Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

Sweet Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe for Fall

Sweet memories of autumn dance through my kitchen whenever I mix these incredible cinnamon apple snickerdoodle cookies.

Crisp apples and warm spices create a magical combination that feels like a cozy embrace.

Softness meets crunch in every delightful bite of this beloved treat.

Weekend baking becomes something special when you pull these cookies from the oven.

The rich aroma filling your home with comfort and joy.

A classic cookie gets a delicious upgrade with fresh fruit and classic spice.

Bake these and watch how quickly they disappear from the cookie plate.

Why Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies Smell Like Fall

  • Burst with Seasonal Sweetness: These cookies capture the cozy essence of autumn, blending warm cinnamon and juicy apples into every delightful bite.
  • Foolproof Baking Experience: Designed for bakers of all skill levels, the recipe offers simple steps and requires minimal technical expertise, ensuring stress-free cookie creation.
  • Texture Wonderland: Enjoy a perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers that melt in your mouth, creating a satisfying cookie experience with every nibble.
  • Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Whip up these cookies in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal treat for spontaneous gatherings, after-school snacks, or weekend baking adventures.

What You’ll Need For Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookie, providing structure and texture.
  • Cream of Tartar: Helps create the classic snickerdoodle tanginess and soft texture.
  • Baking Soda: Ensures proper rising and helps cookies spread evenly.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy flavor that complements the apple.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Offer sweetness and contribute to the cookie's golden color and moisture.
  • Large Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances overall flavor profile.
Fruit and Coating:
  • Fresh Apple: Brings moisture and fresh fruity burst to the cookies. Choose firm, crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  • Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Create the classic snickerdoodle coating with sweet and spicy notes.

How To Bake Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies Perfectly

How To Bake Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab some parchment paper or silicone mats and line your baking sheets, creating a comfy landing spot for your soon-to-be delicious cookies.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together these magical powdery friends:
  • Flour
  • Cream of tartar
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon

Set this powdery mixture aside and let it mingle.

Step 3: Create Butter Bliss

Snag a large bowl and unleash your mixer magic. Blend these creamy companions until they transform into a fluffy cloud:
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Beat for about 2 minutes until light and dreamy.

Step 4: Introduce Wet Ingredients

Time to add some moisture! Beat in:
  • Eggs (one at a time)
  • Vanilla extract

Watch your mixture become smooth and inviting.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined. Carefully introduce the diced apple chunks, folding them in with love.

Step 6: Craft Cinnamon Sugar Magic

In a small bowl, create your coating wonderland by mixing:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Cinnamon

Step 7: Shape Cookie Delights

Scoop out tablespoon-sized dough balls. Roll each into a perfect sphere, then dance them through the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Place these sugar-kissed beauties 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide your cookie-laden sheets into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges look set and the tops have adorable little cracks. Keep an eye out to maintain that soft, chewy texture we all adore.

Step 9: Cool and Celebrate

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Prepare for a taste explosion of cinnamon and apple goodness!

Tips For Soft Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies

  • Prevent Apple Browning: Toss diced apples in a little lemon juice to stop oxidation and maintain their fresh, bright color in the cookies.
  • Manage Moisture Control: Pat apple pieces dry with paper towels before adding to the dough to prevent excess liquid from making cookies soggy.
  • Customize Texture Trick: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and develop deeper flavors.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Storage Smart Tip: Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and fresh for several days.

How To Keep Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies Fresh

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper. Keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Seal tightly and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
  • Reheat: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated 300F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore softness and bring back that fresh-baked taste.
  • Moisture Tip: Add a slice of bread to the storage container to help maintain cookie moisture and prevent them from becoming dry or hard.

