Apple Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Apple cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with juicy apple pieces, baked into a soft, buttery cookie. Perfect for autumn or any time you crave a cozy, fruity dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup peeled and chopped apples
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add the flour and cinnamon to the butter mixture and stir until combined into a dough.
- Step 4: Gently fold the chopped apples into the dough, being careful not to crush them.
- Step 5: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Add a handful of chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
- Substitute half the sugar with brown sugar for a richer taste.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape better.
Storage
Store apple cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain their softness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh apples to avoid excess moisture in the dough, but if you use frozen apples, thaw and drain them well before folding into the dough.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Keep an eye on the texture of the dough, as gluten-free flours may absorb liquid differently.
PrintApple Cookies Recipe
These Apple Cookies offer a delightful combination of tender apple pieces folded into a cinnamon-spiced dough, resulting in a soft, lightly golden treat perfect for autumn snacking or any time you crave a comforting cookie with a fruity twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Main Ingredient
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the finely diced apples into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing to preserve apple texture.
- Portion Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangy counterbalance to the sweetness.
- Make sure apples are finely diced to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a softer cookie, slightly underbake by a minute or two.
- Adding a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking can add a nice crunchy texture.
Keywords: apple cookies, cinnamon cookies, fall cookies, soft cookies, fruit cookies, easy baking recipe
