These Soft Apple Cookies are tender, moist, and bursting with apple flavor in every bite. With just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of vanilla, these cookies strike the perfect balance between comfort and refreshment. Chunks of fresh apples tucked into a soft butter cookie base make these irresistible any time of year—but especially delightful in fall when apples are at their peak.

Made with basic pantry ingredients, this recipe is a breeze to whip up and delivers a batch of pillowy cookies that are perfect for snacking, sharing, or pairing with your favorite hot drink.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Cuisine: American / Cozy Baked Goods

Ingredients

• • 2 eggs

• • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract

  • ½ cup (100 g) butter, softened

• • 1 tsp baking powder

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • 1½ to 2 cups (250–300 g) all-purpose flour

• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced

• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Mix wet ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly pale. Add the softened butter and whisk again until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.

Add dry ingredients
Add baking powder and salt, then begin incorporating the flour in three parts. Start with 1½ cups of flour and mix with a spatula or wooden spoon. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour—up to 2 cups total—until you get a soft, scoopable consistency.

Add the apples
Peel and core the apples, then dice them into small cubes. Fold the diced apples into the dough, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

Portion the cookies
Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to place rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between cookies, as they will spread slightly.

Bake the cookies
Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden at the edges and firm to the touch. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes on the tray, then transfer to a wire rack.

Optional dusting
Once the cookies have cooled completely, dust lightly with powdered sugar for a classic bakery finish.

Nutritional Information (per cookie, based on 24 cookies)

• • Calories: 110

• • Protein: 2g

  • Carbohydrates: 14g

  • Sugar: 6g

    

    Simple Jam and Walnut Cake

• • Fat: 5g

  • Saturated Fat: 3g

  • Cholesterol: 20mg

• • Sodium: 60mg

  • Fiber: 0.8g

  • Vitamin C (from apples): 3% D

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Apple-based baked goods have deep roots in American and European home cooking. From pies to crisps to cakes, apples have been a beloved ingredient for centuries. These cookies are a softer, more snackable version of traditional apple desserts. Unlike crunchy cookies, these are cakey and tender, often described as little “apple pillows.”

With the increasing popularity of fall baking and cozy treats, soft apple cookies have surged on food blogs, Pinterest boards, and in family kitchens. They’re ideal for school lunches, quick breakfasts, or after-dinner dessert with a hot cup of tea or cider.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

• • Soft and cake-like texture that melts in your mouth

• • Full of real apple chunks in every bite

  • Naturally sweet with subtle spice (add cinnamon if desired)

  • Perfect for fall baking or anytime you’re craving apples

• • Quick and easy – no need to chill the dough

  • Family-friendly – a great way to use up apples

  • Freezer-friendly – bake ahead and enjoy later

Health Benefits

While a treat, these cookies do offer some natural goodness:

• • Apples provide fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants

  • Less sugar than traditional cookies

• • No artificial preservatives – made fresh in your own kitchen

  • Portion-controlled – each cookie is a satisfying bite-sized snack

  • Eggs and butter provide protein and fat for satiety

Serving Suggestions

• • Pair with coffee, tea, or hot apple cider

• • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert

  • Tuck into school or office lunch boxes as a wholesome snack

  • Add a cream cheese glaze or caramel drizzle for a fancy touch

• Include in a fall cookie platter with molasses cookies, snickerdoodles, and oatmeal raisin

• Dust with cinnamon sugar for added spice

Cooking Tips

• • Use crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for best texture

  • Don’t overmix once you add the flour—gentle folding keeps cookies light

• • Use room temperature butter for easy mixing

  • Measure flour carefully – too much will make cookies dense

  • Chop apples small and evenly so they cook through without making the dough soggy

• Let cookies cool on the tray briefly before transferring—this prevents breakage

Variations to Try

• • Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for warm spice

  • Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch

  • Mix in dried cranberries or raisins for a festive touch

• • Swap vanilla extract with maple or almond for a flavor twist

  • Use whole wheat flour for extra fiber and a nuttier flavor

  • Add shredded coconut or oats to create a rustic texture

• Make them mini for bite-sized tea cookies

Conclusion

These Soft Apple Cookies are the definition of home-baked comfort. Moist, sweet, and dotted with tender apple chunks, they’re an easy and rewarding treat to bake from scratch. Whether you’re celebrating the fall harvest, baking for a loved one, or just craving something soft and satisfying, this recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. So grab those apples, warm up your oven, and bake a batch of cookies that feel like a cozy hug.