Prize-Winning Apple Spice Drop Cookies

Kittencalskitchen's Note:

This cookie recipe took first prize in a contest, it has remained a favorite for many years! :)

• Total Time: 28 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 13 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 36 cookies

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup apple juice
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup apple, peeled, and finely chopped (Granny Smith apples are best)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

FROSTING

• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 3 cups icing sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 -4 tablespoons apple juice

Directions:

1. Set oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a mixing bowl cream butter and both sugars together.
3. Beat in the egg and apple juice.
4. In a small bowl combine the dry ingredients.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture; blend well.
6. Mix in the chopped apples and nuts.
7. Drop dough by heaping teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 12-13 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Place on wire rack to cool.
10. For frosting: Beat all frosting ingredients until smooth; frost cookies.

Reviews

[Chef #1048180]

This turned out amazing. I baked the chopped apples in 1 cup brown sugar and 1 cup butter, with apple pie spice, roasted cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg to make the apples tender before adding them to the cookie mix. I also added roasted cinnamon and apple pie spice to the icing for extra flavor! Thank you Kittencal for an awesome recipe!!!!

[Chef #569799]

I made this recipe but substituted with 2 cups whole wheat flr and 1/4 cup white flr when I read the reviews that stated their cookies ran a little. This also detracted from the apparent sweetness which for me is much nicer. I made a glaze with powdered sugar and apple juice and everyone loved them.

[ValkyrieQueen]

I've made these several times. I add 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves and use apple cider rather than apple juice. It has become one of the most asked for cookies from my kitchen, even from those that typically do not like spiced cookies or baked apples.