Glazed Apple Cookies: A Fall Baking Delight
Fall is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of warm, fragrant Glazed Apple Cookies? These cookies are the perfect combination of soft, chewy, and spiced, with a delightful apple flavor and a sweet, glossy glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It’s straightforward, uses common ingredients, and yields incredibly delicious results. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s bake some fall magic!
Why You’ll Love These Glazed Apple Cookies
* **Perfect Fall Flavor:** The combination of apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm, comforting flavor that screams autumn.
* **Soft and Chewy Texture:** These cookies are not crispy; they’re wonderfully soft and chewy, thanks to the brown sugar and apple puree.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is simple and straightforward, with easy-to-follow instructions. Even beginner bakers can make these successfully.
* **Beautiful Glaze:** The glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish, making these cookies look as good as they taste.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
* **Perfect for Gifting:** These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift for friends, family, and neighbors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make these delectable Glazed Apple Cookies:
**For the Cookies:**
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 3 cups. Provides the structure for the cookies. Make sure to measure it correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
* **Baking Soda:** 1 teaspoon. Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light, airy texture.
* **Baking Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon. Works in conjunction with baking soda to create a perfect rise.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** 1 teaspoon. Adds warm, spicy flavor.
* **Ground Nutmeg:** 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the cinnamon flavor and adds a hint of nutty warmth.
* **Ground Cloves:** 1/4 teaspoon. A small amount of cloves adds a depth of flavor.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon. Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **Unsalted Butter:** 1 cup (2 sticks), softened. Adds richness and flavor. Make sure the butter is properly softened, but not melted.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 cup. Adds sweetness and helps the cookies crisp up slightly around the edges.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1 cup, packed. Adds moisture, chewiness, and a caramel-like flavor.
* **Eggs:** 2 large. Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the other flavors.
* **Applesauce (Unsweetened):** 1/2 cup. Adds moisture and apple flavor. You can use homemade or store-bought.
* **Chopped Apples:** 1 cup, peeled and diced. Use a firm apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.
**For the Glaze:**
* **Powdered Sugar:** 2 cups. Provides the sweetness and structure for the glaze.
* **Milk:** 4-6 tablespoons. Use enough to reach your desired consistency.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor of the glaze.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Mixing Bowls:** You’ll need a large mixing bowl for the dry ingredients and another for the wet ingredients.
* **Electric Mixer:** A stand mixer or hand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar much easier, but you can also do it by hand.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** Essential for accurate measuring.
* **Cookie Sheets:** Use baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
* **Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats:** These make cleanup easier and prevent the cookies from sticking.
* **Cookie Scoop (Optional):** A cookie scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes.
* **Wire Rack:** For cooling the cookies.
* **Whisk:** For mixing the glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! Here’s a detailed guide to making these delicious Glazed Apple Cookies:
**Step 1: Prepare the Dough**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Add Applesauce:** Mix in the applesauce until well combined.
6. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. **Stir in Apples:** Gently fold in the chopped apples.
**Step 2: Bake the Cookies**
1. **Drop Dough onto Baking Sheets:** Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
2. **Bake:** Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
3. **Cool on Baking Sheets:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Step 3: Make the Glaze**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
**Step 4: Glaze the Cookies**
1. **Dip or Drizzle:** Once the cookies are completely cooled, dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze, or drizzle the glaze over the cookies using a spoon or fork.
2. **Let Glaze Set:** Let the glaze set completely before serving or storing the cookies.
Tips for Perfect Glazed Apple Cookies
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Softened butter and room temperature eggs will cream together more easily, resulting in a smoother batter.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Fresh Spices:** Freshly ground spices will have the most flavor.
* **Choose the Right Apples:** Use a firm apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji that will hold its shape during baking.
* **Cool Cookies Completely Before Glazing:** If the cookies are still warm, the glaze will melt and run off.
* **Adjust Glaze Consistency:** Add more milk for a thinner glaze and more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
* **Add a Pinch of Salt to the Glaze:** This will balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.
* **For a Shiny Glaze:** Add a tiny bit of corn syrup to the glaze.
* **To Prevent Cookies from Spreading Too Much:** Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
* **Store Properly:** Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations and Additions
* **Add Nuts:** Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough.
* **Add Raisins:** Add 1/2 cup of raisins or other dried fruit to the dough.
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
* **Add Spices:** Experiment with other spices like cardamom or ginger.
* **Make it Vegan:** Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
* **Add Caramel Drizzle:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the glazed cookies for an extra touch of indulgence.
* **Add a sprinkle of Cinnamon Sugar:** Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the glazed cookies before the glaze sets.
* **Lemon Glaze:** Replace the vanilla extract in the glaze with lemon extract and use lemon juice instead of milk.
* **Maple Glaze:** Replace the vanilla extract with maple extract and use maple syrup instead of milk.
* **Brown Butter Glaze:** Brown the butter before adding it to the glaze for a nutty flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Glazed Apple Cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
* **With a Glass of Milk:** A classic pairing!
* **With Coffee or Tea:** The warm spices in the cookies complement the flavors of coffee and tea.
* **With Ice Cream:** Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
* **In a Cookie Box:** Package the cookies in a pretty box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
* **As Part of a Dessert Platter:** Include the cookies on a dessert platter with other fall treats like pumpkin pie and apple crisp.
How to Store Glazed Apple Cookies
To keep your Glazed Apple Cookies fresh and delicious, store them properly:
* **Airtight Container:** Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
* **Layering:** If you’re stacking the cookies, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Glazed Apple Cookies Recipe Card
**Yields:** Approximately 24 cookies
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 10-12 minutes
**Ingredients:**
**For the Cookies:**
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup brown sugar, packed
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
* 1 cup peeled and diced apples
**For the Glaze:**
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 4-6 tablespoons milk
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a separate bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
5. **Add Applesauce:** Mix in applesauce.
6. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. **Stir in Apples:** Gently fold in chopped apples.
8. **Drop Dough onto Baking Sheets:** Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets, leaving space between cookies.
9. **Bake:** Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden brown.
10. **Cool on Baking Sheets:** Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. **Make the Glaze:** In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Add more milk to reach desired consistency.
12. **Glaze the Cookies:** Dip or drizzle glaze over cooled cookies. Let glaze set before serving.
Enjoy!
These Glazed Apple Cookies are a delicious and festive treat that’s perfect for fall. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or simply to enjoy the flavors of the season, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Happy baking!