Apple Cinnamon Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Apple Cinnamon Cookies are tender, flavorful treats that combine juicy apples and warm cinnamon in every bite. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or dessert, they offer a delightful blend of sweetness and spice.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apples (preferably Fuji or Honeycrisp)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• Additional cinnamon sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk together until well blended and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Step 6: Fold in the chopped apples, and if using, the walnuts and raisins, until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Step 7: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Step 8: If desired, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
9. Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set.
10. Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith if you prefer a tangier cookie.
• For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts and substitute with extra raisins or chocolate chips.
• Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading.
• Sprinkle a bit of coarse sugar on top for a crunchy finish.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven or microwave to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use apple sauce instead of chopped apples?

Using applesauce will result in a moister, softer cookie but may change the texture and reduce the chunks of apple flavor. It’s best to use chopped apples for the intended texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. Baking times and texture may vary slightly.

Apple Cinnamon Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 459 reviews

Delight in these soft and flavorful Apple Cinnamon Cookies, bursting with tender chunks of sweet apples, a warm hint of cinnamon, and optional notes of walnuts and raisins. Perfectly spiced and lightly sweetened, these cookies offer a comforting treat that’s easy to bake and ideal for any occasion.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

• 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apples (preferably Fuji or Honeycrisp)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• Additional cinnamon sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars using a mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step ensures a tender, airy cookie texture.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture, creating a smooth, cohesive batter.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
6. Fold in Apples and Optional Add-ins: Gently fold in the finely chopped apples along with the optional walnuts and raisins, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
7. Portion Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Optional Topping: If desired, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar to add an extra layer of sweetness and spice.
9. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers appear set but still soft.
10. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up for perfect texture.

Notes

• Choose sweet apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Chopping the apples finely helps distribute the moisture evenly and prevents soggy cookies.
• Optional walnuts and raisins add texture and flavor but can be omitted for a nut-free or simpler version.
• Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best creaming results.
• Do not overmix dough once the flour is added, as this can lead to tough cookies.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Keywords: apple cinnamon cookies, soft apple cookies, fall cookies, baked apple treats, cinnamon cookies with apples, easy apple cookies