Name: Spiced Apple Cut-Out Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-487878H26M33S
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup applesauce (unsweetened); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Sprinkles or colored sugar for decorating (optional)

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Spiced Apple Cut-Out Cookies

Spiced Apple Cut-Out Cookies are a delightful and festive treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the sweetness of apples. These cookies are soft, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, from fall gatherings to holiday celebrations. Plus, the cut-out shape options make them a fun project to make with family or friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines two of my favorite flavors: apples and warm spices. The dough is easy to work with, and the cookies are soft and chewy with just the right amount of spice. Whether you’re decorating them for a holiday or enjoying them with a warm drink, these cookies are always a hit.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup applesauce (unsweetened)

For the Glaze (optional):

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sprinkles or colored sugar for decorating (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy and light, about 3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until combined. Stir in the applesauce until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

2. Chill the Dough:

Divide the dough into two equal portions and wrap each portion in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough helps make it easier to roll out and cut.

3. Roll Out the Dough:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your favorite shapes (such as circles, stars, or apples).
Transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.

4. Bake the Cookies:

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Prepare the Glaze (optional):

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

6. Decorate the Cookies:

Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or dip them into the glaze.
Add sprinkles or colored sugar for an extra festive touch, if desired.

7. Serve:

Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before serving or storing the cookies.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters. Prep time is about 20 minutes, chill time is 1-2 hours, bake time is 8-10 minutes, so total time is around 2 hours and 30 minutes (including chilling time).

Spiced Apple Cut-Out Cookies

Variations

I like to:

Add chopped dried apples or raisins to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
Use a glaze made with apple cider instead of milk for a stronger apple flavor.
Experiment with different spices like ground allspice or cardamom for a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. If freezing, wrap the cookies individually or in layers separated by parchment paper.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought applesauce?
Yes, store-bought applesauce works great for this recipe, just make sure it’s unsweetened.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared and chilled ahead of time, or the baked cookies can be stored and decorated later.

Can I make the dough gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and the cookies will turn out delicious.

Can I make these cookies softer?
For a softer texture, bake the cookies for a slightly shorter time, and make sure not to overwork the dough.

Conclusion

Spiced Apple Cut-Out Cookies are the perfect fall treat. The warm spices and sweet applesauce create a deliciously soft, chewy cookie that’s great for any occasion. With the addition of a simple glaze, these cookies become a festive dessert that’s sure to impress!