These soft apple cookies are a delightful treat that combine the sweetness of apples with warm spices. Perfect for a cozy snack or a charming addition to any gathering, these cookies are tender, flavorful, and easy to make.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: About 24 cookies
Ingredients:
- Apples: 2 medium, peeled and finely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups or 250 g)
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups (190 g)
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Butter: 1/4 cup (55 g), softened
- Egg: 1 large
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Optional Add-ins: 1/2 cup (50 g) raisins or chopped nuts
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare Apples: Peel and finely chop the apples. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples and optional add-ins.
- Scoop Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy the cookies warm with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Serve with a light drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat.
Cooking Tips:
- Apple Preparation: Make sure the apples are finely chopped to ensure even distribution and texture in the cookies.
- Butter Consistency: Softened butter is key for a smooth dough. If it’s too cold, it will be difficult to cream with the sugars.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Apples: Provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Cinnamon: Offers anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Dietary Information:
- Contains Dairy: From butter.
- Contains Gluten: From flour.
- Can Be Made Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter substitute.
Nutritional Facts (per cookie):
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 9 g
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Soft and Tender: These cookies have a delightful soft texture that melts in your mouth.
- Apple Flavor: Packed with the natural sweetness and flavor of apples.
- Spice Infusion: Cinnamon adds a warm, comforting spice to each bite.
- Easy to Make: Quick preparation and baking process makes these a great option for a fast treat.
Conclusion:
These soft apple cookies are a scrumptious treat that combines tender cookie texture with the sweetness of apples and a hint of cinnamon. They are perfect for a cozy snack or as a delightful addition to any gathering. Enjoy these cookies fresh from the oven or stored for later as a satisfying and wholesome dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, you can use any apple variety you like. Sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp work well. - Can I substitute whole wheat flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may result in a denser cookie. - Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, use a vegan butter substitute and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of the egg. - How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. - Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to add up to 1/2 cup of nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. - How do I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage. - Can I use apple sauce instead of chopped apples?
Yes, but the texture will be different. Use 1 cup of unsweetened apple sauce and reduce the butter slightly. - Can these cookies be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. - What if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle. - How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. They may still be soft in the middle but will firm up as they cool.