We are introduced, at an early age, to the sweet wondernous of a cookie. From teething cookies to soothe the swollen aching gums of incoming incisors, onto animal crackers purchased in rectangular-shaped boxes bearing a string handle for easy toting by little fingers. Deciding which part of the animal should be eaten first-the trunk of the elephant or the tail of a lion-depended on how hungry one was. Savor each and every one or simply gobble them down as fast as possible.

My next cookie memory would be the ever famous, possibly all-time favorite, the chocolate chip cookie. There is nothing better than to bite into a round circle of baked dough sprinkled with gooey melt-in-your-mouth chocolate. A chocolate chip cookie can dry tears, heal broken hearts, mend scraped knees and elbows and solve sibling arguments. Most of the problems in the world could likely be solved by a properly baked, right out of the oven, chocolate chip cookie. The power of a cookie is underestimated.

I will attempt in the next 365 days to prepare and comment on a year’s worth of different cookies-one for each day. My goal is to share with others my extreme love of cookies-baking them and especially eating them! Feel free to send me your favorite recipe, your earliest cookie memories, or how cookies may have influenced your life. Cookies Rule!


Sunday, August 1, 2010

Cookie Recipe #211 - Spiced Apple Drops


The apple-flavored frosting on this soft, apple chunk-filled nutty cookie contributes to the overall apple cookie experience.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 2/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 egg, 1/4 cup apple juice or apple cider, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup finely chopped peeled apple (I used a Granny Smith), 1 cup chopped walnuts, 4 cups sifted powdered sugar, 1/4 cup butter, softened, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 3-4 tablespoons apple juice.

Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter; add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and cloves. Beat until combined, then beat in egg and apple juice. Mix in flour until thoroughly combined. Stir in chopped apple and walnuts distributing evenly.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheet for 1 minute before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Make frosting: In a large mixing bowl beat powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla and enough apple juice to make a smooth, spreadable frosting. Spread a generous amount on each cookie and allow to harden.

Makes about 40 cookies.

"Better Homes and Gardens Biggest Book of Cookies", Meredith Corporation, Des Moines, IA, 2003.

Cookies Rule!!!

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