Apple Cookies Recipe: A Deliciously Easy Treat
Are you ready to bake up a batch of warm, comforting, and incredibly delicious apple cookies? This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, offering a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: This is crucial for a tender crumb. Make sure your butter is truly soft, not melted!
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps brown the cookies beautifully.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent for fluffy cookies.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Classic pairing with apples!
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended): The star of the show! Choose your favorite variety for optimal flavor.
Instructions for Baking Perfect Apple Cookies:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is important for a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples. Don't be too aggressive, as you want to retain some apple chunks.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
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Baking Time: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
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Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Extra Delicious Apple Cookies:
- Apple Choice: Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness and juiciness. Experiment with your favorites!
- Add-ins: Consider adding ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking is also a delicious touch.
- Storage: Store your cooled apple cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for longer storage.
Enjoy Your Homemade Apple Cookies!
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The perfect balance of sweet and tart, soft and chewy, these apple cookies are ideal for any occasion. Share them with friends and family, or simply enjoy them as a delicious treat for yourself. Happy baking!
