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.
Walnut Butter Cookies with Apples
8
servings10
minutes15
minutesIngredients
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
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 350℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt. Set aside.
- 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.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients:Add the eggs one at a time, mixing lightly after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla bean paste until combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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