Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 large apple, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
If you’re unable to find a specific ingredient, don’t worry. For instance, you can substitute the unsalted butter with margarine or use a different type of apple if you prefer a sweeter or tarter flavor. The recipe is forgiving, much like the best family recipes that allow for creativity and adaptation.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- For the cheesecake filling, beat the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and lemon zest until smooth. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, melt the tablespoon of butter and add the chopped apple, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until the apples are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another minute until thickened. Let the apple mixture cool completely.
- To assemble the cookies, scoop a tablespoon of the dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a teaspoon of the cheesecake mixture and a small spoonful of the apple filling in the center.
- Top with another tablespoon of dough, sealing the edges and shaping into a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International