Ruby'S Apple-Walnut Drop Cookies
Delicious apple-walnut cookies featuring warm spices, juicy apples, and chewy raisins, perfect for fall gatherings, tea time, or as a cozy homemade treat.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 3/4 cup soft shortening ⓘ
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped apples ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups dark raisins ⓘ
- 1/3 cup milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease several cookie sheets.
- Sift the flour with baking soda in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix shortening, light brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and eggs until well blended.
- Stir in the sifted flour mixture, chopped walnuts, chopped apples, and raisins until combined.
- Drop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 11 to 14 minutes, or until the cookies are done.
- While cookies are still soft, spread thinly with glaze if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half unsalted butter and half shortening. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute the walnuts with sunflower seeds. To enhance the flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or using a mix of apples for added complexity. Ensure the apples are finely chopped to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own but can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. They also pair well with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. Consider serving them alongside a cheese platter or with a side of Sour Cream Dill Dip for a unique twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag, where they can last for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ruby'S Apple-Walnut Drop Cookies contains roughly 320 calories, with 2g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 6g 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 different types of apples in this recipe?
Yes, using a mix of sweet and tart apples can enhance the flavor of the cookies. Varieties like Granny Smith and Fuji work well together, providing a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
How can I make these cookies healthier?
To make these cookies healthier, consider reducing the sugar by a half cup or replacing it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
What can I substitute for the dark raisins?
If you don't have dark raisins, you can use golden raisins or dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. Both options will add a nice sweetness and chewiness to the cookies.
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).