Have you ever wondered what would happen if your favorite apple pie turned into a cute, bite-sized cookie? That’s exactly what Japanese Apple Cookies or アップルクッキー taste like! These cookies are soft, lightly crispy on the edges, and filled with the natural sweetness of apples. They combine the cozy flavor of baked apples with the gentle charm of Japanese-style baking. Curious how such a simple cookie can taste like a warm dessert fresh from a café in Kyoto? Let’s find out together.

Table of Contents

Overview

Japanese Apple Cookies (アップルクッキー) are small, elegant cookies that highlight the freshness of real apples. Instead of being overly sweet or heavy, they offer a perfect balance of fruit and crisp cookie dough.

This recipe stands out because it uses rice flour instead of wheat flour, giving the cookies a slightly chewy texture and making them naturally gluten-free. Combined with almond powder and rice oil, they become light, nutty, and fragrant — perfect for an afternoon tea treat or a homemade gift.

• Time Required: Around 1 hour and 30 minutes (including resting time)
• Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate — great for beginners who enjoy detailed, creative baking.

Japanese Apple Cookies (アップルクッキー) @JapanDishes

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Essential Ingredients

Here’s what makes アップルクッキー so special — every ingredient plays a unique role in texture and flavor.

Main Ingredients

• Apple (1 small) – The star of the show! Choose a sweet, crisp variety like Fuji or Gala. These apples hold their shape during baking and give a natural sweetness.
• Water (20g) – Helps soften the apples while microwaving.
• Cane sugar (10g + 30g) – Used in two stages: once for cooking the apples and once for the cookie dough. Cane sugar provides a warm caramel flavor compared to white sugar.
• Lemon juice (5g) – Balances the sweetness and keeps the apples from browning.
• Egg (20g) – Adds moisture and binds the dough ingredients.
• Rice oil (40g) – A healthier, lighter alternative to butter. It gives the cookies a clean, crisp texture.
• Rice flour (80g) – Use Japanese rice flour like Mizuho Chikara bread flour. It provides a delicate crunch and chewy bite.
• Almond powder (20g) – Adds nutty aroma and helps the dough stay tender.
• Apricot jam + water – Used to make a glaze that gives the apples shine and flavor.

Why These Ingredients Matter

• Rice flour: Makes the cookies gluten-free, light, and easy to digest.
• Almond powder: Enhances the flavor and helps keep the cookies soft inside.
• Rice oil: A traditional Japanese baking choice for health-friendly desserts.
• Lemon juice: Keeps the apple slices fresh and bright, even after baking.

Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have rice oil, use sunflower oil or light olive oil.
• Replace cane sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• For a nut-free version, substitute almond powder with cornstarch or extra rice flour.
• Instead of apricot jam, try apple jelly or honey glaze for a different finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by washing your apple well. Cut out the core and slice the apple thinly — about 2–3 mm thick. The thinner the slices, the better they’ll bake on top of the cookies.

In a heat-resistant bowl, add:

• 20g of water
• 10g of cane sugar
• 5g of lemon juice
• Your apple slices

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave at 600W for 2 minutes. This will slightly soften the apples and bring out their natural sweetness. Let them cool for about 1 hour to absorb all the syrup.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In another mixing bowl, combine the egg (20g), rice oil (40g), and cane sugar (30g). Use a whisk and mix until everything becomes smooth and slightly creamy.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Add rice flour (80g) and almond powder (20g) to the wet mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold everything together gently. The dough will start to come together as a soft, slightly sticky ball.

If it feels too wet, sprinkle a small amount of rice flour (not from the listed ingredients) to help it hold shape.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Dust your work surface with rice flour. Roll the dough to about 1 cm thick. Use a round cookie cutter or cut by hand into shapes slightly larger than your apple slices. This ensures that when the apples bake on top, the dough doesn’t disappear under them.

Step 5: Shape and Decorate

Use your fingers to smooth the edges and make small cuts at the top and bottom to mimic the apple’s natural shape. With leftover dough, form tiny stems and leaves. Use a knife to make leaf patterns — a charming Japanese touch that makes these cookies look like real apples.

Step 6: Add the Topping

Brush each cookie lightly with beaten egg (not included in the ingredients). Arrange your softened apple slices neatly on top. Make sure each cookie has an even layer — not too thick — so they bake evenly.

Step 7: Bake

Place the cookies on a lined baking tray. Bake at 170°C (340°F) for 15–20 minutes until golden and slightly crisp on the edges. Your kitchen will smell like warm apple pie!

