Fresh Apple Cookies

These cookies are big, soft lunchbox cookies – not giant ones that you get today in coffee shops, but nice-sized.  I used golden raisins, and one large apple made the necessary cupful.  Glaze these just as directed, while the cookies are warm – the frosting melts some and gets a nice, shiny appearance.   Spread it thinly, don’t worry if it doesn’t cover the entire cookie; they look just right when they cool after melting into the craggy surface.  It's not too late to include these in a picnic menu.  My husband, John, says he has a hard time deciding if this or his favorite Oatmeal Cookies are his #1 favorite cookie.

  Glazed Fresh Apple Cookies

  2          Cups  All Purpose Flour, Sifted (9 ounces)

  1          Teaspoon  Baking Soda

     1/2   Cup  Shortening – softened (3 ½ ounces)

  1 1/3   Cups  Brown Sugar – packed (9 ounces)

     1/2   Teaspoon  Salt

  1          Teaspoon  Cinnamon

  1          Teaspoon  Ground Cloves

     1/2   Teaspoon  Nutmeg

  1          Large  Egg -- unbeaten

  1          Cup  Pecans -- chopped

  1          Cup  Apple -- finely chopped, unpared

  1          Cup  Raisins -- light or dark

     1/4   Cup  Apple Juice or whole milk

                        Vanilla Glaze

  1 1/2   Cups  Powdered Sugar -- 6 ounces

  1         Tablespoon  Butter -- softened

          1/8      Teaspoon  Salt

1/4    Teaspoon  Vanilla Extract

  2 1/2    Tablespoons  Heavy Cream -- or light cream

Preheat oven to 400°.  Sift flour with baking soda.  Mix shortening, brown sugar, salt, spices and egg until well blended.  Stir in half of flour mixture, then nuts, apple, and raisins.

Blend in apple juice, then remaining flour mixture.  Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough, 2" apart, onto greased cookie sheet.

Bake 11-14 minutes, or until done.

While still warm, spread thinly with vanilla glaze.

Glaze:  Mix well.

2011 Cost:  $3.51 or 9¢ each.

  "Good Housekeeping p653"

  "3 1/2 Dozen"

Per Serving: 119 Calories; 5g Fat (38.9% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 18g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 8mg Cholesterol; 73mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Fruit; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 1 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.