Ah, the tantalizing dance of apple and cinnamon—it’s like autumn decided to bake itself into a cookie. I can almost hear the crunch of leaves underfoot as I bite into these soft and chewy delights. Honestly, they’re like little bites of a cozy sweater, perfect for a cool afternoon with a hot cup of tea or maybe a sudden apple-picking adventure.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare two 18 by 13-inch baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these together for about 20 seconds and set aside.
- Use an electric stand mixer with the paddle attachment to cream the butter and brown sugar until they are well blended.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
- In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer and blend until just combined. Then, fold in the lemon-coated apples.
- Using a medium cookie scoop or two tablespoons, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each cookie. Gently flatten each cookie slightly.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cookies are set, approximately 14 to 15 minutes. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Rolled old-fashioned oats
- Ground cinnamon
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Granny Smith apples
- Lemon juice
Nutritional Values
Calories 2546 | Calories from Fat 855 | Fat 95g | Saturated Fat 57g | Cholesterol 418mg | Sodium 1349mg | Potassium 950mg | Carbohydrates 483g | Sugar 171g | Protein 19g | Vitamin A 3135IU | Vitamin C 9.5mg | Calcium 285mg | Iron 13.3mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of apple instead of Granny Smith?
- Yes, you can substitute another tart and crisp apple variety for Granny Smith. However, it’s best to avoid sweet apples since the recipe already includes sufficient sugar.
- Why is lemon juice used with the apples?
- Lemon juice is used to enhance the apple flavor, adding a touch of brightness to the taste of the cookies.
- Is it necessary to use rolled oats, or can I substitute quick oats?
- Rolled old-fashioned oats are recommended for the best texture and flavor. Quick oats should not be used as they will alter the desired consistency of the cookies.
- How should the apples be prepared for the cookies?
- The apples should be diced into very small pieces. This ensures that they bake thoroughly and contribute a burst of apple flavor in every bite.
- What is the best method to measure flour for this recipe?
- It is advised to use the scoop and sweep method for measuring flour, or better yet, use a kitchen scale for the most precise and consistent results.
Tips
- Opt for tart, crisp apples like Granny Smith or similar varieties, but avoid sweet apples to keep the sugar balance in check.
- Dice the apples into very small pieces to ensure they cook through and evenly distribute the apple flavor throughout each cookie.
- Incorporate lemon juice with the apples to enhance their flavor and prevent browning.
- Choose rolled, old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats for a superior texture and taste in your cookies.
Equipment
- Electric Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment
- Medium Cookie Scoop
- Silicone Baking Mats
- Wire Cooling Rack
