Cookie filled with apple

Delicious apple-filled cookies: an unforgettable recipe

In a world full of sophisticated sweets, apple-filled cookies remain an timeless classic, evoking pleasant childhood memories. These tender and fragrant cookies are perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk. The sweet and tangy taste of caramelized apples, combined with the fluffy texture of the dough, is sure to delight any dessert lover. In this detailed recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 12 cookies

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 200-300 grams of all-purpose flour (adjustable based on desired consistency)
- 50 grams of cornstarch or corn flour
- 100 grams of powdered sugar
- 125 grams of butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 4 egg yolks
- Zest of one lemon (for extra flavor)
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 2 apples (any preferred variety, but tart ones are ideal)
- Sugar, to taste
- A pinch of butter
- A pinch of cinnamon

Helpful tips about ingredients:
- Choose fresh and juicy apples to create a delicious filling. Granny Smith or red apples are excellent for this recipe.
- Using powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar will yield a finer, more even dough.
- Lemon zest will not only enhance the flavor but also add a fresh note to the dessert.

Making the dough:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients well to homogenize them.
2. Add the soft butter and egg yolks. Use a mixer or spatula to combine the ingredients until you achieve a homogeneous texture resembling playdough.
3. Finally, incorporate the lemon zest, which will bring extra freshness to the dough.
4. Once the dough is well homogenized, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential to allow the butter to firm up, making it easier to form the cookies.

Making the filling:
5. While the dough cools, wash the apples and peel them. Then, grate them.
6. In a saucepan, add the grated apples, sugar (to taste), and butter. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the apples become soft and fragrant.
7. Once the apples have softened, add the cinnamon. Mix well and let the mixture cool.

Forming the cookies:
8. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Even if it seems crumbly at first, knead it gently until it becomes elastic and homogeneous again.
9. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 3 mm. Use a knife or cutter to cut circles or squares, depending on your preference.
10. Place a spoonful of apple filling on half of the cut shapes, leaving a little space at the edges.
11. Cover the filling with another cut shape, gently pressing the edges to seal them. You can use a fork to seal the cookies and give them a more decorative look.

Baking:
12. Preheat the oven to 175°C. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them.
13. Bake the cookies for 15 minutes or until they turn golden. Be careful not to leave them too long, as they will become fragile.
14. After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a rack. This step will help maintain their tender texture.

Serving:
15. Once the cookies have cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance and an extra touch of sweetness.
16. These cookies are excellent served warm but are just as delicious cold. They pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.

Nutritional information (per serving, approximately):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 2 g

Possible variations:
- You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the apple filling for added texture.
- Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, to give the cookies a different note.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits for the filling?
Yes, you can experiment with pears or peaches to achieve different flavors.
2. How can I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh for a few days.
3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, unbaked cookies can be frozen. Make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before freezing.

This apple-filled cookie recipe is a wonderful way to bring joy to each day. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, they are sure to be appreciated by all your loved ones. Enjoy every bite and savor the time spent in the kitchen!