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Spiced Apple Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing

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!
Print Recipe

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

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.
Keyword Cookies, Cream, Spiced Apple Cookies