There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies filling your home. These Spiced Apple Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing are not only soft and delicious but also packed with the warm flavors of fall. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, they will surely become a favorite in your kitchen!
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
Making these cookies is a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of autumn. The combination of apples, spices, and creamy icing makes them a delightful treat for any occasion. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, so you can enjoy homemade cookies without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a cozy weekend or a busy weekday, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!
How to Make Spiced Apple Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated apple (about 1 medium apple, peeled)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the grated apple until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts, if you are using them.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 1 1/2 tablespoons) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Spread or drizzle the cream cheese icing over the cooled cookies.
- Let the icing set before serving.
How to Serve Spiced Apple Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing
These cookies taste best when fresh and can be served warm or at room temperature. You can serve them as a lovely dessert or a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make great gifts wrapped nicely in a box!
How to Store Spiced Apple Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay tasty for about 3-5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them well!
Tips to Make Spiced Apple Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing
- Use freshly grated apples for the best flavor.
- Feel free to experiment with the spices to suit your taste.
- If you want a thicker icing, add less milk to your cream cheese mixture.
Variation
You can try adding chocolate chips or caramel bits for a different twist, or switch the apple for shredded zucchini for a tasty twist.
Spiced Apple Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated apple about 1 medium apple, peeled
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 –2 tablespoons milk to adjust consistency
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the grated apple until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts, if you are using them.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 1 1/2 tablespoons) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Spread or drizzle the cream cheese icing over the cooled cookies.
- Let the icing set before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated apples for the best flavor.
- Feel free to experiment with the spices to suit your taste.
- If you want a thicker icing, add less milk to your cream cheese mixture.
📱 Let’s Get Social on Facebook & Instagram!
Did these Spiced Apple Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing make your kitchen smell like fall magic?
📸 Share your cozy cookie creations with us!
👉 Tag us on Facebook or Instagram @fizzyrecipes
Use the hashtag #FizzyCookies and let’s celebrate fall baking together!
We might even feature your post on our page 💛
🍎 You May Also Love…
If these cookies made your home smell amazing, here are more cozy ideas to try:
🍁 Gooey Brownie Pie – Fudgy, chocolatey goodness in every bite.
🍯 Turtle Bars – A buttery, nutty dessert that melts in your mouth.
🍏 Easy Strawberry Slab Pie – A fruity favorite perfect for sharing!
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Yes, you can simply leave out the nuts if you prefer nut-free cookies.
2. How can I adjust the sweetness?
You can reduce the brown sugar slightly if you like less sweet cookies, but keep in mind that it might change the texture a bit.
3. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be golden, and the centers set. They will continue to cook slightly while cooling.
