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
Scale
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
