Description
Discover the delightful flavors of Turkish Apple Cookies, a traditional dessert featuring a soft, buttery dough filled with a sweet and spiced apple mixture. These crescent-shaped treats are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, offering a subtle caramelized apple filling enhanced with cinnamon and walnuts, then dusted with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup plain yogurt
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Apple Filling
- 2 medium apples, peeled and grated
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For Finishing
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cook Apple Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, combine the grated apples, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8–10 minutes until the mixture softens and becomes slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, plain yogurt, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until a soft, non-sticky dough forms.
- Form Cookies: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Flatten each into a circle on a lightly floured surface. Place a spoonful of the cooled apple filling (and chopped walnuts if using) in the center, then fold the dough over and seal the edges firmly. Shape each cookie into a crescent or oval shape.
- Bake Cookies: Arrange the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the dough is cooked through.
- Cool and Dust: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
Notes
- These cookies are best enjoyed the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days without losing freshness.
- For additional texture and sweetness, consider adding raisins or chopped dates to the apple filling.
- If walnuts are not preferred, you may omit them or substitute with other nuts like pistachios or almonds.
- Ensure the apple filling is fully cooled before placing it on the dough to prevent sogginess.
