Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• FILLING:
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 medium tart apples, peeled and grated (about 2 cups)
• 3/4 cup water
• GLAZE:
• 4 tablespoons water
• Red and green liquid food coloring

Directions

• In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, milk and vanilla. Combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Divide in dough in half. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until easy to handle (dough will be soft).
• Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the filling ingredients. Cook over medium heat until apples are softened and mixture is thickened; cool.
• On a lightly floured surface roll out each portion of dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-1/2-in. apple cookie cutter. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Spread with 2 teaspoons of filling to within 1/4 in. of edge. Top with another cutout seal edges.
• Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons water and 18 drops red food coloring. In another small bowl, combine remaining water and 6 drops green food coloring. Using a pastry brush, "paint" apples red with green leaves. Yield: 2 dozen.

Apple Pie Cookies published in Country Woman September/October 1999, p10