Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Flavor: Uses real apricots for a natural, tangy sweetness.
- Perfect Texture: Buttery and tender with fruity bursts in every bite.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Versatile Treat: Great for snacks, desserts, or sharing with friends.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit
- 1 cup fresh apricots, finely chopped
Directions
Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped apricots.
Chill and Bake
- Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is key to preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Use ripe but firm apricots for the best balance of sweetness and texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm spice notes.
- Mix in chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added crunch.
- Substitute dried apricots soaked in warm water if fresh apricots are unavailable.
Storage and Reheating
- Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
- Reheat slightly in the oven for a freshly baked taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apricots?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, wrap the dough tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking.
What size should I make the cookies?
Use tablespoon-sized scoops for uniform cookies that bake evenly.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is recommended for flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute. Oil is not advised as it may alter texture.
Are these cookies suitable for kids?
Yes, they’re tender, mildly sweet, and packed with fruity goodness.
Can I add a glaze or icing?
A simple powdered sugar glaze pairs beautifully with these cookies.
How do I prevent apricots from making the dough too wet?
Chop apricots finely and pat them dry with paper towels before folding into the dough.
Can I use apricot jam instead of fresh apricots?
Fresh apricots are best for texture; jam will change the dough consistency and baking time.
Conclusion
Apricot cookies offer a wonderful balance of tart fruit and rich buttery sweetness in a soft, tender cookie. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they bring a fresh and delightful twist to your baking repertoire. Try this recipe for a fresh fruit cookie that everyone will love.
Apricot Cookies
Delicious cookies combining the tartness of fresh apricots with a sweet, buttery base, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh apricots, finely chopped
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in chopped apricots.
- Cover dough and chill for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Drop tablespoon-sized spoonfuls of dough spaced 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Cool cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling dough prevents excessive spreading during baking.
- Use ripe but firm apricots for optimal sweetness and texture.
- Store cookies in airtight container for up to one week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg