Apple (Cinnamon) Cookies

I've been doing some apple recipe research to find new ways to use our apple crop.   We haven't baked cookies for a long time so that's where my search began. 

I must confess, this is an old Betty Crocker recipe slightly altered to meet my cinnamon and vanilla requirements.  Here are the ingredients you will need to bake a batch of Apple (Cinnamon) Cookies:

1 cup soft brown sugar - lightly packed
1/2 cup butter or baking margarine 
1 egg
1 1/2 cups plain flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (you can use nutmeg if you prefer) 
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 medium apple - peel, core, and finely dice

Heat the oven to 375F/ 190C.  Grease or line cookie sheets with baking paper.

Place the flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda in a bowl.  Stir to combine all the dry ingredients.   In a large mixing bowl,  beat the brown sugar and butter until they are light and fluffy.  Add the egg and the vanilla extract and beat the mixture until the egg is incorporated.  

Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and stir until all the flour has been absorbed.  Then, fold in the diced apple.

Using a small scoop or a teaspoon, drop the cookie dough onto the baking sheets.  You should space the cookies about two inches apart to allow the dough to spread during baking.

Bake for about 8 - 10 minutes or until the cookies are a light golden brown. Leave them on the cookie sheet to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.  Of course,  I like to enjoy one or two while they are still slightly warm... well maybe three.....  

*The apple in this recipe makes the cookies soft and moist so store them loosely covered.  Thanks Betty!