Step 8: Glaze and Finish

In a small bowl, mix apricot jam with a bit of water and warm it until it becomes smooth and spreadable. Use a brush to gently coat the apple tops. The glaze not only gives shine but also seals in moisture, making the cookies taste fresh even the next day.

Secrets to Success and Expert Tips

• Use the right apple: Choose apples that hold shape when heated. Fuji or Jonagold varieties are ideal.
• Don’t overbake: These cookies should stay golden, not brown. Overbaking will make them dry.
• Rest the dough: Letting the apples cool in syrup enhances flavor.
• Thin slices: Thinner apples bake more evenly and caramelize beautifully.
• Glazing: Always glaze after baking for the perfect shine.

Assembly and Presentation

Once baked and cooled, place your アップルクッキー on a clean white plate or sheet pan. Arrange them like small pastries — each showing its lovely apple top and shiny glaze.

You can dust the edges lightly with powdered sugar or place a few mint leaves beside them for contrast. Japanese sweets are known for their visual harmony, so think about colors and shapes when plating.

Japanese Apple Cookies (アップルクッキー) JapanDishes

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for about 4–5 days. Let them sit at room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked dough discs for up to 2 weeks. When ready, thaw slightly, add apples, and bake.
• Reheat: Warm baked cookies in a 150°C (300°F) oven for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness.

If you’re planning ahead, prepare the apple topping the day before and store it in the fridge. This makes baking day faster and easier.

Recipe Variations

• Apple Cinnamon Cookies – Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Matcha Apple Cookies – Mix 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into the rice flour for a Japanese twist.
• Butter Version – Replace rice oil with melted butter for a richer, European-style taste.
• Mini Tarts – Use the same recipe to make small tartlets in muffin cups.
• Honey Apple Glaze – Swap apricot jam with a honey glaze for a natural sweetness.

More Japanese Recipes You Can Try

If you enjoyed making these Japanese Apple Cookies (アップルクッキー), you’ll love exploring more sweet and comforting treats from Japan. Each recipe has its own story and unique flavor — perfect for anyone who loves Japanese-style desserts. Try the soft and fluffy Japanese Dorayaki (どら焼き), a beloved pancake sandwich filled with sweet red bean paste, or indulge in the silky smooth Japanese Custard Pudding (プリン), a classic dessert that melts in your mouth. These recipes are simple to follow and bring a touch of Japan right into your kitchen.

Conclusion

Japanese Apple Cookies (アップルクッキー) prove that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. With crisp rice flour dough, fragrant apples, and a golden glaze, these cookies are both pretty and delicious. Whether you bake them for guests, family, or yourself, they’ll always bring warmth and joy.

Don’t be afraid to experiment — maybe next time, try adding cinnamon, matcha, or even yuzu zest. Baking is an art of love, and these cookies are a sweet way to show it.

So next time you see an apple in your kitchen, think of this recipe. Why settle for ordinary when you can make something beautifully Japanese — light, elegant, and full of heart?

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of rice flour?
Yes, but the texture will be more like a regular cookie and less crisp. Rice flour gives a delicate crunch that’s special to this recipe.

2. Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the egg with 1 tablespoon of applesauce or soy yogurt. The result will be slightly softer but still delicious.

3. What’s the best apple for these cookies?
Fuji, Gala, or Jonagold are great choices because they stay firm and flavorful after baking.

4. How do I keep the apples from turning brown?
Always add lemon juice when microwaving them. It keeps their color bright and fresh.

5. Are these cookies healthy?
Yes! They use rice oil and rice flour, making them lighter and easier to digest. Plus, apples add fiber and natural sweetness.

6. Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes. You can store the dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze it for future baking.

7. How do I make the cookies shinier like bakery ones?
Brush them with apricot jam glaze after baking while they’re still warm. That’s the secret to that glossy finish!

8. Why are Japanese cookies less sweet?
Japanese desserts often focus on balance — letting the fruit’s flavor shine instead of masking it with sugar.

9. Can I make mini versions for gifts?
Yes! Cut the dough smaller and bake for a shorter time. They make adorable edible gifts.

10. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Of course. Pears or peaches work beautifully — just adjust the cooking time so they stay firm.

And if you’re dreaming of visiting Japan someday, don’t miss the breathtaking Yamadera – Best View Spots, where nature and ancient temples create one of the most stunning sceneries in northern Japan. It’s the perfect inspiration to enjoy your homemade cookies with a view!