Apple Cranberry Icebox Cookies

🍎🍪🍒 Apple Cranberry Icebox Cookies 🍒🍪🍎

What is it?
Apple Cranberry Icebox Cookies are delicious, sweet treats that combine the delightful flavors of apples and cranberries in a convenient cookie form. These cookies are known for their rich, fruity taste and their unique preparation method, which involves chilling the dough before slicing and baking.

History:
The exact origin of Apple Cranberry Icebox Cookies is not well-documented, but they likely have their roots in traditional fruit-filled cookies and icebox cookie recipes. Icebox cookies, in general, gained popularity in the early to mid-20th century as a convenient way to have freshly baked cookies on hand at all times. The addition of apples and cranberries adds a delightful twist to this classic concept.

Components:
To make Apple Cranberry Icebox Cookies, you’ll need the following components:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
• 1 cup granulated sugar 🍚
• 1 large egg 🥚
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
• 2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 🥄
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries 🍒
• 1/2 cup finely chopped apples 🍏

Steps to Prepare:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar 🥄

   • In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add Egg and Vanilla 🥚🌿

   • Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients 🌾🥄🧂

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients 🍪

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.

5. Fold in Cranberries and Apples 🍒🍏

   • Gently fold in the dried cranberries and finely chopped apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

6. Form a Log Shape 🍪

   • Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap them in plastic wrap.

7. Chill the Dough ❄️

   • Place the wrapped dough logs in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

8. Preheat the Oven 🔥

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

9. Slice and Bake 🍽️

   • Remove the chilled dough logs from the refrigerator and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet.

10. Bake 🕒

    • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges.

11. Cool and Enjoy 🍪❤️

    • Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before enjoying. Serve them with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage.

Total Time Needed:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Chilling: 2 hours
• Baking: 10-12 minutes
• Cooling: Varies

In total, you can expect to spend approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to prepare and enjoy these delightful Apple Cranberry Icebox Cookies. 😊🍪❄️

Happy baking! 🎉👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apple Cranberry Icebox Cookies:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 100-120 calories
• Total Fat: 5-7 grams
• Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
• Cholesterol: 15-20 mg
• Sodium: 40-50 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 13-15 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5-1 gram
• Sugars: 6-8 grams
• Protein: 1-2 grams

Health Information:

1. Moderation: While Apple Cranberry Icebox Cookies can be a delicious treat, they are still cookies and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

2. Added Sugars: These cookies contain added sugars from the granulated sugar and dried cranberries. Excess sugar intake can lead to various health issues, so it’s important to be mindful of your overall sugar consumption.

3. Portion Control: Be conscious of portion sizes. It’s easy to overindulge when it comes to cookies, so limit yourself to a reasonable serving size.

4. Fiber and Fruit: The addition of dried cranberries and apples does provide some dietary fiber and a hint of fruitiness to the cookies. However, it’s not a substitute for whole fruits and vegetables in your diet.

5. Balanced Diet: To maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s essential to balance treats like these cookies with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

6. Hydration: Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially if you enjoy these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee.

Enjoy your Apple Cranberry Icebox Cookies, but remember to enjoy them responsibly as part of a well-rounded diet. 🍪🍎🍒