Waldorf Salad Drop Cookies
Delightful drop cookies with a Waldorf Salad twist, combining apples, walnuts, and cinnamon for a sweet, nutty flavor perfect for parties or afternoon treats.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup real mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 large eggs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped red unpeeled apples ⓘ
- 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium-size bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl of electric mixer at medium speed, beat together sugar, mayonnaise, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the flour mixture and at low speed, beat until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped apples, walnuts, and celery.
- Drop by level tablespoons, 2 inches apart, onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven until lightly brown, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove from oven and transfer to wire racks to cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise. If you’re short on time, pre-chopped apples and nuts are convenient alternatives. Be sure to use firm apples to maintain texture in the cookies. Mixing in some dried cranberries could add a delightful tartness that complements the sweetness. Remember to keep your cookie dough refrigerated for a bit before baking to help them hold their shape.
Serving Suggestions
These Waldorf Salad Drop Cookies are delightful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cup of tea. They also pair well with a simple fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait for breakfast or brunch. For a fun twist, you could serve them as a dessert option at a picnic, complementing hearty dishes like Baked Roast or Smoked Sausage Skillet Dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their freshness without making them too soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Waldorf Salad Drop Cookies contains roughly 124 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.
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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any firm apple variety you prefer. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while Fuji or Gala apples provide sweetness. Just make sure the apples are coarsely chopped to maintain some texture in the cookies.
Can I replace the walnuts with another nut?
Absolutely! If you have allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds. You could even use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option, adding a nice crunch to your cookies.
Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After mixing, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This can enhance the flavors and makes it convenient to bake fresh cookies on demand.
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).