If you love baking with apples, you’re in for a treat! Today, I’m sharing two fantastic apple dessert recipes that are perfect for any time you want something sweet and comforting. These cookie ideas are simple to make and taste absolutely wonderful.
You’re going to love these easy apple cookies, whether you prefer the spiced softness of apple butter or the familiar taste of apple pie. Let’s get baking!
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Apple Butter Cookies: Soft & Sweet Apple Baking
These apple butter cookies are incredibly soft and have a lovely spiced flavor. They are easy to make and perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a sweet gift.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Apple Butter Cookies
- Good Apple Butter: Choose a high-quality apple butter for the best flavor. It is the star of these cookies and provides much of the moisture.
- Spice Mix: A blend of cinnamon and nutmeg really makes the apple flavor shine. Don’t skip these warming spices for a classic taste.
- Don’t Overbake: To keep these cookies soft, watch them carefully. They should be just lightly golden on the edges, not hard.
What You Need for Apple Butter Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
⏱️ Time: 25 mins🍽️ Yields: 18 cookies
How to Make Apple Butter Cookies
Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until they are light and creamy. Next, add the apple butter and the egg, mixing until everything is smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
📝 Final Note
Store these apple butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fresh. They are also wonderful slightly warm!
Apple Pie Cookies: Easy Apple Dessert Bites
Imagine your favorite apple pie in a small, easy-to-eat cookie form. These apple pie cookies are simple to put together and taste just like the classic dessert.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Apple Pie Cookies
- Store-Bought Crust: Using pre-made pie crust makes this recipe super quick and simple. You don’t need to make dough from scratch!
- Apple Choice: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture in the filling. They hold their shape well during baking.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to put too much apple filling in each cookie, or they might burst open during baking. A small spoonful is just right.
What You Need for Apple Pie Cookies
- 1 pre-made pie crust, rolled out
- 2 small apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
⏱️ Time: 35 mins🍽️ Yields: 12 cookies
How to Make Apple Pie Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Apple Filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix the finely diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir everything together well to create your delicious apple pie filling.
Step 2: Assemble Cookies
Unroll the pre-made pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches) to cut out circles. Place a small spoonful of apple filling onto one half of each circle. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a semicircle, then gently crimp the edges with a fork to seal them completely.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Place the assembled cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush the tops of the cookies with the beaten egg wash. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling looks bubbly. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
📝 Final Note
These apple pie cookies are wonderful served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or simply enjoyed on their own as a sweet snack!