Frosted Apple Soft Cookies (Printable Version)

Soft, spiced apple cookies topped with a smooth vanilla glaze for a sweet finish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cookies

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (115 g)
08 - 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
09 - 1 large egg
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely diced apples (about 2 medium)
12 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) (60 g)

→ Frosting

13 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (180 g)
14 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
15 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy in a large bowl.
04 - Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.
06 - Gently fold the diced apples and chopped nuts, if using, into the dough.
07 - Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart.
08 - Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
09 - Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and thick but pourable.
11 - Drizzle or spread frosting over the cooled cookies. Let the frosting set before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They stay soft for days, almost like little cakes you can hold in your hand.
  • Fresh apple pieces baked right into the dough make every bite different.
  • The vanilla glaze adds just enough sweetness without covering up the spice.
  • They come together fast enough for a weeknight but feel special enough to share.
02 -
  • Dice the apples small and uniform so they bake through without leaving wet pockets in the dough.
  • Don't skip the cooling time before frosting or it will slide right off and pool at the bottom.
  • If your dough feels too wet after adding the apples, chill it for 15 minutes before scooping.
03 -
  • Use a small cookie scoop for even portions and consistent baking times.
  • Let the frosting set completely before stacking or the cookies will stick together.
  • If the frosting thickens too much while you work, whisk in a few drops of milk to loosen it back up.

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