If you love the cozy flavors of cinnamon-sugar cookies with a juicy twist, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe. These cookies combine the classic snickerdoodle’s soft, chewy texture with the fresh sweetness of finely chopped apples, creating a delightful treat that’s perfect for any time of day. They bake up golden, with cinnamon-sugar coating that crackles gently on the outside, while the gentle surprise of apple bits inside keeps every bite exciting and comforting. Trust me, once you try this Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe, it will become your new go-to for sharing with friends or sneaking a few straight from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together in this Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe to create a flavorful and tender cookie. Each element contributes something special, from the warm cinnamon spice to the moist apple pieces that elevate the classic snickerdoodle to a whole new level.
- Flour (2 ¾ cups all-purpose): The sturdy base that gives your cookies structure and that perfect chewy bite.
- Cream of tartar (2 teaspoons): Essential for that signature snickerdoodle tang and soft, pillowy texture.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise beautifully and keeps them tender.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon ground for dough, plus 1 ½ teaspoons for coating): The warm, fragrant spice that defines snickerdoodles and pairs perfectly with apples.
- Butter (1 cup unsalted, softened): Adds richness and moisture for melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
- Sugar (1 ½ cups granulated): Sweetness that’s just right, contributing to the crispy edges and tender centers.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and create a soft, luscious crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth with a touch of mellow sweetness.
- Apple (1 cup peeled, finely chopped): The star ingredient that brings juiciness, subtle tartness, and a lovely fresh texture.
- Sugar and cinnamon mix for rolling (¼ cup sugar + 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon): Creates the iconic snickerdoodle crackled crust coated with warm spice.
How to Make Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining baking sheets with parchment paper. Using parchment saves you clean-up time later, and helps your cookies bake evenly without sticking, so it’s one small step that makes a big difference!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set this dry mix aside for a moment as we prepare the wet ingredients. This step ensures your spices and leaveners are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about two minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This is where the magic starts – that fluffy mixture traps air which helps create those soft, tender cookies you love.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to keep the mixture smooth and homogenous. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This makes the dough silky and sets the stage for the beautiful blend of flavors.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Be gentle here because overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and those are not what we want from this Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe!
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in the finely chopped apples, making sure they’re evenly scattered throughout the dough. Keeping the apple pieces small ensures they stay in place during baking and give little bursts of fresh flavor without causing the cookies to crumble.
Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, mix the remaining ¼ cup sugar with 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon. This aromatic coating is what makes snickerdoodles unmistakable, giving a delightfully crunchy, spiced crust once baked.
Step 8: Shape and Coat Your Cookies
Scoop about one and a half tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each dough ball generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place them spaced out on your baking sheets so they bake evenly and don’t spread into each other.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges begin to set but the centers look a bit soft. These cookies finish baking as they cool, ensuring a tender, chewy bite inside with that classic snickerdoodle crust outside.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about five minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Or, if you’re anything like me, grab one while it’s still warm and soft—you seriously can’t go wrong that way!
How to Serve Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a dusting of cinnamon sugar on top just before serving can add an extra sparkle to your Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe. For a festive touch, drizzle a little caramel sauce or a light glaze made with powdered sugar and milk. Fresh apple slices on the side also make a pretty and refreshing garnish.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cup of hot apple cider, an afternoon latte, or even a nice scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm spice and subtle apple flavor of the cookies make them a fantastic companion to creamy, simple sides that balance sweetness and warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or gift, stack Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe cookies neatly tied with a cinnamon stick or wrapped in parchment paper with a twine bow. You can even sandwich a little cream cheese frosting or apple butter between two cookies for an irresistible twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They typically stay soft and delicious for up to 3 or 4 days, making them great for batch baking ahead of time.
Freezing
If you want to save them for later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe cookies will be at their best within 2 to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge again.
Reheating
Warm your cookies gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back their soft texture and that fresh-baked aroma. Reheating is a fantastic way to enjoy the Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully to provide a balance of tartness and sweetness, but feel free to experiment with your favorites to find your perfect cookie boost.
Can I substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, using a plant-based butter substitute works well to keep the cookies tender. Just make sure it’s a solid, creamy butter alternative rather than an oil for the best texture in this Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe.
How can I make these cookies softer?
If you enjoy softer cookies, try reducing the baking time slightly and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep moisture in. The apples already help keep these cookies soft and delicious, so just a little extra care goes a long way.
Can this dough be chilled before baking?
Definitely! Chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour can help the cookies hold their shape better during baking and enhance the flavor melding—as long as you let the dough come close to room temperature before scooping, so it’s easier to handle.
What makes this Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe different from classic snickerdoodles?
The addition of finely chopped apples brings a fresh sweetness and moisture that complements the cinnamon-sugar crust perfectly, giving the cookies a delightful twist on the traditional snickerdoodle experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warm, nostalgic flavors of this Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe to brighten up any day. The tender chew, the cinnamon sugar crunch, and juicy apple bits all dance together in perfect harmony, making this recipe an absolute must-try. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies are a sweet way to share a little love. So grab those ingredients and dive into one of the coziest cookie experiences you can imagine!
Print
Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the comforting flavors of Apple Snickerdoodles, a twist on the classic snickerdoodle cookie infused with finely chopped apples and cinnamon sugar coating, resulting in a soft, chewy treat with a hint of fruity sweetness and warm spice.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled, finely chopped apple
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to avoid sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly mixed. Set aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with 1 ½ cups sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about two minutes. This step is essential for a soft cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to add fragrance and depth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies due to overmixing.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the finely chopped apples into the dough, ensuring the pieces are small to prevent the cookies from falling apart.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup granulated sugar with 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon to create the coating mixture.
- Shape and Coat Dough Balls: Scoop the dough into approximately 1 ½ tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat thoroughly and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Cookies should have set edges while centers remain soft, ensuring a chewy texture after cooling.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- Ensure apples are finely chopped to maintain cookie structure and prevent crumbling.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and soft.
- The cookies will firm up as they cool; for a softer bite, enjoy them warm.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Adjust baking time slightly if your oven runs hot or cool.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
