Walnut Butter Cookies with Apples

Indulge in these irresistible Walnut Butter Cookies with Apples, featuring a soft and chewy texture, warm cinnamon, and apple pie spice flavors. Gluten-free and dairy-free, these cookies are topped with a luscious cinnamon drizzle. Perfect for fall baking, holiday treats, or pairing with coffee. Easy recipe with customizable options for nut-free or traditional variations!

Ingredients

Cookies:

• ½ cup gluten-free flour
• ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 ½ teaspoons apple pie spice (recommended: Olive Nation Apple Spice Seasoning. Use code NK15 for 15% off)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ tablespoon vanilla bean paste
• 2 eggs (room temperature)
• 1 stick dairy-free butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup apple spice walnuts (plus extra for topping)

Cinnamon Drizzle:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 teaspoons milk
• ⅛ teaspoon apple pie spice

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy, about 1 ½ minutes.

4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing lightly after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla bean paste until combined.

5. Mix the Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, then increase to medium-high speed until fully incorporated. Fold in the apple spice walnuts using a rubber spatula.

6. Scoop and Bake:
Use a 2-inch cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Top each cookie with extra chopped walnuts if desired. Bake for 13-16 minutes, or until the edges are slightly browned.

7. Cool the Cookies:
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

8. Make the Drizzle:
In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and apple pie spice. Adjust the milk to achieve a slightly thick but pourable consistency.

9. Drizzle and Serve:
Drizzle the cinnamon mixture over the cooled cookies and allow it to set. Serve at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10-12 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor: A delightful blend of apple pie spice, cinnamon, and walnut flavors creates a comforting fall-inspired treat.
• Gluten-Free: Made with gluten-free flour, it’s perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
• Soft and Chewy: These cookies have a soft, tender texture with a nutty crunch.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your preferred mix-ins and toppings.

Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the eggs and butter are at room temperature for even mixing.
• Chopped Walnuts: Use freshly chopped walnuts for maximum flavor and crunch.
• Consistent Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Drizzle Consistency: Adjust the milk in the drizzle to achieve the perfect texture—not too thick, not too runny.

Variations and Substitutions

• Nut-Free: Substitute the walnuts with dried apples or raisins for a nut-free option.
• Flour: Use all-purpose flour if gluten-free isn’t needed.
• Butter: Regular unsalted butter can replace dairy-free butter.
• Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a spicier cookie.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before scooping.

How should I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the gluten-free flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or apple cider.
• Serve as part of a dessert platter with other fall-inspired treats.
• Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.