Apple Pie Cookies: A Weight Watchers Friendly Recipe
These Apple Pie Cookies are a delectable way to enjoy the comforting flavors of apple pie in a bite-sized, Weight Watchers-friendly treat. Each cookie combines a buttery crust with a sweet, spiced apple filling, creating a delightful dessert or snack that’s perfect for fall gatherings or whenever you’re in the mood for something cozy and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup ice water
For the Apple Filling:
2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Assembly:
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Making the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut in 1 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 1/4 cup of ice water, mixing until the dough begins to form a cohesive mass. Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill. This chilling step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out.
Preparing the Apple Filling: While the dough is chilling, prepare the apple filling. In a medium bowl, combine 2 medium diced apples, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that the apple pieces are well-coated with the sugar and spices. Set the mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Rolling Out the Dough: After chilling, remove one portion of the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to approximately 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut circles from the rolled dough. Place these dough circles on the prepared baking sheet.
Assembling the Cookies: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the apple filling onto the center of each dough circle. Roll out the second portion of the dough and cut additional circles using the same 3-inch cookie cutter. Place these circles over the apple filling, and gently press the edges together using a fork to seal them. This will create a small pocket of apple filling encased in dough.
Finishing Touches: Brush the tops of the cookies with the beaten egg wash to give them a golden, glossy finish. If desired, sprinkle a small amount of coarse sugar on top of each cookie for an added touch of sweetness and a hint of crunch.
Baking: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them to ensure they do not over-brown.
Cooling: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process helps the cookies firm up and makes them easier to handle.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie contains approximately 150 calories. For those following the Weight Watchers program, each cookie is estimated to be 4 SmartPoints. This calculation considers the calorie content, fat, and other nutritional aspects in the context of the Weight Watchers system.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
These Apple Pie Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For an extra cozy treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a steaming cup of tea. The cookies also freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them whenever you like.
Additional Tips
Dough Consistency: If the dough seems too dry and crumbly, add a bit more ice water, a teaspoon at a time, until it comes together. Conversely, if it’s too sticky, add a small amount of flour.
Apple Variations: Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties for the filling. Tart apples like Granny Smith will provide a nice contrast to the sweetness, while sweeter apples like Honeycrisp will enhance the overall sweetness.
Spices: Adjust the spices to your taste preference. You might like a bit more cinnamon or a pinch of cloves for an extra depth of flavor.
Cutting Tools: If you don’t have a round cookie cutter, you can use the rim of a drinking glass or a small bowl as a substitute.
By following these detailed instructions, you’ll be able to create delicious Apple Pie Cookies that are not only a treat for your taste buds but also fit within your Weight Watchers plan. Enjoy these delightful morsels as part of a balanced diet and share them with friends and family for a touch of homemade comfort.