Turkish Apple Cookies Recipe
If there’s a cookie that feels like a warm, heartfelt hug from a Turkish grandmother, it’s Turkish Apple Cookies. These delicate, golden pastries hide a spiced apple filling tucked inside a melt-in-your-mouth dough. Every bite is buttery, tangy with yogurt, and perfectly perfumed with cinnamon and vanilla. Whether you’re new to Turkish baking or a longtime fan of cozy desserts, this treat brings the comfort of tradition straight to your kitchen. Turkish Apple Cookies check every box for nostalgic flavor, easy prep, and irresistible charm—so you’ll want to keep this recipe at the ready for tea breaks, after-dinner sweets, or a special gift from your oven to loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Turkish Apple Cookies comes from simple, familiar ingredients, each playing a special role in taste, texture, or color. Gather these staples and you’re well on your way to a batch of cookies that are sure to delight.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough for that perfect crumbly yet tender bite.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Lends richness and ensures the dough bakes up luxuriously soft.
- Plain yogurt: Adds a subtle tanginess and keeps the dough moist and pillowy.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and filling just enough without overpowering the fruit.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies puff up gently, giving them a light texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant background note, making every bite comforting.
- Salt: Just a pinch rounds out the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Apples, peeled and grated: The shining star; fresh apples make the filling juicy and bright.
- Granulated sugar (for filling): Caramelizes with the apples to create a jammy center.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and that signature apple pie-like aroma to the filling.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: The finishing touch for an irresistibly pretty, snow-dusted look.
How to Make Turkish Apple Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by making the coziest apple filling imaginable. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine your peeled, grated apples with 1/4 cup of sugar and the ground cinnamon. Let this mixture cook for about 5–7 minutes. Once the apples have softened and released their juices, and the mixture begins to thicken a bit, remove from heat and set aside to cool. This step makes your kitchen smell heavenly while ensuring your filling is juicy, not runny!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 1/4 cup sugar until everything looks creamy and pale. This step helps achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture in your Turkish Apple Cookies. Now, add the yogurt and vanilla extract, and beat until your mixture is smooth and luscious.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
In another bowl, whisk the flour together with the baking powder and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your creamy butter mixture. Mix gently by hand or on low speed until a soft, pliable dough just comes together—be careful not to overmix. If it feels a little sticky, a dusting of flour on your hands does the trick.
Step 4: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Divide your dough into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small circle (about 3 inches across) directly on your palm or a lightly floured board. Place a spoonful of the cooled apple filling right in the center. Gently fold the edges up and around the filling, pinching lightly to seal. A little rustic charm is totally encouraged here!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the filled cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving just a bit of space between each. Pop them into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops just start to turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool fully on a wire rack, then dust generously with powdered sugar before serving for that classic Turkish Apple Cookie look.
How to Serve Turkish Apple Cookies
Garnishes
The simplest and most traditional garnish is a generous cloud of powdered sugar sprinkled over the cooled cookies. For a more festive look, you can add a pinch of extra cinnamon or line your serving platter with thin slices of fresh apple alongside the cookies. A sprig of mint is also lovely for color and aroma.
Side Dishes
Turkish Apple Cookies pair beautifully with a glass of freshly brewed Turkish tea or strong coffee. They’re also delightful with a bowl of creamy vanilla yogurt or clotted cream (kaymak) for dipping. For a bit of crunch, try serving them alongside roasted nuts or a fresh fruit salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Stack the cookies pyramid-style on a pretty cake stand, or tuck them into a vintage tin lined with parchment for gifting. Arrange Turkish Apple Cookies in cupcake liners for a pretty, individual touch at gatherings, or package them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Turkish Apple Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay at their peak softness for about 3 days; after that, they’re still tasty but will lose a bit of their tender bite.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these cookies! Simply layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just remember to thaw at room temperature before serving, and give them a fresh dusting of powdered sugar if needed.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, pop them on a baking sheet in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. This brings out extra buttery aroma. Let them cool slightly, then add another quick sprinkle of powdered sugar if you like.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
Yes, absolutely! Grated pears make a wonderful substitute for apples; they offer a subtly different sweetness. Just follow the same instructions for cooking the filling.
Is it okay to make the dough in advance?
You can make the dough up to a day ahead and chill it, tightly wrapped, in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before shaping for easier handling.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
While you can swap in whole wheat flour, keep in mind the cookies will be a bit denser and nuttier in flavor. A half-and-half mix is a great compromise!
How do I keep the cookies from leaking filling?
Be sure to seal the edges of each cookie well, pinching them closed. If the dough feels too sticky to handle, chilling it briefly can really help make shaping easier.
What’s the best way to get perfectly even Turkish Apple Cookies?
Dividing the dough into 12 portions before shaping helps ensure even sizes. Use a cookie scoop or kitchen scale to keep things uniform if you want a truly bakery-perfect batch!
Final Thoughts
Sharing a plate of homemade Turkish Apple Cookies is such a simple yet joyful treat. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try, savor the cozy flavors, and make sweet kitchen memories along the way. Happy baking!
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Turkish Apple Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Turkish Apple Cookies are a delightful treat that marries the sweetness of apples with a hint of cinnamon in a tender, buttery pastry. Perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, these fruit-filled cookies are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and grated
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine grated apples, 1/4 cup sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until apples soften and mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Dough: Beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add yogurt, vanilla, then mix in flour, baking powder, and salt gradually until a dough forms.
- Form the Cookies: Divide dough, fill each portion with apple mixture, and seal.
- Bake: Arrange cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Dust and Serve: Cool the cookies, dust with powdered sugar, and serve.
Notes
- Best served fresh but can be stored for up to 3 days.
- Pears can be used as a substitute for apples.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
