Nutty Apple Cookies

Nutty Apple Cookies: A Delicious and Healthy Dessert Snack

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 8 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Nutty Apple Cookies are a delicious and unique treat that combines the flavors of apples, raisins, and walnuts in a soft and chewy cookie. These cookies are perfect for a fall dessert or snack, and are sure to be a hit with friends and family.

History

The recipe for Nutty Apple Cookies has been passed down through generations in many families. It is a classic recipe that combines the sweetness of apples and raisins with the crunch of walnuts, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of shortening
1.25 cups of packed brown sugar
0.33 cup of packed light brown sugar
1 egg
0.5 cup of apple juice
2.25 cups of whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp of baking soda
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp of ground cloves
0.25 tsp of salt
1 medium tart apple, peeled, cored, and shredded
0.75 cup of raisins
2 tbsp of margarine
2 tbsp of water
1.75 cups of sifted powdered sugar
skim milk
0.25 cup of chopped walnuts

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a bowl, beat the shortening and 1.25 cups of brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined.
Add the egg and beat for 1 minute.
Pour in the apple juice and beat at low speed until blended.
In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, beating at low speed until combined.
Fold in the apple and raisins.
Drop the dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 8 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
Let the cookies stand for 1 minute on the cookie sheet.
Remove them to wire racks and let them cool.
Heat the margarine, 0.33 cup of brown sugar, and water over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Remove from heat.
Stir in the sifted powdered sugar.
If the frosting begins to harden, stir in a small amount of milk to make it of spreading consistency.
Spread the cookies with the caramel frosting and sprinkle with walnuts.

Variations

Substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for extra warmth.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to shred the apple finely to ensure that it blends well into the cookie dough.

- Do not overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

- Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Nutty Apple Cookies are best enjoyed with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of tea.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to use a light hand when mixing the cookie dough to avoid tough cookies.

- Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have apple juice, you can use apple cider or even water as a substitute.

- If you don't have whole pastry flour, you can use all-purpose flour instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Nutty Apple Cookies on a decorative platter and sprinkle with extra chopped walnuts for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Nutty Apple Cookies pair well with a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, or apple cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Nutty Apple Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To reheat, place the cookies in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Nutty Apple Cookies contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Nutty Apple Cookies contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Nutty Apple Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Nutty Apple Cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Nutty Apple Cookies are a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the apples in the recipe. They also contain small amounts of calcium and iron.

Alergens

Nutty Apple Cookies contain wheat, eggs, and nuts (walnuts). They may also contain traces of milk and soy.

Summary

Nutty Apple Cookies are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a small amount of essential nutrients. However, they should be enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar and fat content.

Summary

Nutty Apple Cookies are a delicious and unique treat that combines the flavors of apples, raisins, and walnuts in a soft and chewy cookie. With a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, these cookies are sure to be a hit with friends and family. Enjoy them as a fall dessert or snack, and savor every bite of these delightful treats.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for our weekly tea time. Margaret and I have known each other for over 30 years, and she is not only a wonderful friend but also an incredible cook. As we sipped our tea and chatted about our families, Margaret suddenly remembered a recipe she had been meaning to share with me.

"Have you ever tried Nutty Apple Cookies, dear?" Margaret asked with a twinkle in her eye. I shook my head, intrigued by the sound of the delicious treat. Margaret then proceeded to tell me all about the recipe and how she had come across it many years ago during a trip to the countryside.

"It was a quaint little bakery in a small village, and the aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the air," Margaret reminisced. "I had to ask the baker for the recipe, and he kindly obliged. Ever since then, Nutty Apple Cookies have been a favorite in my household."

I listened intently as Margaret described the ingredients and steps to make the cookies. The combination of apples, nuts, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla sounded absolutely divine. I couldn't wait to try making them myself.

As I left Margaret's house that day, she handed me a handwritten copy of the recipe. I thanked her profusely and promised to give it a try soon. Little did I know that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen and a beloved treat for my family and friends.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients needed to make Nutty Apple Cookies. The sweet smell of apples and cinnamon filled my kitchen as I peeled and chopped the fruit, mixed the dough, and shaped the cookies into perfect rounds. The warm oven beckoned, and soon enough, the cookies were baking to golden perfection.

When the timer dinged, I pulled the tray of Nutty Apple Cookies out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. The scent that wafted through the kitchen was heavenly, and I couldn't resist taking a bite of one of the freshly baked treats.

The cookie was everything I had hoped for and more. The crunchy nuts, the tartness of the apples, and the warmth of the cinnamon all melded together in a perfect symphony of flavors. I knew right then and there that this recipe would be a keeper.

Over the years, I have made Nutty Apple Cookies countless times. They have been a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, and even bake sales. Each time I bake a batch, I think of Margaret and the day she shared this wonderful recipe with me.

As the years have passed, I have added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different types of nuts, spices, and even adding a drizzle of caramel on top. But no matter how I tweak the recipe, the essence of the Nutty Apple Cookies remains the same – a comforting and delicious treat that brings joy to all who taste it.

Now, as I pass this recipe down to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will make these cookies with love and share them with your own loved ones. Remember the story of how I came to discover this recipe and the joy it has brought to my life. And most importantly, enjoy every bite of these Nutty Apple Cookies, for they truly are a treasure worth savoring.