These Apple Sugar Cookies are a delicious treat that combines the sweetness of apples with a light, soft cookie base. Topped with a simple powdered sugar icing, these cookies are perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert. The addition of cinnamon in the icing adds an aromatic twist that complements the apples beautifully.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Yield: Makes 12-15 cookies
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Cuisine: Dessert, Baking
Full List of Ingredients
For the Cookies:
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2 eggs (room temperature)
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100g (1/2 cup or 3.5 oz) sugar
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Pinch of salt
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100g (1/2 cup, 3.5 oz) butter (softened)
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320-340g plain flour (2 1/4 – 2 1/2 cups), add gradually (about 11 oz)
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14g baking powder
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2 apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
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Powdered (icing) sugar (for dusting)
Optional:
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Cinnamon (for the icing sugar)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
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In a large bowl, beat the 2 eggs with 100g sugar and a pinch of salt until light and fluffy.
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Add the softened butter to the egg and sugar mixture, and continue mixing until smooth and creamy.
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Gradually add the plain flour, starting with 320g and mixing until the dough comes together. Add the flour in small amounts to ensure the dough is not too dry.
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Mix in the 14g baking powder and blend everything until well combined.
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Peel, core, and chop the apples into small cubes. Gently fold the chopped apples into the dough.
3. Shape the Cookies:
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Take small spoonfuls of dough and shape them into balls or spoon them directly onto the prepared baking sheet. Press them down slightly with your fingers to form cookie shapes.
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Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
4. Bake the Cookies:
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Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
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Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet.
5. Prepare the Icing Sugar:
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For the icing sugar, simply sift the powdered (icing) sugar into a bowl. If you’d like to add a touch of cinnamon, mix about 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon into the icing sugar.
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Dust the cooled cookies with the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet, fragrant finish.
6. Serve:
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Serve the cookies warm or at room temperature. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
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Calories: 130
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Fat: 6g
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Saturated Fat: 3g
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Cholesterol: 40mg
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Sodium: 25mg
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Carbohydrates: 19g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugars: 12g
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Protein: 2g
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Apple-based desserts have long been a part of many cuisines, especially in regions where apples are abundant, such as in North America and Europe. This simple yet delicious apple sugar cookie is a modern take on traditional apple desserts, offering a quicker, less fussy option. The addition of cinnamon in the icing gives it a warm, comforting flavor, making these cookies perfect for autumn or any time of the year.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Simple and Quick: These cookies come together in no time and don’t require complicated ingredients.
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Perfect for Apple Lovers: The chunks of apple inside each cookie provide a juicy, tender texture and natural sweetness.
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Customizable: You can easily adjust the amount of sugar, apples, and cinnamon to suit your taste.
Health Benefits
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Apples provide fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which support digestion, boost immune health, and protect against oxidative stress.
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Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to muscle repair and general body health.
Serving Suggestions
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With Tea or Coffee: These cookies are perfect with a hot beverage. Their soft texture pairs wonderfully with both tea and coffee.
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As a Snack: Serve them as a light snack after a meal or for an afternoon pick-me-up.
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Top with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, top the cookies with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Tips
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the eggs and butter are at room temperature to create a smoother, more uniform dough.
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Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once the flour is added, mix until just combined to prevent tough cookies.
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Add Extra Flavor: If you like, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the cookie dough itself for extra warmth and flavor.
Variations to Try
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Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg instead of regular eggs for a plant-based version.
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Add Nuts: Fold in some chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
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Spiced Icing: Add more cinnamon or ginger to the icing sugar to give the cookies a spiced kick.
Conclusion
These Apple Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of apples, cinnamon, and sugar. With a simple and easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy these cookies fresh out of the oven in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as a quick snack, these cookies are sure to please everyone!
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
2. Can I use a different fruit?
Yes, you can substitute the apples with pears, peaches, or berries for a different flavor profile.
3. How do I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 1 month.
4. Can I add raisins to the cookie dough?
Yes, adding raisins or dried cranberries will complement the apple flavor nicely.
5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage before baking.
6. How can I make the cookies healthier?
You can reduce the sugar, use whole wheat flour, or substitute the butter with a healthier fat like coconut oil.
7. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar will give the cookies a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
8. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be golden brown around the edges and firm to the touch in the center.
9. Can I make these cookies larger?
Yes, you can make larger cookies, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
10. Can I add icing to the cookies?
Absolutely! You can drizzle more icing over the cookies or add a glaze for extra sweetness.