Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the crispness of autumn settles in, I can’t help but crave the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies, a delightful twist on the classic favorite. The addition of tender diced apples creates a gorgeous harmony between the nostalgic flavors of snickerdoodles and the warm essence of fall. You’ll find that these cookies are not only a crowd-pleaser, but they’re also surprisingly quick to whip up, making them a perfect solution for those busy weeknights. So, why not give your baking a seasonal upgrade? Are you ready to savor the magical blend of spices and apples with every bite? Why are These Cookies a Fall Favorite? Irresistible Flavor: The perfect fusion of cinnamon, nutmeg, and juicy apples brings warmth to every bite, wrapping you in the comforts of autumn. Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in no time, making them ideal for impromptu gatherings or cozy evenings with loved ones. Nostalgic Twist: Elevate the classic snickerdoodle experience with tender chunks of Granny Smith apples for a fresh and exciting texture. Versatile Enjoyment: Serve them warm with a glass of cold milk, or pair with vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. Looking for more delicious treats? Try Cotton Candy Cookies or indulge in some Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: These cookies are guaranteed to impress family and friends, making them the highlight of your dessert table! Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies • A cozy treat for any occasion! For the Cookie Batter All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure for the cookies; no substitutions recommended. Cream of Tartar – Essential for a tangy taste and chewy texture; absolutely do not omit. Baking Soda – Acts as the leavening agent, giving the cookies their lift. Salt – Enhances sweetness and flavor; regular table salt works perfectly here. Unsalted Butter – Brings richness and moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for the best results. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps them to spread; coconut sugar is a healthier substitute. Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor; can be swapped for more granulated sugar if needed. Eggs – Binds the ingredients together while adding moisture; no direct substitutes for binding. Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor; use pure extract for optimum taste, but imitation can work in a pinch. For the Apple Addition Granny Smith Apples – Provides tartness and moisture; essential for that delightful flavor burst—other firm apples like Honeycrisp can be used. For the Cinnamon Coating Ground Cinnamon – A key flavor for snickerdoodles; essential for that traditional taste. Ground Nutmeg (optional) – Adds a cozy warmth; feel free to omit if it’s not on hand. These Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies combine all the comforting flavors of fall into one delicious cookie! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies Step 1: Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, ensuring your spiced apple cinnamon snickerdoodle cookies bake perfectly and evenly. Prepare to create a lovely baking aroma that will fill your kitchen. Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 and ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This blend is crucial for the texture of your cookies, so take a moment to mix thoroughly. Set the bowl aside as you prepare the wet ingredients. Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. Aim for a light and fluffy texture; this step is vital for the body of your spiced apple cinnamon snickerdoodle cookies. Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla Add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition. This will further enrich the flavor and binding of your cookie dough. Blend until the mixture is smooth, ensuring that no lumps remain, and your dough base is well-prepared. Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula just until combined. Be cautious not to overmix; aim for a soft dough texture that still holds together. This balance is essential for achieving the ideal chewy consistency in your spiced apple cinnamon snickerdoodle cookies. Step 6: Fold in the Apples Carefully fold in 1 cup of peeled and diced Granny Smith apples into the dough, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. The apples will add moisture and flavor, making each bite a delicious surprise. Take care not to break down the apple chunks while mixing; they should remain intact. Step 7: Chill the Dough Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This step helps minimize spreading during baking, ensuring your cookies maintain their shape and chewy texture. While waiting, you can clean up your workspace or prepare your cinnamon-sugar coating. Step 8: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg, if desired. Mix well to create a fragrant, delightful coating for your cookies. This adds a classic snickerdoodle finish, enhancing their warm autumn flavor. Step 9: Shape the Cookies Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven again if necessary. Scoop portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Next, coat each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are well-covered for that signature snickerdoodle flavor. Step 10: Bake the Cookies Place the cookie balls spaced 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookie centers are just set and still a bit soft. Keep a close eye on them, as the cookies will continue to bake slightly while cooling. Step 11: Cool and Enjoy Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief cooling period helps them set up perfectly. Once transferred, let them cool completely, and treat yourself to a warm, delicious spiced apple cinnamon snickerdoodle cookie! What to Serve with Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies Indulging in freshly baked cookies is a delightful experience, but pairing them with the right accompaniments elevates the moment even more. Cold Milk: A classic pairing that enhances the cookie’s sweetness and offers comfort; perfect for dunking. Warm Apple Cider: The cozy warmth of spiced apple cider complements the flavors of the cookies, creating a seasonal hug in a cup. Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop some creamy vanilla ice cream on top for a luxurious treat; the melting ice cream and warm cookies are heavenly together. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Add a sweet, gooey drizzle for an extra layer of indulgence—savor the combination of cinnamon and caramel flavors. Coffee or Espresso: The rich, bold notes of freshly brewed coffee balance the cookie’s sweetness, perfect for an afternoon coffee break. Chai Tea: A spiced chai brings warmth and aromatic flavors that beautifully complement the cookies; it’s a match made in heaven for autumn. Nuts or Granola: Serve alongside a small bowl of crunchy granola or spiced nuts for added texture and a wholesome touch. Cheese Platter: For a unique twist, combine with mild cheese—like brie or cream cheese—as the creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the chewy cookies. Baked Pears: Warm, baked pears with a sprinkle of cinnamon can create a beautiful, fresh layer that goes wonderfully with the spiced cookies. Homemade Hot Chocolate: Indulge your sweet tooth further with a rich, chocolatey drink; the combination of flavors creates a cozy, comforting experience. Storage Tips for Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Adding a slice of bread helps maintain moisture and softness. Freezer: To enjoy your spiced apple cinnamon snickerdoodle