Cinnamon-Apple Glazed Cookies

These aren't just any cookies.  They're cookie craaaaaackkk.  They are absolutely incredible...SO [full of flavor]. These are most incredible fresh from the oven, and warm so that all the delicious cinnamon sugary vanilla glaze drizzles off the cookie and melts in your mouth.  These are my whole family's new favorite cookie.  I love the apple, nutty, cinnamon flavors combined in this magnificent little cookie.  Just my mom, dad, and I nearly finished an entire batch.  And the cookie dough is super amazing as well (I was eating it by the spoonful). But this is one of the rare times where the cookie (especially warm from the oven) tastes even better than the cookie dough.  These are so soft and cake like and just pure cookie perfection.  And don't forget to make the glaze! It truly makes the cookie.

Yield: about 3 dozen

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/3 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1.5 cups apples - peeled, cored and finely diced
• 1/4 cup grated apple
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. Beat shortening, butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and blend thoroughly.
2. Stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.
3. Stir half the dry ingredients into creamed mixture. Stir in nuts, apple chunks, and grated apple, then stir in remaining half of dry ingredients and milk. Mix well.
4. Drop from tablespoon 1 1/2 inches apart onto lightly greased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. Remove cookies to racks and while still warm, spread with glaze.
5. To make Glaze: Combine powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and enough milk to make glaze of spreading consistency. Beat until smooth. Spread on warm cookies.