Description
These Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies combine the warmth of cinnamon sugar with the natural sweetness and juiciness of fresh apples. Soft, chewy, and bursting with cozy autumn flavors, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for holidays, snacks, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins and Coating
- 1 medium fresh apple, peeled and finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- For rolling: ¼ cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (cinnamon sugar)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is essential for creating a soft and tender cookie.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. These ingredients add moisture and aroma, enhancing the cookie’s chew and flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Overmixing can cause tough cookies, so stop when you no longer see streaks of flour.
- Fold in the Apples: Gently fold in the finely chopped fresh apples, distributing them evenly throughout the dough to ensure every cookie has juicy, flavorful bits.
- Shape and Roll in Cinnamon Sugar: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture for that classic snickerdoodle coating.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and soft.
- Chop apples finely to distribute moisture evenly and avoid soggy spots.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
- Adjust baking time for desired texture: 10 minutes for softer cookies, up to 12 minutes for slightly crisp edges.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg