As the leaves begin to turn and a gentle chill fills the air, there’s no better way to celebrate the beauty of autumn than with the warm flavors of Maple & Apples! These delectable treats capture the essence of the season in every bite. Here’s why these cookies are the perfect addition to your fall baking repertoire:

1. Fall flavor in Every Bite: With a maple-infused dough rolled in cinnamon sugar, and a sweet apple filling, these cookies encapsulate the essence of fall. Each mouthful is a journey through orchards and golden landscapes.

2. Comfort in Every Cookie: The warm, cozy flavors of maple, cinnamon and apple provide comfort like a soft, snug blanket on a cool autumn evening. Enjoy these cookies with a cup of tea or hot apple cider for the ultimate comfort-food experience.

3. Wholesome Goodness: The addition of apple not only brings a delightful sweetness but also a touch of wholesome goodness. It’s like a little reminder to savor the season’s harvest.

4. Thumbprint Magic: The thumbprint in these cookies isn’t just a dent; it’s a reservoir of joy. It cradles the apple filling, making every bite an explosion of flavor.

5. Versatile Treats: Whether you’re sharing them at a fall picnic, need a treat for the holidays, enjoying them with friends, or savoring them in solitude, these cookies adapt to any occasion, turning ordinary moments into something extraordinary.

6. Aromatic Delights: The scent that fills your kitchen as these cookies bake is nothing short of enchanting. It’s as if you’re bottling up the very essence of fall.

7. Share the Season: Gifting these cookies to loved ones is a heartwarming way to share the season’s joy. Package them in a charming box or wrap them in a ribbon to create heartfelt gifts that show you care.

Chilled Maple Apple Thumbprint

Servings 18 cookies

Ingredients  

Apple Pie Filling:

• 2 Tbs Butter
• 2 1/2 Cups Apples- diced small
• 1/4 cup Brown sugar
• 3/4 tsp Cinnamon
• 1 Tbs Flour
• 1-2 Tbs Water

Cookie Dough:

• 8 oz Butter, Unsalted
• 225 g Sugar,
• 50 g Maple Syrup
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 1 large Eggs
• 1/4 tsp Baking powder
• 1/4 tsp Baking soda
• Pinch of Salt
• 365g AP Flour
• 1/2 tsp Apple pie spice
• 1/4 tsp Cinnamon

Coating Sugar:

• 100 g Sugar
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon

Maple Glaze:

• 55g Powdered Sugar
• 30g Maple Syrup
• Pin of Sea Salt

Instructions 

• Heat up a small pan on medium heat, melt butter
• Add apples, and the rest of your ingredients. Cook for 15 minutes on medium heat or until soft with a slight crunch.
• Set aside filling to cool.
• Preheat oven to 350ºF
• In a bowl whisk together flour, cinnamon, apple pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Cream together sugar , maple syrup and butter on medium speed for 2 min
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing until almost incorporated in between each.
• Mix in vanilla until fully incorporated
• Add your dry ingredients and mix until just combined, turn speed up and mix for 1 min.
• Scoop your dough and roll in cinnamon coating sugar
• Bake for 12-14 min until edges are lightly golden
• Immediately “thumbprint” your cookie with the back of a tablespoon.
• Fill the thumbprint with the apple filling
• Let cookies chill for 5 minutes
• Drizzle maple glaze over the cookies and let chill completely in the refrigerator before enjoying

Notes:

If you are making these cookies ahead, make the dough, scoop and refrigerate or freeze. Wait to roll in sugar and add the filling when you are ready to bake.  Because the cookies are chilled you can also make them ahead of time, enjoy from the fridge within 5 days or store in the freezer for up to 3 months.