Turkish Apple Cookies Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Turkish Apple Cookies, a delightful treat that blends tender, buttery dough with a warm spiced apple filling. These cookies are the perfect balance of mild sweetness and aromatic cinnamon, making them irresistible alongside a cup of tea or coffee. With their lovely, rustic appearance and melt-in-your-mouth texture, Turkish Apple Cookies are a cherished favorite in Turkish home baking — and they’re about to become a favorite in yours too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Turkish Apple Cookies is how the simplest pantry staples come together to create something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a special role in developing the flavor, texture, and irresistible aroma that make these cookies so memorable.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the soft, tender cookie dough.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Plain yogurt: Makes the dough extra soft and gives a subtle tang.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough to let the apple filling shine.
- Baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift and light crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a touch of warmth.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings cozy spice to the apple filling.
- Medium apples (peeled, grated): The star of the show, providing sweetness, moisture, and classic apple flavor.
- Brown sugar: Deepens the flavor of the apple filling and adds a hint of caramel.
- Chopped walnuts or hazelnuts (optional): For a bit of crunch and nutty richness (feel free to skip if you prefer nut-free).
- Powdered sugar for dusting: Adds a pretty, snowy finish and an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Make Turkish Apple Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by peeling and grating your apples, then toss them into a small saucepan along with the brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook this mixture over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the apples are soft and most of their moisture has evaporated, leaving behind a fragrant, jammy filling. If you’re using nuts, stir them in now, then set the filling aside to cool while you work on the dough.
Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, plain yogurt, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream everything together until smooth and fluffy. Next, add the flour and baking powder. Mix just until a soft, pliable dough forms — it should be easy to handle and not sticky. If needed, add a touch more flour to get the perfect texture.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Divide the dough into small, even balls (aim for about 16). Flatten each ball gently into a circle in the palm of your hand. Spoon a small amount of the cooled apple filling into the center of each circle, then fold the dough over to enclose the filling. Pinch the edges to seal the cookies shut, shaping them into half-moons or little parcels. Don’t worry if they look a bit rustic — that’s part of their charm!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the filled cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden on the bottom and just starting to color on top. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Dust and Serve
Once the cookies are cool, generously dust them with powdered sugar. This final touch adds a delicate sweetness and makes them look absolutely irresistible. Now your Turkish Apple Cookies are ready to serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Turkish Apple Cookies
Garnishes
Nothing elevates Turkish Apple Cookies quite like a snowy shower of powdered sugar right before serving. For a festive touch, you can also sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon or even add a few chopped nuts on top. If you want to really impress, try a tiny drizzle of honey or a few fresh apple slices alongside each cookie.
Side Dishes
These cookies were practically made for tea time! Pair them with a classic Turkish black tea or a fragrant herbal blend. For a heartier spread, serve with fresh fruit, dried apricots, or a small cheese platter. They’re also wonderful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, arrange Turkish Apple Cookies on a beautiful cake stand or a rustic wooden board. Tie a few together with baker’s twine for a charming homemade gift. You can even set up a “cookie bar” with different garnishes and let guests customize their own cookies — it’s a fun way to celebrate the flavors and traditions of Turkish baking!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Turkish Apple Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay delightfully soft, and the flavors continue to meld, making them even tastier the next day. If you live in a humid climate, you might want to store them in the fridge to keep the apple filling fresh.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and dust with fresh powdered sugar to refresh their look.
Reheating
If you prefer your Turkish Apple Cookies a little warm, simply pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This will revive their just-baked aroma and make the apple filling extra inviting. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cookie dough too soft or rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! While apples are classic, you can try pears, quince, or even a mix of dried fruits for a fun twist. Just be sure to cook the filling the same way, letting most of the moisture evaporate so your cookies don’t get soggy.
What type Dessert
A blend of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Fuji, gives the filling a perfect balance. If you prefer a more tangy flavor, go for all Granny Smith; if you like it sweeter, Honeycrisp or Gala work well too.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! Substitute your favorite plant-based butter and plain non-dairy yogurt in the dough. The results are just as delicious, and everyone at the table can enjoy them.
Do I have to use nuts in the filling?
No, the nuts are completely optional. They add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, but you can leave them out for a nut-free version or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds if you prefer.
How do I keep the cookies from opening during baking?
Make sure you seal the edges of each cookie well by pinching them together firmly. If the dough feels too dry to seal, dampen your fingers with a bit of water to help. Try not to overfill, as too much filling can cause them to burst open.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Turkish Apple Cookies before, now is the perfect time to treat yourself and your loved ones. They’re cozy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make, filling your kitchen with the scents of warm apples and cinnamon. I hope you bake a batch soon and share the joy — these cookies are made for memories!
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Turkish Apple Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Turkish Apple Cookies are delightful fruit-filled treats featuring a tender dough wrapped around a spiced apple filling. These soft, mildly sweet cookies combine warm cinnamon, grated apples, and a hint of vanilla, making them a perfect companion for tea or any cozy gathering. With a traditional Turkish twist and optional nuts for crunch, they offer a flavorful and comforting dessert experience.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling Ingredients
- 2 medium apples (peeled, grated)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or hazelnuts (optional)
Finishing
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the apple filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the grated apples, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cook for 5–7 minutes or until the apples soften and most of the moisture evaporates. Remove from heat, stir in chopped nuts if using, and let the filling cool completely.
- Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, plain yogurt, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms.
- Shape the cookies: Divide the dough into small, even-sized balls. Flatten each ball into a circle approximately 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of cooled apple filling in the center of each circle.
- Seal the cookies: Fold the dough over the apple filling to enclose it completely, pinching and sealing the edges carefully to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the cookies on the prepared sheet, spaced slightly apart. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until they turn lightly golden on the edges.
- Cool and finish: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- These cookies are mildly sweet and pair wonderfully with tea or coffee.
- Experiment with a mix of apple varieties like Granny Smith and Fuji for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
- For a crunchy texture, include chopped walnuts or hazelnuts in the filling.
- To make a vegan version, substitute plant-based butter and yogurt.
- Ensure the apple filling is cooled before assembling the cookies to prevent dough from becoming too soft.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
