Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

Sweet Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe for Fall Bliss

Sweet memories dance through my kitchen when cinnamon apple snickerdoodle cookies emerge from the warm oven.

Crisp autumn afternoons spark nostalgic baking moments that connect generations.

Soft, pillowy cookies blend familiar comfort with unexpected fruity twists.

Delicate apple chunks nestled within buttery dough create magical flavor combinations.

Warm spices swirl through each tender bite, promising delightful sensations.

Crumbly edges and chewy centers make these cookies irresistible to everyone.

Bake these treats and watch smiles spread across hungry faces.

Snickerdoodles with Cinnamon Apple Warmth

  • Perfect for busy home bakers wanting delicious treats without complicated steps.
  • Kid-friendly recipe that encourages children to help mix, roll, and coat cookies while creating delightful memories together.
  • Captures classic fall flavors with warming cinnamon and sweet apple, making these cookies ideal for cozy gatherings and holiday celebrations.
  • Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, these cookies work wonderfully as after-school treats, potluck contributions, or casual dessert options that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients to Make Apple Snickerdoodles Soft

Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: Base for cookie structure, all-purpose works best.
  • Cream of Tartar: Provides tangy flavor and soft texture.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy note to cookie base.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and tender texture, best when softened.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create sweetness and help with cookie caramelization.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Deepens overall flavor profile.
Fruit and Coating Ingredients:
  • Apple, Diced: Adds fresh fruity burst and moisture, use firm baking varieties like Granny Smith.
  • Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon (for coating): Creates sweet, spicy exterior crunch.

Bake Snickerdoodles That Stay Chewy and Spiced

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375F (190C). Cover baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Cream of tartar
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon

Set this mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Whip Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, grab a mixer and beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud (around 2 minutes).

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Components

Drop in eggs one by one, then splash in vanilla extract. Mix until everything looks smooth and happy.

Step 5: Marry Dry and Wet Mixtures

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Carefully add diced apple chunks and fold them in with a soft touch.

Step 6: Create Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle

In a small bowl, blend granulated sugar and cinnamon for the magical coating.

Step 7: Shape and Roll Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls. Roll each ball in cinnamon sugar until completely covered. Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pop the sheets into the oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for slightly cracked tops and set edges. Keep an eye out to prevent overcooking.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before devouring.

Tips That Add More Apple to Every Bite

  • Soften Butter Perfectly: Leave butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, creamy incorporation without melting.
  • Choose Apples Wisely: Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape and provide a nice texture contrast in cookies.
  • Prevent Soggy Cookies: Pat diced apples dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent cookies from becoming too wet or dense.
  • Adjust Baking Time: Check cookies at 10 minutes and remove when edges are slightly golden but centers look slightly underbaked for ultimate softness.
  • Store with Crunch Preservation: Keep cookies in an airtight container with a piece of bread to maintain moisture and prevent hardening.

Keep Your Cookies Soft After the First Day

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Transfer cookies to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
  • Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-4 minutes to restore softness and enhance cinnamon aroma.
  • Keep cookies at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain soft and fresh.

Pairing Apple Cookies with Drinks and Dips

  • Sip a steaming mug of chai tea or spiced apple cider to complement the cinnamon and apple notes in these cookies, creating a cozy autumn-inspired flavor combination.
  • Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the cookie's warm spices and add a luxurious creamy contrast.
  • Enjoy with a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty depth that harmonizes with the cookie's soft texture and fruity undertones.
  • Pour a small glass of sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a late-harvest Riesling to highlight the cookie's sweetness and provide a sophisticated tasting experience.
  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
  • Vegan Apple Snickerdoodles: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based.
  • Reduced Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, and decrease overall sugar content while maintaining cookie sweetness.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Replace flour with almond flour, use sugar-free sweetener, and incorporate low-carb apple flavoring or minimal diced apple pieces to maintain minimal carbohydrate content.
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Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Irresistible cinnamon apple snickerdoodle cookies blend classic comfort with seasonal warmth, creating a perfect sweet treat that dances between traditional and innovative. Crisp apple chunks and warm cinnamon swirls make these cookies a delightful companion for your afternoon coffee or evening dessert craving.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ¾ cups (350g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced (about 1 cup)

Spices and Leavening Agents:

  • 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for optimal cookie performance.
  2. Craft the dry ingredient foundation by whisking flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together in a medium mixing vessel, then set aside.
  3. Transform butter and sugars into a light, airy mixture using an electric mixer, beating softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until they achieve a fluffy consistency.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, followed by a splash of vanilla extract, ensuring smooth integration of each component.
  5. Gradually merge the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Gently fold diced apples into the dough using a spatula to distribute evenly.
  6. Create a fragrant cinnamon sugar coating by thoroughly blending granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate small bowl.
  7. Form cookie portions by scooping tablespoon-sized dough balls, then meticulously roll each in the cinnamon sugar mixture until completely enrobed. Arrange cookies with ample spacing on prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, watching for set edges and slightly cracked tops. Aim for a soft, chewy texture by avoiding excessive baking time.
  9. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, enabling them to set and develop their final texture.

Notes

  • Adjust Apple Texture by finely dicing and patting dry the apples to prevent excess moisture from making cookies soggy.
  • Create Gluten-Free Version by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals.
  • Enhance Flavor Complexity by using a mix of apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for deeper, more nuanced taste profiles.
  • Control Sweetness Level by reducing sugar slightly or using alternative sweeteners like monk fruit for lower-calorie options.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 164
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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