Are you looking for a delightful treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea or coffee? Look no further than these delicious Apfel Kekse! These German-inspired apple cookies are a perfect blend of sweetness and spice, making them a cozy addition to your baking repertoire. With a soft, chewy texture and a burst of apple flavor in every bite, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a batch of these comforting treats together.
**Apfel Kekse**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup finely chopped apples (about 1 medium apple)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Prepare Dry Ingredients:** In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Incorporate Wet Ingredients:** Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
5. **Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. **Fold in Apples and Walnuts:** Gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. **Shape the Cookies:** Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. **Bake the Cookies:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden around the edges.
9. **Cool and Serve:** Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
10. **Enjoy:** Serve these Apfel Kekse alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat that is perfect for any time of day!
These Apfel Kekse are a delightful way to bring a taste of Germany into your home and are sure to be a hit with family and friends. The combination of sweet apples, warm spices, and crunchy walnuts creates a cookie that is both comforting and flavorful. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the delicious aroma of freshly baked apple cookies wafting through your kitchen!
