If you're a fan of traditional Indian desserts, these Apple Halwa Cookies are the perfect fusion of classic halwa flavors with the comforting texture of a cookie. Infused with the sweetness of fresh apples, aromatic cardamom, and a touch of saffron, these eggless cookies offer the rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Indian apple halwa in every bite. Made with melted ghee for an authentic flavor boost, this recipe is easy to prepare and delivers a soft, chewy texture that pairs perfectly with a cup of chai. Plus, no need to cook the halwa separately—just mix the ingredients and bake! It is topped with an apple saffron glaze which only adds to the flavor and makes it look great! It is ideal for festive gatherings or a delicious dessert any time of year. Plus with baking time it is ready in an hour!

Happy Baking!

Servings: About 9-11 cookies 

Prep Time: 20-30 mins

Chilling time: 10 mins

Cooking Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients: 

Apple Halwa Cookie:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup melted ghee (clarified butter); slightly cooled

• 1/4-1/3 cup powdered sugar; as per taste

• 1 medium apple grated with skin on; I used red delicious apple

• 1/4 cup almond flour

• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder

• 10-15 saffron strands

• 1/4-1/2 tsp cinnamon powder; as per taste

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 1/8 tsp ginger powder

• 1/4 tsp baking powder

• 1/8 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1-2 tbsp apple juice

• Thinly sliced almonds; optional

Apple Saffron Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1.5-3 tbsp apple juice; as needed for consistency

• A few saffron strands

• Pinch of cardamom powder

Directions: 

• Grate the apple in a bowl. Squeeze the juice out of grated apple into a bowl. You want the apple mostly dry. Keep it aside.

• In a dry motor put the saffron strands. Use a pestle gently to grind it. Do not overgrind otherwise you will use the oils from it.

• In a mixing bowl, add all purpose flour, almond flour, powdered sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom powder, ginger powder, cinnamon powder, nutmeg and about half of ground saffron. Mix well.

• Add ghee, and the grated apple and use a spatula to start mixing it. Add 1-2 tbsp of apple juice as needed to be able to mix it well. Do not make the dough too liquid though.

• Once the dough is well combined and mixed, cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.

• Preheat the oven to 350F.

• Glaze: In a bowl add powdered sugar, 1-2 tbsp of apple juice, the remaining ground saffron, and cardamom powder. Mix till combined. Add more apple juice if needed to get the consistency you like.

• Scoop out and roll the cookie on a lined baking tray. Flatten them if you like. Top with some sliced almonds if you want.

• Bake at 350F for 12-15 mins till edges are baked and cookies are baked through.

• Let them cool once out of the oven.

• Drizzle the glaze over the cookies. It will set in 2-3 minutes.

• Serve and enjoy!

Notes/Tips:

• You can use gala or red apples. Anything sweet works.

• Ghee is essential in this recipe. I would not recommend skipping it. Make sure it is slightly cooled.

• You can skip the almonds if you want.

• The glaze adds a lot of flavor so make sure you make it.

• You can store the cookies in the fridge for a week. Thaw before having ideally!

• Don’t skip the almond flour!