Looking for a fun and delicious way to combine fruit and dessert? These apple cookies are a brilliant twist on traditional pastries! With a crispy golden crust on the outside and a warm, soft apple slice tucked inside, this recipe is as charming as it is tasty. Plus, the visual appeal of these little apple pockets will impress both kids and adults alike.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make these apple cookies step-by-step, from dough to oven. They’re perfect for snacks, brunches, or tea-time treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 stick (115g) cold butter, cubed
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4–5 tbsp milk (or as needed)
For the Filling:
- 2 large green apples (Granny Smith works well)
- Lemon juice (to prevent browning)
- Cinnamon (optional)
For the Coating:
- ½ cup sugar
- 1–2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2–3 tbsp melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold cubed butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until the dough comes together—soft but not sticky.
- Form into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Slice the Apples
- Peel the apples (optional), then cut them into slices about 0.5 cm thick.
- Use a round cookie cutter to create even-sized apple discs (to match your dough circles).
- Cut out a small triangle or notch from each apple slice—this helps steam escape and adds a lovely texture.
- Sprinkle lemon juice over the slices to prevent browning. Optionally, dust with cinnamon for a warm flavor.
3. Roll Out and Shape the Cookies
- Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 3–4 mm thick.
- Use a round cutter (same size as the apple slices) to cut out circles of dough.
- Place one apple slice on top of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough in half, sandwiching the apple slice inside. Lightly press the edges to seal.
4. Bake the Cookies
- Place the filled apple cookies on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the dough is golden and crisp.
5. Coat the Cookies
- While still warm, brush the cookies with melted butter.
- Immediately roll or sprinkle them with cinnamon-sugar for a delightful finish.
Tips for Best Results:
- Don’t overwork the dough to keep it tender.
- Make sure the apples are thinly sliced and uniform for even baking.
- You can make a gluten-free version by using almond or rice flour.
- Try adding a small bit of jam or caramel between the apple and dough for a surprise center!
☕ Perfect Pairings
These apple cookies are best served:
- Warm with a cup of hot tea or coffee
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Sprinkled with powdered sugar for a café-style presentation
💡 Final Thoughts
These apple cookies are a genius blend of pie, tart, and biscuit—all in one delightful bite. Easy to make, affordable, and naturally sweetened with fresh apples, they’re a wonderful treat for autumn days or cozy weekends at home.
This original method gives you the taste of baked apples wrapped in a crisp, sugar-coated crust—without needing fancy molds or tools. Once you try them, they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen!
