Apple Harvest Cookies
Apple Harvest Cookies combine spiced apple pieces, oats, and raisins for a hearty treat. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy afternoons with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sifted flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon water ⓘ
- 1 cup diced apples ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked rolled oats ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins ⓘ
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Add shortening, brown sugar, egg, and water to the dry ingredients and beat until thoroughly mixed.
- Stir in diced apples, rolled oats, and raisins. The mixture will be stiff.
- Make balls of dough about the size of a large walnut and roll in a mixture of 2 tablespoons of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon sugar.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. You can substitute apples with pears or even mashed bananas for a different flavor profile. For added sweetness, try using maple syrup instead of brown sugar. If you like more spice, increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
These Apple Harvest Cookies are delightful with a warm cup of cider or tea. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Eula Mae Westbrook'S Frozen Fruit Salad for a refreshing contrast. They also pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience, especially in the fall when apples are at their peak.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, you can also freeze them; just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them straight from the fridge for a chewy treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Harvest Cookies contains roughly 175 calories, with 4g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can use diced pears, peaches, or even shredded carrots for a different flavor. Just make sure to adjust the moisture level accordingly, as some fruits may require less or more flour.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Apple Harvest Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free. This will allow you to enjoy the flavors without the gluten.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
Consider adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch. A handful of chocolate chips could also elevate the sweetness. For a caramel twist, drizzle melted caramel on top of the cookies after baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).