Dark Chocolate Apricot Cookies are a delicious treat that combines the sweet and tangy flavor of apricots with the rich and indulgent taste of dark chocolate. These chocolate dipped cookies are perfect for those who love the combination of sweet and savory flavors and are looking for a unique twist on the classic sugar cookie.
This sugar cookie recipe is simple yet sophisticated, making it a great option for both novice and experienced bakers. Apricot cookies have a chewy texture with a slightly tart flavor and the melted dark chocolate adds a layer of richness to the overall flavor profile.
Chocolate and Apricot Flavor Combination
Dark chocolate and apricot are a match made in heaven. The rich, slightly bitter flavor of dark chocolate complements the sweet and tangy taste of apricots. The combination of these two flavors creates a unique and delicious taste that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
One of the benefits of using dark chocolate is that it is not as sweet as milk chocolate, which allows the apricot flavor to shine through. This is especially true when the apricots are dried, as they have a more concentrated flavor. The combination of the two flavors creates a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. When using high-quality ingredients, this flavor combination can be taken to the next level, creating a truly indulgent treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Health Benefits: Dark chocolate is known for its health benefits. It contains antioxidants, which can help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. Apricots are a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. When combined with dark chocolate, they make a delicious and healthy snack.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. The cookies are ready in less than 30 minutes, making them a perfect treat for busy days.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Dark chocolate dipped apricot cookies are perfect for any occasion. You can serve them as a snack, dessert, or even as a gift for your loved ones.
Chocolate Dipped Apricot Cookie Ingredients
Sugar cookie mix: You will need 1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) of Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix, or whatever your favorite brand is, for the base of this cookie recipe.
Butter: Adding ½ cup of butter, or softened margarine, gives these cookies a wonderful rich flavor.
Orange extract: For more incredible taste, use ¼ tsp of orange extract.
Egg: To help bind the dough together and create great texture, add in 1 egg.
Apricots: Use 1 cup of chopped dried apricots to give these cookies great taste and texture too.
Dark chocolate chips: Use one 12-ounce package of dark chocolate chips for the cookie dip.
How to make Dark Chocolate Apricot Cookies
Prep
To start, preheat the oven to 375°F. Then, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicon mats and set them aside.
Also, chop the dried apricots into small pieces that will be easily incorporated into the dough.
Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, mix the dry cookie mix, softened butter, orange extract, and egg until a soft dough forms. Next, stir in the dried apricots pieces until blended.
Proceed to drop the cookie dough in rounded teaspoon size balls, 2 inches apart, on the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown.
Cool for about 3 minutes, then remove them from the cookie sheet and move to a wire rack. Let them cool completely for about 15 minutes.
Chocolate Dip
In a small microwavable bowl, heat the chocolate chips (uncovered) on high for 1 minute, stirring every 30 seconds, until the chips are melted. Heat in 15 second increments until the chocolate is fully melted.
Once melted, proceed to dip each cookie halfway into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off.
Place them on parchment paper and let them sit until the chocolate is set for about 1-2 hours. Or you can set them in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes for a faster setting process.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions for Sugar Cookies with Fruit
Dark chocolate dipped apricot cookies are a delicious treat that can be customized to suit individual preferences. Here are a few variations and substitutions that can be made to the recipe:
- Chocolate: While dark chocolate is the preferred choice for this recipe, milk or white chocolate can also be used. For a vegan option, dairy-free chocolate can be substituted.
- Apricots: The recipe calls for dried apricots, but other dried fruits such as cranberries, cherries, or raisins can be used instead. Chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans can also be added for extra texture.
- Spices: Cinnamon or nutmeg can be added to the cookie dough for a warm, cozy flavor. Alternatively, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added for a spicy kick.
- Decorations: The dipped cookies can be decorated with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or sea salt for added flavor and texture.
Dark Chocolate Apricot Cookies
Ingredients
- 16 oz package of sugar cookie mix
- ½ cup butter or margarine softened
- ¼ tsp orange extract
- 1 egg
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 12 oz dark chocolate chips 2 cups
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Chop the dried apricots into small pieces that will be easily incorporated into the dough.
- Dough: In large bowl, mix together the dry cookie mix, softened butter, orange extract and egg until soft dough forms. Next, stir in the dried apricots pieces until blended.
- Proceed to drop cookie dough by rounded teaspoonfuls, 2 inches apart, on the parchment lined cookie sheet.
- Bake: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool for about 3 minutes, then remove them from the cookie sheet and move to a wire rack. Cool completely, about 15 minutes.
- Chocolate dip: In small microwavable bowl, heat the chocolate chips (uncovered) on high 1 minute, stirring every 30 seconds, until chips are melted. Heat in 15 second increments until the chocolate is fully melted.
- Dip each cookie halfway into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place them on parchment paper and let sit until chocolate is set, about 1-2 hours. Or you can set them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes for a faster setting process. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
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How long are chocolate dipped apricot cookies good for?
If stored in an airtight container, these cookies will be good for 3-5 days. Store these cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a tightly covered container at room temperature.
How can I ensure that the apricots remain soft when baking?
To ensure that the apricots remain soft when baking apricot cookies, it is recommended to use dried apricots that are not overly dry. You can also soak the apricots in warm water for a few minutes before using them in the recipe. This will help to rehydrate them and make them softer.
What type of dark chocolate is best for dipping cookies?
When it comes to dipping cookies in dark chocolate, it is best to use high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70%. This will give the cookies a rich, chocolatey flavor and a smooth, glossy finish. You can use either baking chocolate or chocolate chips, but be sure to choose a brand that you trust.
Are there any unique variations of apricot cookies that incorporate exotic flavors?
Yes, there are many unique variations of apricot cookies that incorporate exotic flavors. Some popular options include apricot and cardamom cookies, apricot and pistachio cookies, and apricot and ginger cookies. You can also experiment with different spices and flavorings to create your own unique flavor combinations.
What is the best way to melt chocolate?
Place a medium-sized saucepan over the stove and fill it with 1-2 inches of water at the bottom. Bring the water to a boil. Add a medium or large-sized glass bowl to the top. It should be able to nestle inside for stability, but the bottom of the bowl should not touch the water. Add your chocolate to the bowl and stir until melted before removing it from heat. Alternatively, you can use the microwave method. Add your chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each until smooth.
How do you soften butter?
I like to soften butter by using the defrost function on my microwave. If you need the full 1/2 cup cube of butter, you can leave it in the paper wrapper, otherwise, place the amount of butter you need in a glass or porcelain bowl. I use the lowest defrost setting on my microwave and just let it run for 20 seconds. Check the butter and see how soft it is by pressing it with a rubber scraper. If it is still not soft to the touch, meaning it doesn’t indent when you press into it, let it warm for another 5-10 seconds. Watch it closely! Butter softens very quickly.
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Dark Chocolate Apricot Cookies are a lovely combination of a soft cookie and tangy fruit flavor. These chocolate dipped cookies are a unique twist on the classic sugar cookie.
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