- Unsalted butter (room temperature, for easy creaming)
- Eggs (2 large, for binding ingredients)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, for enhancing natural flavors)
- Baking soda (a pinch, for lift)
- Salt (a pinch, to balance sweetness)
- Applesauce (¼ cup, for a moist base and reduced fat)
- Apple slices or grated apples (for apple flavor, 1 medium apple, finely chopped)
- Raisins (½ cup, for natural sweetness and texture)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (¼ cup, optional, for added crunch)
**Keywords Included:**
- all-purpose flour
- granulated sugar
- brown sugar
- unsalted butter
- eggs
- vanilla extract
- baking soda
- salt
- applesauce
- apple slices
- grated apples
- raisins
- chopped walnuts
- pecans
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Steps
### Apple Raisin Cookies: A Sweet & Tangy Delight
#### Introduction to Apple Raisin Cookies
Apple raisin cookies are a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of dried apples with the plump, juicy goodness of raisins. These cookies are not only perfect for snacking but also make wonderful gifts or additions to holiday cookie trays. To help you create these delectable treats at home, follow this detailed recipe and step-by-step guide.
#### Ingredients List
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 small apple, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup raisins or golden raisins
- Optional: chopped nuts (such as walnuts) for extra texture
#### Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Preheat the Oven**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Mix Wet Ingredients**
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and egg, ensuring everything is well combined.
3. **Prepare Dry Ingredients**
- Sift or whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
- Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. **Fold in Apples and Raisins**
- Gently fold in the diced apple and raisins (or other dried fruit of your choice). If using nuts, mix them in at this stage as well for added texture.
- Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the apples and raisins from breaking apart.
5. **Shape Cookies**
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough into small balls (about 1-inch diameter).
- Place these on the prepared baking sheet with about an inch of space between each cookie for spreading.
6. **Bake the Cookies**
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. **Serve and Enjoy**
- Serve your apple raisin cookies while they're still warm for maximum flavor enjoyment! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
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By following these detailed instructions, you'll be able to create a batch of delicious apple raisin cookies that are sure to impress your family and friends. Happy baking!