Description
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.
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve: Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before serving or storing the cookies.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: Varies depending on ingredients used
- Sugar: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Fat: Varies depending on butter used
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: Varies depending on butter and egg used
