- Walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, chopped) - for added crunch and flavor
- Cinnamon (1 tablespoon) - for warming touch
Note: Ensure to include the necessary keywords like "apple raisin drop cookies" and relevant ingredients such as "dried apple pieces," "raisins," and "walnuts or pecans." This format enhances SEO by incorporating targeted phrases and terms that potential bakers might use when searching for a recipe.
Steps
### Apple Raisin Drop Cookies: A Sweet & Tangy Delight
Apple raisin drop cookies are a delightful combination of sweet apples and plump raisins baked into soft, chewy cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Follow these detailed steps to create these mouth-watering treats at home.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Zest of one apple
- Pinch of salt
- 1 medium apple, diced and cooked until soft (about 3 tbsp)
- 1/2 cup raisins
#### Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula or large spoon
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
### Step-by-Step Guide:
#### Preparation
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:**
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
#### Mixing the Dough
3. **Cream Butter and Sugars:**
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Wet Ingredients:**
- Beat in one egg at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix well after each addition.
5. **Combine Dry Ingredients:**
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture into the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
6. **Fold in Apples and Raisins:**
- Gently fold in the cooked apple pieces and raisins using a spatula or spoon.
- Be careful not to break up the apples too much; you want some chunks for texture.
#### Shaping and Baking
7. **Form Cookies:**
- Use a cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) or a spoon to drop rounded dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. **Bake:**
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
9. **Cooling:**
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
### Tips and Variations
- *For a twist:* Try substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrients.
- *Storage:* Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
#### SEO-Friendly Keywords:
- Apple raisin drop cookies recipe
- Easy apple cookie baking instructions
- Soft and chewy apple cookies
By following these steps, you can enjoy homemade apple raisin drop cookies that are sure to become a family favorite!