As I pulled these cookies from the oven, the unmistakable aroma of spiced apples and warm cinnamon filled my kitchen, instantly creating a cozy atmosphere that feels like a hug on a chilly day. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies—a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle that combines tender, chewy goodness with the tartness of fresh apples. The best part? These cookies are not only a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, but they also come together quickly, turning any ordinary day into a special occasion. Picture yourself enjoying these treats warm, perhaps with a scoop of ice cream or a steaming cup of cider. Doesn’t that sound tempting? Let’s dive into this sweet adventure together! Why Will You Love These Cookies? Simplicity: The recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all levels. Warmth of Flavors: Each bite offers a joyful blend of spiced apple and cinnamon, creating a comforting aroma that fills your home. Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Ideal for gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family, and they’ll disappear quicker than you can say “snickerdoodle!” Versatile Variations: Feel free to switch up apples or add nuts for added crunch; get creative! For a classic cookie experience, check out these Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies or try a refreshing take with some Banana Oatmeal Cookies. Quick & Easy: They come together swiftly, making them a go-to sweet fix when the cravings hit. What more could you ask for in a cookie? Enjoy the delicious comfort of homemade goodies with Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies today! Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies • Nothing says comfort like warm, homemade cookies! For the Cookie Dough All-purpose flour – Essential for cookie consistency; no direct substitutions recommended. Cream of tartar – Provides the signature tangy taste of snickerdoodles; don’t skip this ingredient! Baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent to help cookies rise. Salt – Enhances overall flavor; a standard staple in any kitchen. Unsalted butter – Adds moisture and richness; should be at room temperature for easier mixing. Granulated sugar – Brings sweetness; regular sugar works, but half brown sugar can deepen the flavor. Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a lovely caramel note; feel free to substitute with coconut sugar. Eggs – Bind the dough together, providing moisture; use room temperature eggs for best results. Vanilla extract – Infuses rich flavor; opt for pure vanilla for superior taste; almond extract is a lovely alternative. Granny Smith apples – Contributes flavor and moisture with a tart kick; switch to Honeycrisp for a sweeter version. Ground cinnamon – A must-have for that classic snickerdoodle essence; add nutmeg for an extra warm touch. Ground nutmeg (optional) – Enhances depth in flavor; you can omit if you don’t have it on hand. For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating Granulated sugar – A blend with cinnamon provides that delightful outer crunch. Ground cinnamon – Key for winning the cinnamon taste that defines these cookies; use generously! Ground nutmeg (optional) – Adds aromatic warmth; omit if preferred or unavailable. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This critical first step sets the perfect foundation for baking your Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies to golden perfection. Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Take a moment to appreciate the fine texture of the flour and the distinct tanginess of the cream of tartar as you prepare your dry ingredients. Set this mixture aside, allowing the flavors to meld while you tackle the wet ingredients. Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the room temperature unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, roughly 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that classic snickerdoodle texture. Enjoy the sweet aroma that fills your kitchen as the sugars blend beautifully with the butter. Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Next, add the eggs to your creamed butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Follow this by pouring in the vanilla extract and mixing until fully incorporated. This combination infuses your Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies with warmth and rich flavor. Make sure everything is combined smoothly before moving on to the dry ingredients. Step 5: Combine Ingredients Gradually sift the dry flour mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this could lead to tougher cookies. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, ready to embrace the sweet apple chunks. Step 6: Fold in Apples Now, gently fold the diced Granny Smith apples into your cookie dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The apples will provide moisture and a burst of flavor in your cookies. Take a moment to relish the fruity scent, which perfectly complements the cinnamon base of your Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies. Step 7: Chill Dough To prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, scoop the dough onto a plate and chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This step is essential for maintaining a nice shape while baking, resulting in thick, chewy cookies that stay true to the classic snickerdoodle essence. Step 8: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar While the dough is chilling, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and optional nutmeg until well blended. This fragrant mixture will provide your cookies with their signature crunchy topping, enhancing the flavors with a delightful spice. Step 9: Roll and Bake Once chilled, use a cookie scoop to form dough balls and roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the coated balls on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave space between each one to allow for spreading. Bake your Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly set and the centers still appear slightly underdone. Step 10: Cool After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This initial cooling time is critical, as the cookies will continue to firm up while resting. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely, allowing the warm, spiced aroma to envelop your kitchen. What to Serve with Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies Enjoying these delightful cookies can be elevated with the perfect pairings that bring out their warm, comforting flavors. Warm Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully, adding richness and a cool contrast to warm cookies. Hot Apple Cider: The spiced warmth of apple cider complements the apple notes in the cookies and enhances that cozy, autumn vibe. Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing of milk helps balance the sweetness of the cookies, making for a delightful treat any time of day. Coffee: A nice cup of coffee, especially a spiced or flavored brew, enhances the cinnamon notes and creates a comforting afternoon break. Whipped Cream Topping: Top cookies with a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent experience, enhancing their warmth with a creamy finish. Cinnamon Sugar Dusted Doughnuts: For a fun brunch treat, serve alongside cinnamon sugar doughnuts for double the nostalgia and warmth. Chai Tea: The aromatic spices of chai beautifully align with the flavors of the cookies, offering a cozy and warming companion. Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzling cookies with warm salted caramel elevates their sweetness and adds a touch of elegance; pure indulgence! Caramel Cider Floats: Combine apple cider and caramel ice cream for a playful take on a float that mirrors the cookie’s flavor profile. Make Ahead Options These Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe until the point of rolling the dough into balls. Instead of baking them right away, place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze them until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a zip-top bag, where they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your cookies, roll the frozen dough balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture and bake them directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time for perfectly fresh and delicious results! Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies Variations Feel free to personalize these cookies, exploring delicious twists that will warm your heart and elevate your taste buds! Sweet Apple Swap: Replace Granny Smith with Honeycrisp for a sweeter cookie, perfect for those who prefer less tartness. Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a delightful crunch and extra flavor. Nuts not only add texture but also make the cookies feel more indulgent. Caramel Drizzle: Incorporate caramel chips into the dough for a sweet surprise that pairs beautifully with the spiced apples. Imagine biting into that gooey goodness—a true treat! Oatmeal Boost: Mix in 1 cup of rolled oats for a hearty texture. These cookies will become a charming hybrid that satisfies both craving for cookies and oatmeal! Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter and use coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version, ensuring everyone can enjoy the sweetness. Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delightful treat that caters to gluten-sensitive folks. It’s all about keeping enjoyment accessible! Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of ginger for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the apples and sugar. It’s a fun way to make your cookies stand out! Zesty Twist: For a refreshing flavor, add the zest of one lemon or orange. This brightens up the rich spices and offers a delightful aroma that’s simply irresistible! Feeling adventurous? You can play with different flavors or textures while baking! For more inspiring cookie ideas, check out these Cookies Cream Ice or try the comforting Apple Crumble Cheesecake! Expert Tips for Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies Pat Dry Apples: Drain and pat diced apples with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, preventing unwanted spreading during baking. Chill the Dough: Always chill your dough beforehand! This helps maintain the perfect shape and a chewy texture for your Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies. Perfect Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for smooth mixing and fluffy cookies; it should yield slightly when pressed. Avoid Overbaking: Remove cookies from the oven when edges are lightly golden but centers look slightly soft; they will continue to set as they cool. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap out apple varieties or add nuts; be creative and adjust to your personal preferences to elevate your snickerdoodle experience! How to Store and Freeze Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week; include a slice of bread to help maintain their moisture and softness. Fridge: If you live in a warm climate, consider refrigerating the cookies to extend their freshness for up to 2 weeks; allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a labeled airtight container for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Dough Freezing: You can freeze cookie dough balls for fresh baking anytime; simply scoop and roll them as instructed, then freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe FAQs What type of apples work best for this recipe? Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are a great choice due to their tartness, which beautifully balances the sweetness of the cookie. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples are excellent alternatives. Each variety brings its own character to the cookies, so feel free to experiment with your favorites! How should I store these cookies? To keep your Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Including a slice of bread in the container can help maintain their softness. If you live in a warmer climate, you may want to refrigerate them to extend freshness for up to two weeks—just let them come back to room temperature before enjoying. Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, and it’s quite simple! Scoop and roll the dough into balls, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Afterward, transfer the frozen dough balls to a labeled airtight container or a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven without defrosting; just add a minute or two to the baking time for perfect cookies every time. What if the cookies spread too much while baking? If your cookies spread excessively, it may be due to warm dough or too much moisture from the apples. To prevent this, make sure to thoroughly pat the diced apples dry and chill the dough for at least 20-30 minutes before baking. If they do spread too much, try reducing the butter next time or ensure you’re using room temperature butter for creaming without excess warmth. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Very much so! To make gluten-free Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum for better structure. The other ingredients will remain the same, and you can enjoy the same chewy texture and delightful flavor without gluten. Are these cookies suitable for pets? No, it’s best to avoid sharing these cookies with pets. Ingredients like sugar, butter, and spices are not suitable for dogs and can cause digestive issues. Always stick to pet-safe treats for your furry friends! Warm and Chewy Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies Enjoy the delightful Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies, a cozy twist on a classic treat, perfect for any occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsChilling 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 Dough2 cup all-purpose flour Essential for cookie consistency; no direct substitutions recommended.1 tsp cream of tartar Provides the signature tangy taste of snickerdoodles; don’t skip this ingredient!1 tsp baking soda Acts as a leavening agent to help cookies rise.1/2 tsp salt Enhances overall flavor; a standard staple in any kitchen.3/4 cup unsalted butter Adds moisture and richness; should be at room temperature for easier mixing.1 cup granulated sugar Brings sweetness; regular sugar works.1/2 cup brown sugar Adds moisture and a lovely caramel note.2 large eggs Bind the dough together, providing moisture; use room temperature eggs for best results.2 tsp vanilla extract Infuses rich flavor; opt for pure vanilla for superior taste.2 medium Granny Smith apples Contributes flavor and moisture with a tart kick.2 tsp ground cinnamon A must-have for that classic snickerdoodle essence.1/4 tsp ground nutmeg Enhances depth in flavor; optional.For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating1/2 cup granulated sugar A blend with cinnamon provides that delightful outer crunch.1 tbsp ground cinnamon Key for winning the cinnamon taste that defines these cookies.1/4 tsp ground nutmeg Adds aromatic warmth; omit if preferred. Equipment mixing bowlBaking sheetParchment paperhand mixerCookie Scoop Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.Gradually sift the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.Gently fold in the diced Granny Smith apples into the cookie dough.Chill the dough on a plate in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.Prepare the cinnamon sugar coating by mixing together the sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl.Scoop dough balls, roll them in the cinnamon sugar, and place on the prepared baking sheet with space between each.Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly set and centers appear slightly underdone.Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesPat dry diced apples with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Always chill your dough to maintain shape and texture. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for smooth mixing. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
