Apple Cookies are a delicious twist on traditional cookies, bringing in the sweetness and slight tartness of apples along with warm spices like cinnamon. These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for fall or anytime you’re craving something fruity and comforting. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee!
Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for Apple Cookies:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds a nice warmth)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apples (about 1 medium apple, such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (optional, for extra texture)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but great for crunch)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in Apples and Add-ins:
- Gently fold in the finely chopped apples, oats, nuts (if using), and raisins or cranberries (if using). The dough will be soft and slightly chunky because of the apples.
6. Scoop and Bake:
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread a little, so give them room.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set. These cookies will stay soft, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft in the middle when you take them out. They’ll firm up as they cool.
7. Cool:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- Apple variety: Choose apples that hold up well when baked, like Granny Smith (tart) or Fuji (sweet). Avoid apples that are too soft, like Red Delicious, as they might break down too much in the dough.
- Apple size: The apples should be finely chopped so that they don’t overwhelm the cookie. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can chop them in larger pieces, but they might not hold together as well.
- Oats: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can skip the oats, but they add a nice chewiness and texture to the cookies.
- Storage: These cookies stay soft for several days when stored in an airtight container. They also freeze well! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Variations:
- Caramel Apple Cookies: Add a handful of caramel chips or swirl in some caramel sauce after the cookies have cooled slightly.
- Spiced Apple Cookies: Boost the flavor by adding a pinch of cloves or a bit of ginger.
- Apple Cinnamon Streusel: Add a streusel topping made of flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon for a crunchy topping.
These Apple Cookies are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of fall or any time you’re craving a sweet, fruity treat. Soft, chewy, and with a nice balance of spice and sweetness, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Would you make them with or without the oats? Or do you have another favorite ingredient you’d add?
