Apple Cookies with Butterscotch Frosting

There is a bushel of apples in the kitchen at the moment, thanks to access to a nearby apple tree. There are paper bags filled with the large green orbs; shiny and crisp, just crying out to be turned into something magical. 

Of course, the traditional fare of this time of year lends itself wonderful to these beauties - pies and chutneys, curries and streusel. But if you're looking for something a bit different and with a decidedly more sweet kick, these cookies are just the ticket. 

                                                                           (Credit: Cooking Classy) 

Now I must confess, the above photo is clearly not mine. I had a tech mishap recently and as a result, lost the photos I had taken of my cookies. But the one above looks incredible similar and as I wanted to share this recipe ASAP, I decided on this one occasion to improvise. 

Soft and chewy, lightly spiced with grated apple throughout, the cookies are a delight on their own. But apples and butterscotch goes together like bacon and eggs, and I just couldn't resist whipping up some frosting to top them off with. 

The cookie batter also freezes really well, so it would be a good idea to double the measurements when you're making these, split the batter in two and freeze half. Cover the batter completely to prevent frostbrite and deforst for 3 hours at room temp and viola - instant Autumn hit. Ideal on days when you crave something homemade or have some unexpected guests. The smell of these wafting from the oven is far more welcoming than a scented candle. 

APPLE COOKIES WITH BUTTERSCOTCH FROSTING 

Pre-heat oven to 175 celsius

1 cup of butter

2 + 1/2 cup of light brown sugar

2 teaspoons of baking powder

1 tablespoon of cinnamon 

1/4 tablespoon of nutmeg 

2 large eggs

1 cup of milk 

5 cups of flour 

2 cups of grated cooking apple 

FROSTING

1 packet of Philadelphia cream cheese 

1/2 cup of butter

4 cups of icing sugar 

2/3 cup of butterscotch ice-cream topping

1 tablespoon of vanilla extract 

- Beat butter, add the sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg. Beat well. 

- Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat after each addition. 

- Pour in milk and beat mixture. Slowly add in the flour and stir to combine. 

- Stir in grated apple. 

- Pour out batter into a muffin tin case of cardboard muffin tins. 

- Bake for 12 minutes 

FROSTING 

- While the cookies are cooling, beat the cream cheese and vanilla together. Add in the icing sugar and beat again. Add in the butterscotch and stir to combine. Ice over the cookies, once they're cooled.