Spiced Apple Cookies
Warm, spiced apple cookies filled with nuts and raisins offer a delightful combination of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, perfect for cozy gatherings and seasonal treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small saucepan, cover raisins with water and bring to boiling.
- Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes. Drain.
- In a large bowl, beat shortening and brown sugar until creamy.
- Beat in the egg and milk.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the shortening mixture, beating well.
- Stir in walnuts, chopped apple, and drained raisins.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. You can substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you're short on walnuts, pecans or almonds work well too. To enhance the spices, try adding a pinch of allspice or ginger. For a gluten-free variation, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
These spiced apple cookies are perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or as a sweet treat after dinner. Serve them with a dollop of Creamy Yogurt-Mint Dressing for a refreshing contrast. They also pair beautifully with a warm cup of chai or coffee. For a festive touch, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, you can place a slice of bread in the container; it helps maintain moisture. If you want to freeze them, wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Apple Cookies contains roughly 356 calories, with 2g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 934mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh apples instead of chopped apple?
Yes, using fresh apples is recommended. Make sure to peel and core them before chopping. Tart varieties like Granny Smith add a nice balance to the sweetness of the cookies. If using fresh apples, be cautious of moisture, as too much can make the cookies cakey instead of chewy.
What can I substitute for raisins?
If you're not a fan of raisins, dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots make excellent alternatives. They provide a different flavor profile while still adding a chewy texture. You could also consider using chocolate chips for a sweeter twist, though that will change the flavor considerably.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Cookies are typically done when they are lightly golden around the edges and still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool. It's better to underbake slightly than to overbake, as they can dry out quickly. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of 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).