Great Pairings For Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies

  • Pair with Warm Vanilla Chai: Steep a creamy chai tea latte with extra cinnamon to complement the cookie's spiced profile. The smooth, aromatic beverage enhances the apple and cinnamon notes perfectly.
  • Match with Caramel Apple Dip: Create a quick caramel sauce for dunking that amplifies the cookie's fruity sweetness. Drizzle warmth and richness over each bite for a decadent experience.
  • Serve Alongside Maple Pecan Ice Cream: Scoop rich, nutty maple pecan ice cream next to these cookies for a delightful temperature and flavor contrast. The cool, creamy texture balances the warm, spiced cookie beautifully.
  • Complement with Spiced Apple Cider: Pour a hot, mulled apple cider with extra cinnamon sticks and a touch of nutmeg. This classic autumn drink mirrors the cookie's cozy, comforting essence and elevates the overall tasting experience.

Tasty Changes For Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies

  • Caramel Apple Adventure: Replace half the diced apples with chopped caramel bits, creating a gooey swirl throughout each cookie that melts wonderfully when baked.
  • Nutty Autumn Crunch: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts to add a toasty, rich texture that complements the apple's softness and enhances the cookie's seasonal profile.
  • Maple Spice Sensation: Swap vanilla extract with maple syrup and sprinkle a touch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon for a deeper, more complex autumnal flavor profile.
  • Cream Cheese Drizzle Delight: After cooling, create a simple cream cheese glaze by mixing powdered sugar, cream cheese, and a splash of milk to drizzle over the cookies, adding a tangy, smooth finish.

FAQs For Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies

  • What makes these Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies special?

These cookies combine the classic snickerdoodle with fresh diced apples, creating a unique twist that brings together warm cinnamon flavor and sweet apple chunks in one delightful treat.

  • Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?

Absolutely! Firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best. They’ll hold their shape and provide a nice balance of tartness to the sweet cookie.

  • How do I prevent the apple pieces from making the cookies too wet?

Dice the apples small and pat them dry with a paper towel before folding into the dough. This helps prevent excess moisture and ensures your cookies maintain the perfect texture.

  • Is cream of tartar really necessary for this recipe?

Yes! Cream of tartar gives snickerdoodles their signature tangy flavor and helps create that classic soft, chewy texture that makes these cookies so irresistible.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

Cinnamon Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Cinnamon apple snickerdoodle cookies blend classic comfort with seasonal warmth, creating a delightful twist on a beloved treat. Sweet apple chunks and warming spices make these cookies a perfect companion for cozy autumn moments you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 ¾ cups (350g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Coating Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) and lining baking sheets with protective parchment or silicone mats to ensure even cooking and easy cookie removal.
  2. Create a harmonious dry ingredient blend by whisking flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a medium mixing vessel until thoroughly integrated.
  3. Transform butter and sugars into a luxurious, aerated mixture using an electric mixer, beating softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the texture becomes light and voluminous, approximately two minutes.
  4. Introduce moisture and richness by incorporating eggs individually, ensuring complete integration after each addition, then infuse vanilla extract for enhanced depth of flavor.
  5. Gradually merge dry ingredient mixture into the buttery foundation, stirring until just combined to maintain tender cookie texture, then delicately fold diced apples throughout the dough.
  6. Craft a fragrant cinnamon sugar coating by thoroughly blending granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow preparation dish.
  7. Form uniform cookie portions by scooping tablespoon-sized dough, rolling into perfect spheres, and completely enrobing each in the aromatic cinnamon sugar mixture.
  8. Arrange coated dough balls strategically on prepared baking sheets, maintaining generous spacing to allow for potential spreading during baking.
  9. Bake cookies until edges solidify and surfaces develop subtle cracking, typically requiring 10-12 minutes, while monitoring to preserve a soft, chewy interior.
  10. Allow cookies to rest momentarily on baking sheets, then transition to wire cooling racks, permitting complete temperature stabilization and optimal texture development.

Notes

  • Moisture Management: Dice apples small and pat them dry thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making cookies soggy, ensuring a perfectly textured treat.
  • Butter Temperature Trick: Allow butter to soften at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, creating smooth, evenly mixed dough that guarantees soft, tender cookies.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Storage Success: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing a piece of bread inside to maintain moisture and freshness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star