Apple Cookies are a delightful and flavorful treat that combines the sweet and comforting taste of apples with a soft and moist cookie base. These cookies are perfect for showcasing the deliciousness of fresh apples and are a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of fall or any time of the year. With a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a luscious apple frosting, these cookies are sure to become a favorite among both kids and adults alike.

The history of Apple Cookies can be traced back to the tradition of incorporating apples into baked goods. Apples have long been a popular ingredient in various desserts due to their natural sweetness and versatility. As apples are abundant during the fall season, people have been using them to create delectable treats that capture the essence of the harvest season.

The combination of fresh shredded apples and cookie dough in this recipe creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The addition of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the apple’s natural sweetness and adds depth to the overall taste of the cookies. The frosting, made with apple juice concentrate, brown sugar, and pecans, brings a rich and nutty flavor that complements the apple-infused cookies perfectly.

INGREDIENTS

COOKIES:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 cup peeled and shredded apple
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed but still cold

FROSTING:

• 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 1/2 tbsp apple juice concentrate
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
• Sea salt for sprinkling

INSTRUCTIONS

COOKIES:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this dry mixture aside.
2. In a separate bowl, toss the shredded apple with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
3. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, blend together the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until creamy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Mix in half of the flour mixture, then with the mixer running on low speed, slowly add in the frozen apple juice concentrate. Mix in the remaining half of the flour mixture. Fold in the shredded apples.
5. Using a medium 1 1/2-inch cookie scoop, drop scoops of cookie dough onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11-12 minutes until they are golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

FROSTING:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the light-brown sugar, butter, apple juice concentrate, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth.

ASSEMBLY:

1. Spread the frosting over the cooled cookies, and immediately sprinkle the finely chopped pecans and sea salt on top.

These Apple Cookies with their delightful combination of flavors and textures are sure to be a hit at any gathering or enjoyed as a sweet treat for yourself. Whether you savor them during the fall season or year-round, these cookies will leave you wanting more with each delicious bite.