Definition of "coddling"

It was associated, to them, with vague sweet memories of loving nestlings in mother's arms, of soft warm coddlings before the fire, of slow rocking to and fro in the little, low, flag chair, and gradual droppings off to sleep […]

1871, Kate Neely Hill Festetits, Actions speak louder than words

Take the large coddlings, or any other hard green apple, newly pulled; cut them in quarters, and cut out the core […]

1791, Mrs. Frazer, The Practice of Cookery, Pastry, Pickling, Preserving, &c

Afterwards, when we had all pulled crackers and donned fancy hats and paper masks, we were served with our choice of plum puddings or hot coddlings, mince pies or pumpkin tart.

2006, Michael Moorcock, The Vengeance of Rome