Baked Cinnamon Apple Walnut Roll Cookies

Prep: 30 minCook: 25 min64 cookiesmedium
Baked Cinnamon Apple Walnut Roll Cookies

Tender rolled cookies filled with spiced apple and walnut mixture, creating a delightful contrast between the soft cookie dough and the sweet, cinnamon-scented filling. Perfect for afternoon tea or dessert, these cookies offer the comforting flavors of apple pie in a portable format. The combination of fresh lemon zest in the dough and grated apples in the filling creates a bright, fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm cinnamon and crunchy walnuts.

Ingredients

Yield: 64 cookies
  • 2 ¼ cup flour
    gluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free

    may need extra binding

    Full guide →
  • 9 tbsp butter, at room temperature
    vegan butter1:1vegandairy-free

    use room temperature

    Full guide →
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
    melted coconut oil1:1flavor variation

    let cool slightly

    Full guide →
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp yogurt
    plant-based yogurt1:1vegan

    use plain variety

    Full guide →
  • 1 tsp lemon zest, grated
  • 3 apples, peeled and grated
  • ½ cup walnut, crumbled
    pecans1:1nut-free alternative

    similar texture

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar, to coat cookies

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven

  2. 2

    Heat skillet and cook apple and sugar until juice absorbs

  3. 3

    Add cinnamon and walnut and cook for a few minutes

  4. 4

    Let filling cool

  5. 5

    Mix all dough ingredients

  6. 6

    Make big ball and divide into 8 balls

  7. 7

    Roll out each ball and cut into 8 equal pieces

  8. 8

    Share filling on pieces and roll up

  9. 9

    Repeat for all dough balls

  10. 10

    Line baking pan with parchment paper and place rolls on it

  11. 11

    Bake for 20 minutes and let cool

  12. 12

    Dust with powdered sugar before serving

Tips

Tip 1

Cool the apple filling completely before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming soggy and difficult to roll.

Tip 2

Divide the filling evenly among all pieces for consistent flavor in each cookie.

Tip 3

Roll the dough pieces thin enough to wrap easily but thick enough to prevent tearing during assembly.

Good to Know

Storage

Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days

Make Ahead

Prepare filling up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate

Serve With

Serve at room temperature, dusted with icing sugar

Common Mistakes

Watch

Cool filling completely to avoid soggy dough

Watch

Don't overfill pieces to prevent bursting during baking

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

butter
vegan butter1:1vegandairy-free

use room temperature

Full guide →

Vegan Options

yogurt
plant-based yogurt1:1vegan

use plain variety

Full guide →

Gluten-Free Swaps

flour
gluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free

may need extra binding

Full guide →

Nut-Free Alternatives

walnuts
pecans1:1nut-free alternative

similar texture

Full guide →

General Alternatives

olive oil
melted coconut oil1:1flavor variation

let cool slightly

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the filling a day ahead and store refrigerated. Assemble and bake the same day for best texture and freshness.

What if my dough is too sticky to roll?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes or dust work surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking during rolling.

How long do these cookies keep?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They're best enjoyed within the first day of baking.