Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• Flour – 400g (plus/minus depending on the consistency)
• Sugar – 100g
• Butter – 100g, softened
• Egg – 1 large
• Milk – 50ml
• Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
• Vanilla – To taste (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
• Salt – A pinch

For the Filling:

• Apples – 1-2, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• Sugar – 2 tablespoons
• Butter – 1 tablespoon
• Cinnamon – To taste (1 teaspoon recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together 400g of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat 100g of softened butter with 100g of sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or whisk.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Crack in one large egg and add 50ml of milk to the butter-sugar mixture. Add a splash of vanilla extract (or vanilla sugar) for flavor. Mix until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing continuously. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but firm enough to handle. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Chop the Apples: Peel and finely chop 1-2 apples into small cubes. The amount of apple you use depends on your preference, but 1 to 2 apples are generally enough to give a balanced apple flavor to the cookies.
2. Cook the Filling: In a small pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped apples, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon (about 1 teaspoon). Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly and the sugar begins to caramelize. Once done, set the apple mixture aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Divide the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Divide the dough into equal parts and roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness.
2. Add the Filling: Place a small amount of the apple mixture in the center of each piece of rolled dough. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape or create small balls with the filling inside.
3. Seal the Cookies: Gently press the edges of the dough together to seal in the filling. You can use a fork to press down the edges for a decorative effect.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
2. Arrange on a Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the shaped cookies onto the tray, leaving about 1-2 inches of space between each one to allow for expansion during baking.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown. Keep an eye on the cookies, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the tray for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Serve: Enjoy your freshly baked apple cinnamon cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or serve them as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Tips:

• Flour Consistency: Depending on the humidity and type of flour you use, you may need to adjust the amount. Start with 400g and add more if needed until the dough is pliable but not sticky.
• Use Fresh Apples: The best apples for baking are Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These varieties hold their shape and offer a great balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the cookies with apple filling, as it could cause the dough to tear or the filling to ooze out during baking.
• Cinnamon: Adjust the amount of cinnamon to suit your taste. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for more depth of flavor.
• Shaping the Cookies: You can shape the cookies in a variety of ways, such as creating small pockets, rolling them like pinwheels, or simply folding them in half-moon shapes.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to a week. Just make sure they are in an airtight container.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked dough or the baked cookies. To freeze the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. To freeze baked cookies, allow them to cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 20 Cookies):

• Calories: 150-170 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50-60mg

These cookies are a delightful treat with moderate calories. They provide a mix of carbohydrates and fats from the butter and flour, while the apples and cinnamon add a bit of natural sweetness and flavor without overwhelming the dish with sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples? Yes! You can use other fruits such as pears or peaches. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for the filling since different fruits may require less or more cooking time.

2. How can I make the cookies gluten-free? You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder. This will help maintain the structure and texture of the cookies.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

4. What kind of cheese would pair well with these cookies? While cheese isn’t traditionally paired with sweet cookies, a mild cheese like brie or cream cheese could be served on the side for a unique and delicious combination.

5. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out? Be careful not to overfill the cookies, and make sure to press the edges firmly to seal them. You can use a bit of water on the edges of the dough to help seal it properly.

Conclusion:

These Apple Cinnamon Cookies are a quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery, slightly sweet dough and a rich apple-cinnamon filling, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. They are great for family gatherings, holiday events, or even as a special afternoon snack. The best part? They’re easy to customize with your favorite fruits or spices, making them a versatile and delicious option for any baker. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is a sure way to impress with minimal effort!