Cookies with apple and cinnamon

Apple and Cinnamon Cookies: A Sweet Autumn Tale

Total Time: 40 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Number of Servings: 20 cookies

Do you want to bring a touch of warmth and flavor into your home? Apple and cinnamon cookies are just what you need! These delicious cookies will not only delight your senses but will also fill the atmosphere with autumn scents. The origins of these cookies are lost in the mists of time, but people's fascination with the combination of sweet apples and cinnamon remains constant. These simple ingredients have transformed over the years into delights that remind us of moments spent with loved ones.

Necessary Ingredients:
- 250 g flour
- 125 g margarine or butter (for a richer taste, I recommend butter)
- 1 large apple (preferably a sweet apple, such as Golden Delicious or Fuji)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 knife tip of baking soda quenched with lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Useful Tips about Ingredients:
- Choose fresh, seasonal apples for an intense flavor and pleasant texture. Softer apples will break down more quickly during baking, bringing a pleasant moisture to the cookies.
- Cinnamon is the star spice of the recipe, so make sure to use quality cinnamon to achieve the desired aroma. You can also experiment with Ceylon cinnamon, which is sweeter and more aromatic than regular cinnamon.

Step by Step to a Perfect Result:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. It will be ready to receive your delicious cookies.

2. Prepare the apple: Rinse the apple under cold running water, then grate it finely. If you want to add a citrus note, you can also add a little lemon juice to prevent the apple from oxidizing.

3. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour, cubed margarine or butter, salt, baking soda quenched with lemon juice, and cinnamon. Use your fingers to combine the ingredients until you achieve a texture similar to breadcrumbs.

4. Add the grated apple: Incorporate the grated apple into the dry mixture and continue to knead until the ingredients are well combined. The dough should become elastic and non-sticky. If you feel it is too dry, you can add a few drops of water.

5. Shape the cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 0.5 cm. Use a round cutter (or a glass) to cut out the cookies. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion.

6. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 15 minutes or until they turn golden. You will feel the enticing aroma of cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen.

7. Cooling: After the cookies are baked, let them cool on a rack for 5 minutes before transferring them to a plate.

Serving and Combinations:
These apple and cinnamon cookies pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. You can serve them plain or glaze them with a little sugar glaze for extra sweetness. On festive days, pair them with mulled wine or warm cider.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use canned apples? It is recommended to use fresh apples, but you can also use canned apples, ensuring you drain them well.
- Can I replace white flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier and fiber-rich option.
- How can I store the cookies? Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Nutritional Values (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 90
- Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Protein: 1 g

These cookies are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients thanks to the apples, which are an excellent source of vitamins and fiber. So, don't hesitate to enjoy them not just as a treat but also as a healthier choice! Apple and cinnamon cookies are a perfect choice for any occasion, from family gatherings to quiet evenings at home. Enjoy!