Easy Apple Shortbread: Deliciously Sweet and Simple to Make
Crunchy Shortbread Cookies with Apples
Equipment
- mixer
- plastic wrap
- cookie baking sheet
- parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- (1) 2.5-inch (63.5 mm) round cookie cutter
- nonstick pastry mat (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider or juice, reduced
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 ¼ teaspoons lemon juice
- ½ cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup crushed apple chips
Instructions
- Boil the apple cider until it is reduced to 1 tablespoon. Set aside to cool.
- Beat the butter, vanilla, lemon juice, and cooled apple cider reduction.
- Add the confectioners' sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the flour, 1/3 at a time, just until incorporated.
- Measure a heaping 1/2 cup of apple chips. (This amount will equate to about 1/4 cup when crushed.) Crush the chips in a resealable bag with a rolling pin or the bottom of a measuring cup. Then, stir them into the batter with the mixer.
- Turn the dough out on a large piece of plastic wrap. Fold the wrap over the dough to cover all four sides, then shape it into a disc. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- After the dough has chilled, preheat the oven to 325°F. Place a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on a cookie sheet.
- Roll the dough to 1/4" in thickness on a pastry mat or countertop. Add a light sprinkle of flour if needed to keep the dough from sticking. Cut out the cookies using a 2.5-inch cookie cutter. (The recipe will yield more cookies if you use a smaller cutter or fewer if the cutter is larger.)
- Place cookies on the prepared pan 2 inches apart and bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool completely.
Notes
Cinnamon
You can add cinnamon flavor to these cookies by adding 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to the sugar. Increase the amount to 1/2 teaspoon if you prefer more cinnamon flavor.Other Spices
Feel free to experiment with other spices in these cookies. Start with just a dash, or 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon. The next time you bake them, adjust the measurement until they are perfect for you. Spices to consider include cardamom, allspice, ginger, and nutmeg.Apples
Dried or Dehydrated
If apple chips are unavailable, substitute 1/4 cup of finely chopped dried or dehydrated apples instead. These apples are soft and pliable, whereas fried apple chips are crunchy. Both types will provide the same apple flavor. However, dried apples are sticky and can cling to a knife when cutting. Therefore, it is easiest to use a small food processor to chop them into fine pieces.Apple Chips
Pink Lady apple chips are recommended for this recipe because of their tartness. However, it is fine to use other chips.Pastry Mat
Use a pastry mat to help prevent the cookie dough from sticking to the countertop.Finishing Sugar
Consider adding more apple flavor to these cookies by sprinkling Apple Cider Finishing Sugar on them before baking. Gently tap the sugar into place on each cookie to set it.Nutrition
Calories: 61kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 26mgPotassium: 12mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 95IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.3mg
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