Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle, combining the comforting flavors of warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and the signature tangy bite of snickerdoodles. Perfect for fall or any time you’re craving a cozy treat, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 1 cup finely diced apples (peeled)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the diced apples, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss to coat evenly and set aside. - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes. - Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated, then mix in the vanilla extract. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing. - Fold in Apples:
Gently fold in the prepared apple mixture until evenly distributed throughout the dough. - Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. - Preheat and Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. - Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating. - Shape and Coat the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough, roll them into balls, and coat each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. - Bake:
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve these Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies warm with a glass of milk or a mug of hot cider for a perfect treat. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Yes! Firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties like Honeycrisp work wonderfully in this recipe.
2. What if I don’t have cream of tartar?
You can substitute 2 teaspoons of baking powder for both the cream of tartar and baking soda.
3. Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just ensure it’s well-covered to prevent drying out.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies
These Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle. Soft and chewy, with bits of tart apple and a cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re the perfect fall treat. Serve them warm for a comforting dessert or enjoy them with a cup of tea on a chilly day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. - Add Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. - Incorporate Apples and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the diced apples gently. - Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating. - Shape and Coat:
Scoop out dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, then roll into balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat. - Bake:
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. - Cool:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of flavors.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, place the dough balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.