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Apple Cinnamon Cookies Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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