Apple-Filled Cookies (Without Jam)

Soft, buttery cookies with a homemade apple filling that literally melt in your mouth!

📝 Ingredients

For the Apple Filling

• 2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for a thicker filling)

For the Cookie Dough

• 2½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (60 g) sour cream or plain yogurt

For Decoration

• Powdered sugar for dusting

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Apple Filling

1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
3. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the apples are soft.
4. If the mixture seems watery, stir in the cornstarch and cook for another minute.
5. Remove from the heat and allow the filling to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy.
4. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
5. Stir in the sour cream or yogurt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
7. Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Roll the dough into small balls.
2. Flatten each ball into a small circle.
3. Place about 1 teaspoon of apple filling in the center.
4. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges well.
5. Roll gently into a smooth ball and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Bake

• Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden while the tops remain pale and tender.

Step 5: Finish

• Let the cookies cool for 10 minutes.
• Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

🍎 Tips for Perfect Cookies

• Use firm apples such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith.
• Cool the filling completely before stuffing the cookies to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
• Don’t overbake—the cookies should stay soft for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

These buttery apple-filled cookies are a wonderful alternative to jam-filled pastries, with a warm cinnamon-apple center and a delicate texture that makes them perfect for tea time, holidays, or an everyday sweet treat.