After a day at the apple orchard, I’m always ready to bake the next day! I love using fresh apples in my baking because they add so much moisture. If you’re an apple fan, you’re going to love these Granny Smith Apple Cookies recipe! They’ve got a pinch of nutmeg for flavor, fresh chopped apples stirred into the batter, then finished with an apple cider glaze. These cookies scream fall and everyone loves the flavor.

Every fall my Grandmother would make these cookies. The smell of these cookies baking in the oven were always my favorite. It’s not fall until I make these cookies for our family. We have a tendency to buy too many apples when we’re at the North Georgia Apple Orchard and the kids pick at such a fast rate.

I always end up with so many apples and these cookies became another way to use my apples. Typically, I double the recipe to use more apple. It doesn’t use up as many apples as an apple pie does, but we get sick of pie and cookies are a fun alternative.

Looking for even more great apple recipes? I’ve got some awesome ways to bake up your haul from the orchard and I promise your kitchen will smell amazing:

• Baked Apple Crisp
• Apple Blondies
• Cinnamon Apple Waffles

How To Make Granny Smith Apple Cookies

These are simple drop cookies and they always turn out great. I love this recipe for beginners and anyone can bake these cookies. I do recommend using a nice-quality cookie sheet with silicone baking mats. Silicone baking mats help to promote even baking and they prevent burning. Parchment paper acts in a similar way, but in my opinion, not as well. Plus, you can re-use the silicone baking mats again!

When To Make These Apple Cookies

I love to make these cookies in the fall, when we can use freshly-picked apples. However, you can make it all year round. The drop cookies are great for easy baking. I make them for church potlucks, bake sales, fall festivals and just for the family, too!

How To Keep Your Granny Smith Apple Cookies Fresh

Once your cookies are baked and cooled, store them in airtight food storage containers. For best freshness, enjoy your cookies within 3-4 days of baking. The apples keep them moist and the cookies never get too hard. That’s one of the reasons I love them so much!

Can You Freeze Fresh Apple Cookies?

Yes! Drop cookies freeze so well. Store your Granny Smith Apple Cookies in a freezer bag. The cookies can be frozen for up to three months before tossing. To thaw your cookies, let them sit in the countertop for several hours until they reach room temperature again.

Recipe Substitutions

I love adding some chopped pecans to the batter if you want some crunch. Red apples work well in the recipe too, I just prefer the tartness of the Granny Smith. Another personal preference is whether you peel the apple. I prefer my apples peeled and chopped for the cookies. In my opinion, it’s a better texture, but you can keep the peel on if you want.

What You’ll Need From The Grocery Store:

• Light Brown Sugar
• Unsalted Butter
• Egg
• Vanilla Extract
• All-Purpose Flour
• Ground Nutmeg
• Salt
• Baking Soda
• Granny Smith Apple

Directions To Make Granny Smith Apple Cookies

Preheat the oven to 375°. Prepare your cooking sheets by adding a silicone baking mat on top. In a stand mixer, Beat brown sugar, vanilla, butter and egg on medium speed until light and fluffy.

In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, nutmeg, salt and baking soda. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to create a batter.

Stir in the Granny Smith Apple. Drop the cookies into 1-inch balls, two-inches apart, on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly golden brown on top. Let the cookies cool on the rack for five minutes.

In the meantime, prepare the glaze by whisking the apple cider into the powdered sugar. Drizzle over the top of the cookies and let it set for several minutes before enjoying.