Create bakery-style apple cookies in just 10 minutes of prep time! These delightfully soft and fluffy cookies are packed with tender, cinnamon-spiced apple chunks that burst with flavor in every bite. The secret lies in pre-cooking the apples with butter and spices, creating caramelized pieces that stay perfectly moist inside these golden, cloud-like cookies. Perfect for afternoon tea, school lunchboxes, or whenever you’re craving a homemade treat that tastes like autumn in cookie form.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons (30g/1 oz) butter
- 1/4 cup (50g/1.8 oz) granulated sugar
- Cinnamon to taste
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) salt
- 1/2 cup (100g/3.5 oz) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g/3.5 oz) butter, melted
- 2⅔ cups (320g/11.3 oz) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon (12g) baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Prepare the Apple Filling:
- Prep apples: Peel and cut the apples into small, uniform pieces.
- Cook the filling: In a medium pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon to taste, and lemon juice.
- Caramelize: Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and lightly caramelized. Set aside to cool completely.
Make the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat oven: Heat your oven to 180°C (356°F/Gas Mark 4). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Beat eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with salt and 1/2 cup sugar for 3-4 minutes until fluffy and pale.
- Add butter: Mix in the melted butter until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Add to the egg mixture in several stages, mixing gently until just combined.
- Fold in apples: Gently fold the cooled apple mixture into the cookie dough until evenly distributed.
Shape and Bake:
- Shape cookies: Using a spoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until cookies are golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
- Finish: Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Time and Serving Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Servings: 18-20 cookies
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
- Calories: 165
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
Why These Apple Cookies are So Good and Healthy
These delightful apple cookies offer a perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition that makes them ideal for the whole family. Fresh apples provide essential dietary fiber, vitamin C, and powerful antioxidants that support immune function and digestive health. The pre-cooking process with cinnamon not only enhances flavor but also helps regulate blood sugar levels naturally. Unlike many commercial cookies, these homemade treats contain no artificial preservatives or additives, giving you complete control over ingredients. The eggs contribute high-quality protein and essential nutrients, while the moderate amount of butter provides satisfying richness without excess. The soft, cake-like texture makes these cookies easier to digest than crispy alternatives, and the natural apple sweetness allows for reduced added sugar. These cookies deliver the comforting taste of apple pie in a portable, family-friendly format that’s perfect for satisfying sweet cravings while providing actual nutritional value.