For the cookies:
1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
1-1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 apple juice, divided
2-1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup apples, peeled and shredded
For the Caramel Frosting:
2 to 3 tablespoons margarine, softened
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
1-1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 to 4 tablespoons milk
5 tablespoons finely crushed walnuts
To make the cookies:
Pre-heat oven to 350 F. Grease baking sheet(s). In a large mixing bowl, beat shortening and brown sugar in medium bowl until blended; beat in egg and apple juice. In another mixing bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and cloves. Stir flour mixture into shortening mixture. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup apple juice and the apples. Drop by teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake a 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
To make the Caramel Frosting:
Heat margarine, brown sugar, and water over medium high heat in saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; beat in powdered sugar and enough milk to make spreadable consistency; use immediately. If frosting begins to harden, return to low heat and stir in more milk.
Spread frosting on each cookie and sprinkle with crushed walnuts.
A cookie baker Dec 15, 2008
Would not make this again.
I had a lot of problems with this cookie, it had the constistancy ofbread more than a cookie. I don't know if maybe I did something wrong, but if I ever did make these again, I will probably make them into muffins instead. They tasted great and the frosting was really good, I just don't think they work as a cookie.
Kimberly in CA Dec 9, 2008
Would make this again.
Great cookies. They have become a christmas tradition. I made a double batch and they were cone by the time I cot home the next day. They are a hit at parties too.
cathy in ri Nov 17, 2008
Would make this again.
These are delicious and everyone will ask for more but they're time consuming to make.
Lucy in Rochester, NY Dec 23, 2007
Would not make this again.
Wouldn't make this cookie again.
The cookie was too sweet and the frosting made them too messy and sticky these were a problem to store.
A cookie baker in Ma Dec 19, 2007
Would make this again.
These were wonderful cookies and the glaze made them that much more delicious!!! I don't add the nuts on top though..because they don't stick to good in the glaze because it hardens so quickly!! A+++
