There is something magical about the smell of cinnamon on a crisp autumn evening. Your kitchen will feel so warm and inviting when you bake these. These walnut butter cookies are the perfect way to welcome the fall season.
They are crisp, nutty, and filled with sweet bits of dried apple. You are going to love how easy they are to whip up. This recipe is a wonderful treat for your whole family to share. It delivers a perfect balance of warmth and sweetness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love These Walnut Butter Cookies
This recipe is a winner because it uses simple staples from your pantry. You get a rich buttery crunch that melts in your mouth instantly. The dried apples add a lovely chewiness that feels very special.
It is a great way to use up those extra fall walnuts. Your family will keep asking for more of these homemade treats. They are perfect for busy fall weeknights or easy weekend snacks. You can feel good about serving these freshly baked cookies to guests.
The texture is light and shortbread-like thanks to the high butter content. The walnuts provide a savory depth that balances the sugar perfectly. It is a sophisticated flavor that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. You will love how impressive they look on a dessert tray.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making these cookies is a total breeze for any home cook. You start by creaming your butter and sugar until very fluffy. This creates the perfect aerated base for a light cookie. Then, you just mix in your dry ingredients and the fruit.
Even if you are new to baking, you can do this. The dough comes together in just a few minutes without any stress. You do not need any fancy skills to get a professional result at home. Your kitchen will smell like a cozy bakery in no time.
What You Need
You likely have most of these simple ingredients in your kitchen right now.
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 150g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 5ml vanilla extract
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 3g salt
- 2g ground cinnamon
- 60g walnuts, finely chopped and toasted
- 60g dried apples, finely minced
Step-by-Step Instructions
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these cookies warm with a tall glass of cold milk. They are also wonderful with a hot cup of spiced apple cider. Arrange them on a pretty platter for your next family gathering. Light a candle and enjoy a cozy night in with your favorites.
These make a great addition to any fall-themed dessert table. You can also pack them into lunchboxes for a sweet midday surprise. They are sturdy enough to travel well for a fall picnic. Share a batch with a neighbor to brighten their afternoon.
How to Store Leftovers
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to five days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for a quick future treat. Just thaw them on the counter for an hour before eating.
If you like them warm, pop them in the oven briefly. A few minutes at 300°F will make them taste freshly baked. This is a great way to revive the aroma of cinnamon. Always make sure they are completely cool before stacking them for storage.
Recipe Tips for Best Results
- Toast your walnuts first to bring out their deep, nutty flavor.
- Make sure your butter is soft enough to cream easily.
- Use a room temperature egg so the dough stays perfectly smooth.
- Mince the dried apples very finely for the best bite-sized texture.
- Don’t skip sifting the flour to keep the cookies light.
- Space the cookies well so they have room to breathe.
- For a holiday look, sprinkle a little extra sugar on top.
- Avoid overmixing the dough once you add the dry ingredients.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap walnuts for pecans for a different buttery crunch.
- Use dried cranberries instead of apples for a tart holiday twist.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for even more harvest spice flavor.
- Try gluten-free flour to make these friendly for everyone.
- Drizzle with a little melted white chocolate for a fancy touch.
Common Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can chill the dough for up to two days. Just let it sit out briefly before rolling into spheres. This is great for stress-free holiday baking when you are busy.
What if I do not have dried apples?
You can use dried pears or even raisins as a substitute. The texture will change slightly but they will still be tasty. Fresh apples are too wet for this specific shortbread-style recipe.
Will my kids like these cookies?
Most kids love the sweet apple and buttery cookie combination. The walnuts are chopped small so they are not too overwhelming. They are perfect for after-school snacks or cozy weekend treats.
I hope this cozy recipe brightens your fall evenings. Give it a try and let every bite warm you up. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Walnut Butter Cookies With Apples
Ingredients
- 225 g unsalted butter, softened
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg , room temperature
- 5 ml vanilla extract
- 250 g all -purpose flour
- 3 g sal t
- 2 g ground cinnamon
- 60 g walnuts , finely chopped and toasted
- 60 g dried apples, finely minced
Instructions
- Preheat a convection oven to 175°C (350°F) and line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture reaches a pale, aerated state.
- Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully emulsified.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl.
- Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until just combined.
- Using a rubber spatula, fold in the toasted walnuts and minced dried apples until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Portion the dough into 25g spheres and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced 5cm apart.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are firm and exhibit a light golden-brown hue.
- Transfer the baking sheets to wire racks and allow cookies to cool completely to ensure proper crumb structure set.
