Apple Spice Cookies Recipe

Introduction

If you’re craving a sweet treat loaded with the comforting flavors of fall, apple cookies are the perfect indulgence. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with chunks of fresh apple, warm spices, and all the joys of the season. Perfect for an afternoon snack, dessert, or even a cozy holiday gathering, this recipe is your go-to for delicious apple-filled cookies.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

All-purpose flour

The base ingredient for the cookies, offering structure and texture.

Baking soda

Ensures the cookies rise perfectly while baking.

Ground cinnamon

Adds warm, spiced depth to complement the apple flavor.

Granulated sugar

Sweetens the dough and balances the tanginess of the apples.

Brown sugar

Provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness and helps the cookies stay soft.

Salt

Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.

Butter

Adds richness, moisture, and a creamy texture to the cookies.

Egg

Helps bind the dough and adds structure.

Pure vanilla extract

Infuses the cookies with a classic and aromatic vanilla flavor.

Chopped apples

Fresh apples are the star ingredient, adding a natural sweetness and soft texture.

Rolled oats

Offers a hearty, chewy texture alongside the softness of the cookies.

Chopped walnuts

Optional, for those who enjoy the nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with apples.

Prep Time

A vital step in any baking recipe, preparing these apple cookies takes only about 15 minutes. Dice your apples and gather all ingredients before starting. This ensures you proceed efficiently without missing a beat while mixing and shaping the cookies.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

These delightful cookies take around 10-12 minutes to bake to perfection. Including preparation, the total time required for whipping up this batch of cookies is approximately 25 minutes. This recipe yields around 24 cookies, making it an excellent choice for both intimate gatherings and larger groups.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a non-stick silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and one egg.
2. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to mix the ingredients thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed while mixing to ensure all ingredients are incorporated evenly.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate large bowl, add all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt.
2. Gently whisk or stir the dry ingredients until well blended and evenly distributed.

Step 4: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in 2-3 portions.
2. Beat on low speed after each addition until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Ensure there are no streaks of unmixed dry ingredients remaining.

Step 5: Add the Apples and Optional Nuts

1. Gently fold in the diced apples using a spatula or spoon.
2. If desired, fold in chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough and Shape

1. Use a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the cookie dough.
2. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between cookies to allow for spreading.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
2. Bake the cookies for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Ensure the centers are set but still soft.
3. Avoid overbaking to maintain a moist and chewy texture.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

1. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
2. Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack and let them cool completely.

Notes

Note 1: Apple Choice

For best results, use firm and crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These varieties hold their texture well during baking.

Note 2: Storing the Cookies

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Note 3: Freezing the Dough

You can freeze the cookie dough for future use. Form the dough into scoops and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Note 4: Adjusting Sweetness

If you prefer slightly less sweet cookies, reduce the amount of granulated sugar by 2-3 tablespoons.

Note 5: Nut-Free Variation

To make a nut-free version, omit the optional nuts entirely. The cookies will still be delicious and full of flavor with just the apples.

Cook Techniques

How to prepare the apples

The apples should be finely chopped into small pieces for them to incorporate well into the cookie dough. Peel and core the apples before chopping to ensure a smooth texture in the finished cookies.

Creating the cookie dough

Combine the butter and sugars until creamy and smooth before adding wet ingredients like eggs and vanilla. The dry ingredients should be mixed separately before being gradually folded into the wet mixture.

Incorporating the apples

Once the dough is ready, gently fold in the prepared apple pieces so that the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Shaping the cookies

Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto a lined baking sheet. Space them out for even baking and to prevent the cookies from merging during the baking process.

Baking the cookies

Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature and bake the cookies until they are firm and lightly golden at the edges. Monitor carefully to avoid overbaking, keeping them moist and tender.

Cooling the cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them hold their shape and finish baking with residual heat.

FAQ

What type of apples should I use?

You can use any variety of apples, but firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for maintaining their texture in the cookies.

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, if needed. Ensure to choose a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour for optimal results.

How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Can I add other ingredients like nuts or raisins?

Yes, you can incorporate additional mix-ins such as chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

To keep the cookies soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The moisture from the bread will help maintain their softness.

Conclusion

These apple cookies are a delightful combination of warm, cozy flavors blended with a tender, soft texture. Perfect for a variety of occasions, they evoke the essence of fall and are sure to become a favorite treat. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with seasonal beverages, these cookies are a wonderful addition to your recipe collection.

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