cookies later, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. For best results, layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Reheating: When you’re ready to indulge, reheat the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold; they still taste delightful! Dough Storage: If you’re not baking immediately, cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before baking! Make Ahead Options These Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first six steps and chilling it in the refrigerator, which helps maintain their chewy texture. Additionally, the diced apples can be prepped and stored separately for up to 3 days in an airtight container to prevent browning. When you’re ready to bake, simply fold the apples into the chilled dough, roll into balls, coat with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and bake as directed. This makes it easy to enjoy delicious, freshly baked cookies with minimal effort on busy weeknights! Expert Tips for Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies Perfect Apple Prep: Drain diced apples well: To avoid overly wet cookies, pat the apples dry and let them sit for 10 minutes after dicing. Chill Time Matters: Don’t skip chilling: Chilling the dough helps maintain the cookie shape, especially in warm kitchens. Aim for 20-30 minutes in the fridge. Cream of Tartar is Key: Essential ingredient: Be sure to include cream of tartar for that classic snickerdoodle texture; omitting it changes the cookie’s chewiness. Butter Temperature: Room temperature is best: Make sure your unsalted butter is at room temperature for smooth mixing; avoid melted butter, which affects the dough’s consistency. Watch Baking Time: Underbake slightly: Remove cookies when the edges are golden but centers remain soft; they’ll firm up as they cool, ensuring a delicious texture. Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies Variations Feel free to tailor these cookies to fit your unique taste and dietary needs! Each variation adds a delightful twist that enhances the overall experience. Different Apples: Swap Granny Smith apples for Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a sweeter flavor profile. Each apple brings its unique taste and texture, creating new cookie adventures. Nutty Addition: Add Chopped Walnuts: Stir in some finely chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy, nutty texture that complements the softness of the cookie beautifully. These additions add a delightful richness to every bite. Chewy Oats: For a heartier cookie, blend in Oats: Incorporate ½ cup of rolled oats into the dough for extra chewiness and a wholesome twist. Oats marry well with the apples, giving a cozy hug with each mouthful. Spice it Up: Add a Pinch of Cayenne: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar coating. This unexpected kick will tantalize your taste buds and balance the sweetness beautifully. Gluten-Free: Substitute Gluten-Free Flour: For a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture. Maple Sweetness: Replace the Granulated Sugar with Maple Sugar: This will infuse your cookies with a rich, caramel-like flavor, perfectly suited for autumn vibes. Just remember to adjust slightly on the granulated sugar to keep the texture intact. Chocolate Drizzle: Top your cookies with a Chocolate Glaze: Melt some semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch that pairs beautifully with the apple and spice. Fruity Enhancement: Incorporate Raisin or Dried Cranberries: Mix in ½ cup of raisins or dried cranberries into the dough for a fruity burst of flavor that complements the apples perfectly. They add a chewy texture and enhance the overall sweetness. Experimenting with these variations can lead to unforgettable taste experiences, turning your Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies into something new and exciting every time! And if you’re looking for more comforting homemade sweets, don’t miss the chance to bake some delightful Cotton Candy Cookies or treat yourself to these scrumptious Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls. Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe FAQs What type of apples should I use for this recipe? Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweetness of the cookie beautifully. However, you can substitute with other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn if you prefer a sweeter taste. How should I store these cookies once they’re baked? You’ll want to keep those delicious spiced apple cinnamon snickerdoodle cookies fresh! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To maintain their moisture and softness, consider adding a slice of bread to the container—this little trick works wonders! Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use? Yes, you certainly can! To freeze the cookie dough, scoop individual portions and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container, layering sheets of parchment paper between the cookie balls to keep them from sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual. What should I do if my cookies spread too much during baking? The more the merrier when it comes to perfecting your cookies! If they spread too much, next time, ensure that you drain your diced apples thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking is also crucial—this will help keep the cookies from spreading excessively. Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies? Great question! The base recipe itself does not contain nuts, making them safe for those with nut allergies. However, if you’re considering adding nuts as an optional variation, simply omit them to keep your spiced apple cinnamon snickerdoodle cookies nut-free and suitable for everyone! How can I tell when my cookies are done baking? Baking the perfect cookie is an art! You’ll want to watch for golden edges with slightly undercooked centers; this typically takes around 8-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Remember, cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so it’s better to err on the side of underbaking for that chewy texture! Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies for Cozy Evenings Try these Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies for a delightful autumn treat that combines classic flavors with a twist. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsChill Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Batter2.75 cups all-purpose flour no substitutions recommended2 teaspoons cream of tartar do not omit1 teaspoon baking soda0.5 teaspoon salt regular table salt0.5 cups unsalted butter room temperature0.5 cups granulated sugar coconut sugar is a substitute0.5 cups brown sugar can be swapped for more granulated sugar1 large egg no direct substitutes for binding1 teaspoon vanilla extract use pure extract for optimum tasteFor the Apple Addition1 cup Granny Smith apples peeled and dicedFor the Cinnamon Coating2 tablespoons granulated sugar1 tablespoon ground cinnamon essential flavor1 pinch ground nutmeg optional Equipment Mixing BowlsElectric MixerCookie SheetParchment PaperwhiskSpatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.Fold in the diced apples evenly into the dough.Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for coating.Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.Place cookie balls on the prepared sheet, spaced 2 inches apart, and bake for 8-10 minutes.Allow cookies to cool for a few minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesFor perfect texture, do not skip the cream of tartar and ensure butter is at room temperature before mixing. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
