice each apple into thick, even rounds, aiming for about 3 to 4 slices per apple.
Step 2: Use the wide end of a piping tip to press out the center core from each apple slice. This creates a neat little circle in the middle and makes the apple slices look more like cookies.
Step 3: Place the apple slices in lime juice for a few minutes. This helps slow browning and gives the apples a fresh, bright flavor.
Step 4: Remove the apple slices from the lime juice and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is important because peanut butter sticks much better to dry apple slices.
Step 5: Spread a layer of peanut butter over the top of each apple slice. Use about ⅓ cup peanut butter total, adding more or less depending on how thick you like the layer.
Step 6: Sprinkle each peanut butter apple slice with chocolate chips, sweetened coconut flakes, chopped nuts, or any other toppings you like.
Step 7: Serve right away for the best crunch and freshest flavor.

Close-up overhead view of apple slice cookies topped with peanut butter, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and walnuts on a white plate, ready to serve as a healthy snack.

Tips for Perfect Apple Slice Cookies

Use natural peanut butter if you prefer a less sweet snack. Just be sure to stir it well before spreading.
Chill the apple slices for 10 minutes before serving. This makes them extra crisp and refreshing, especially on warm days.
Cut larger apple slices in half for younger kids. Smaller portions are easier to hold and less messy to eat.
Use a variety of apple colors. Mixing red and green apples makes the finished platter more colorful and appealing.

Apple Slice Cookies FAQs

If the apple slices are cut too thin, they may not be sturdy enough to hold the peanut butter and toppings. Aim for slices that are about ¼-inch thick so they’re easy to pick up and eat.

These pair well with yogurt, cheese cubes, fresh fruit, or a smoothie for a more filling snack. They also make a great addition to snack boards and brunch spreads.

Yes, you can make apple slice cookies ahead of time, but they’re best enjoyed fresh. For the best results, prepare the apple slices in advance and store them in the refrigerator, then add the peanut butter and toppings just before serving.

Storage Tips

Store leftover apple slice cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Arrange the slices in a single layer when possible to keep the toppings in place and maintain their appearance.
Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent the peanut butter and toppings from sticking.
For the best texture, enjoy them the same day since the apples will gradually soften as they sit.
Keep any extra toppings separate and add them just before serving if making the cookies ahead of time.

Overhead view of apple slice cookies topped with peanut butter, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and walnuts on a white plate, with fresh apples and bowls of toppings nearby.

Apple Slice Cookie Topping Ideas

Chocolate Lover’s: Top with chocolate chips and sweetened coconut flakes for a sweet, dessert-like treat.
Trail Mix Style: Add chopped nuts, raisins, and a few chocolate chips for a satisfying mix of flavors and textures.
Apple Pie Inspired: Sprinkle with cinnamon and chopped nuts for a cozy fall-inspired variation.
Protein-Packed: Add extra chopped nuts and a drizzle of peanut butter for a more filling snack.
Tropical Twist: Use plenty of sweetened coconut flakes for a simple tropical flavor.
Sweet and Salty: Combine chocolate chips and chopped nuts for the perfect balance of sweet and crunchy.
Build Your Own: Set out a variety of toppings and let everyone customize their own apple slice cookies.

If you tried these apple slice cookies, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and let me know which toppings you used or any fun variations you created.