For years, we’ve sent lucky friends and family a can of Cougar Gold Cheese for Christmas. So every couple of months, Washington State University sends me their Cougar Cheese Notes newsletter.

The Fall 2008 issue features a recipe that sounds divine (although I haven’t tested it yet and there is no yield line, so I have no idea how many cookies it will make). I know I’ll be whipping up a batch of Apple Cheddar Cookies for autumn snacking! 

Apple Cheddar Cookies

1/2 cup butter

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

8 ounces American Cheddar, grated (about 2 cups)

1 1/2 cups chopped apples

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Get out a baking sheet and line with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy clean-up. 

2. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla. 

3. Combine the flour, cinnamon, soda, and salt. Stir into the wet ingredients, blending well.

4. Stir in the cheese, apples, and nuts.

5. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden, 15 to 18 minutes. 

6. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.