These soft apple cookies with maple icing are a delightful twist on classic apple dessert recipes, offering a comforting and flavorful treat. You will love how easy they are to make, perfect for any time you crave a sweet apple-infused snack.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is essential for the distinct flavor of the icing.
- All-Purpose Flour: A gluten-free 1:1 baking flour can be used as a substitute.
- Unsalted Butter: Margarine or a plant-based butter alternative works well.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
For the Maple Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories per serving: Approximately 120 calories
- Tools Needed: Mixing bowls, baking sheets, parchment paper, whisk, electric mixer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl. Set this aside. This ensures all your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed for perfect apple dessert recipes.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step creates the creamy base for your soft apple cookies.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough. Gently fold in the finely diced apples.
5. Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. Make the Maple Icing
While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of milk in a small bowl until smooth. Add more milk, ½ teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Ice Your Apple Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle or spread the maple icing over each one. Allow the icing to set before stacking.
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for extra texture.
- Spice It Up: Include a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a warmer flavor profile.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Stir in ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
- Oatmeal Apple Cookies: Substitute ¼ cup of flour with old-fashioned rolled oats for a chewier cookie.
Storage Instructions:
Store your soft apple cookies with maple icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If your kitchen is very warm, you can store them in the refrigerator, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can you use other types of apples?
A: Yes, but firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best for baking as they hold their shape and provide good flavor balance in apple dessert recipes.
Q: Can you freeze these cookies?
A: You can freeze the un-iced cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature and then apply the fresh maple icing.
Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A: This could be due to your butter being too soft, or your oven temperature not being accurate. Chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking can also help.
Q: How do you prevent the apples from browning in the dough?
A: Dicing the apples just before adding them to the dough will help minimize browning. The baking process will also cook them through.
Q: Can you make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough (without the apples) and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the fresh diced apples just before baking.
Q: What if you don’t have maple syrup for the icing?
A: You can make a simple powdered sugar glaze with milk and a touch of vanilla extract, though the maple flavor is a key element of these specific apple dessert recipes.