Soft apple cookies are the comforting treat you didn’t know you needed. Made with sweet diced apples, soft butter, and just the right touch of sugar and spice, these cookies are like little pillows of autumn warmth in every bite. Whether you’re baking a batch for family, a holiday gathering, or just because you have a few apples lying around, this recipe is easy, adaptable, and sure to win hearts.
With a soft and cake-like texture, these cookies are ideal for pairing with a cup of tea or coffee and are especially beloved by kids. You’ll love how the apples bring moisture, while optional cinnamon and icing sugar make each bite warm and fragrant. They’re sweet—but not too sweet—and deliciously nostalgic.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Cuisine: European-inspired home baking
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
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2 large eggs (room temperature)
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100 grams (1/2 cup or 3.5 oz) granulated sugar
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100 grams (3.5 oz) butter, softened
Dry Ingredients:
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320–340 grams plain flour (2 1/4 – 2 1/2 cups), added gradually
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14 grams (3 teaspoons) baking powder
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Pinch of salt
Add-ins:
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2 apples, peeled and diced
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Optional: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Dusting:
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Icing sugar
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Optional: Cinnamon for mixing with icing sugar
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture becomes light, pale, and fluffy—this will take about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.
4. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. If you’d like your cookies with extra warmth, add cinnamon here.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. The dough should be soft but thick and easy to scoop. If it feels too sticky, add a bit more flour (up to 20 grams).
6. Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in the diced apples using a spatula or spoon. Distribute the fruit evenly throughout the dough. The apples should be firm enough to hold their shape during baking.
7. Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow room for spreading.
8. Bake
Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges and set in the center.
9. Cool and Dust
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, dust with icing sugar (optionally mixed with cinnamon) for a beautiful, lightly sweet finish.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
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Calories: 110
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Protein: 2 g
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Carbohydrates: 15 g
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Fat: 5 g
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Fiber: 1 g
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Sugar: 6 g
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Sodium: 55 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Soft apple cookies have their roots in classic European baking, where seasonal fruits like apples were frequently incorporated into cakes and pastries. These cookies blend the convenience of drop cookies with the flavor of traditional apple desserts, like strudel or pie. Their widespread popularity comes from their simplicity, versatility, and nostalgic comfort.
While there’s no singular origin, recipes like this became household staples across Germany, Poland, Russia, and even the United States—where they’ve gained popularity as lunchbox treats and coffee companions. They remain a beloved way to use seasonal apples or give new life to fruit on the verge of over-ripening.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: No rolling pins or cookie cutters needed—just mix, drop, and bake.
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Minimal Ingredients: Everything is likely already in your pantry.
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Perfectly Moist: Thanks to fresh apples, these cookies stay soft for days.
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Customizable: Add raisins, walnuts, spices, or glaze to suit your style.
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Kid-Friendly: Sweet, soft, and easy for little hands to help make—and eat!
Health Benefits
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Apples: Rich in dietary fiber and vitamin C. They help support digestion and immune health.
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Eggs: Packed with protein and essential amino acids.
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Butter: Provides fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E.
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Flour: A source of energy and B-vitamins. Use wholemeal for extra fiber.
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Cinnamon (if used): Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Serving Suggestions
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As a Snack: Great with a hot drink in the afternoon or as a grab-and-go treat.
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For Breakfast: Pair a few cookies with Greek yogurt or milk for a balanced start.
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Dessert: Stack a few warm cookies and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Gift Idea: Wrap in parchment and twine for a thoughtful homemade present.
Cooking Tips
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Apple Choice: Use firm, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith.
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Dough Consistency: It should be soft but not runny. Adjust flour as needed.
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Even Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure even baking.
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Cooling Time: Let them cool fully before dusting—otherwise the sugar will melt.
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Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Freeze for longer storage.
Variations to Try
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Apple-Cinnamon Raisin: Add 1/4 cup raisins and a teaspoon of cinnamon.
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Apple-Walnut: Mix in 1/4 cup chopped walnuts for crunch.
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Glazed Cookies: Make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk to drizzle on top.
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Apple Pie Cookies: Add a pinch of nutmeg and a touch of brown sugar for classic pie flavor.
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Whole Wheat Version: Replace half the flour with whole wheat for more fiber and a nuttier taste.
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Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), and non-dairy milk.
Conclusion
Soft apple cookies are a must-have in every baker’s collection. They combine ease, flavor, and versatility in a way that few other baked goods do. With their tender crumb, sweet apple chunks, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re the kind of treat you’ll find yourself craving time and time again.
Whether you’re baking them for guests, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy afternoon, these cookies offer joy in every bite. They’re the perfect balance of homestyle simplicity and bakery-worthy flavor. One batch won’t be enough!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use applesauce instead of diced apples?
Yes! Use 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce, but note the texture will be slightly denser and more cake-like.
2. What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
4. Can I add nuts or dried fruits?
Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, raisins, or even dried cranberries work beautifully.
5. How do I make these vegan?
Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water), vegan butter, and plant-based milk if needed.
6. What kind of apples are best?
Firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith are ideal—they won’t break down too much while baking.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. These cookies freeze well, so doubling ensures you always have some on hand.
8. Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?
Not necessary, but a 15-minute chill can make them puffier and prevent excessive spreading.
9. What other spices can I use?
Try nutmeg, ginger, or even cardamom for a warm twist.
10. Can I make these without sugar?
You can reduce or substitute the sugar with coconut sugar or a natural sweetener like maple syrup, but results may vary in texture.