Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming treat that combines the sweetness of apples with the comforting flavors of cinnamon, you’re in for a delight! These Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies have quickly become a favorite in my home. The addition of diced Granny Smith apples adds a lovely texture and freshness to the classic snickerdoodle. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that makes it hard to resist sneaking a taste before they cool down. What’s not to love about a cookie that balances warmth and sweetness? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delightful cookies in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies! These are great for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Option: Bake them ahead of time and have a sweet treat ready for any occasion.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apples creates a flavor explosion in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to create these tasty Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies. You likely have most of these staples in your pantry already!

For the Cookie Dough

• 3 cups plus 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 5 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 3/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your own spin on these cookies.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Change the fruit: Swap out Granny Smith apples for pears or even dried cranberries for a different twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Spice it up: Add some ginger or cloves for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the dough.

Step 3: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that sought-after chewy texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Beat well after each addition. This step helps bind everything together while enhancing the flavor profile of your cookies.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies!

Step 6: Fold in Apples

Now comes the exciting part! Gently fold in those diced Granny Smith apples into your dough. Their tartness will balance beautifully with the sweetness of the sugars.

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mixture will give your cookies that signature snickerdoodle coating.

Step 8: Shape Your Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Roll them around until fully coated before placing them on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Step 9: Bake

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them; you want them soft but set!

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy!

Once baked, let your cookies cool on a wire rack before indulging. Trust me; you won’t be able to resist their delicious aroma! Enjoy these Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies warm with some tea or coffee for an extra special treat!

Pro Tips for Making Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies is a breeze, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Allowing your butter and eggs to come to room temperature helps them incorporate better into the dough, resulting in a smoother texture and even baking.
• Chill the dough – If you have the time, chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help improve the flavor and texture. It prevents spreading too much while baking, giving you thicker cookies.
• Don’t skip the cream of tartar – This ingredient not only gives snickerdoodles their signature tangy flavor but also contributes to the soft and chewy texture that we all love.
• Experiment with apple varieties – While Granny Smith apples are tart and delicious, consider using other types like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter twist. Each variety brings its own unique flavor profile to your cookies.
• Keep an eye on baking time – Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies a minute or two early to ensure they don’t overbake. They should be just golden around the edges while remaining soft in the center.

How to Serve Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies are perfect for sharing during gatherings or enjoying on a cozy night in. Here are some fun ways to present this sweet treat!

Garnishes

• Caramel drizzle – A light drizzle of caramel sauce adds a decadent touch and complements the apple flavor beautifully.
• Whipped coconut cream – For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream on the side for dipping or dolloping.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream – The classic pairing of warm cookies and cold vanilla ice cream creates an irresistible contrast that everyone will love.
• Hot apple cider – A warm cup of spiced apple cider enhances the flavors of your cookies and makes for a comforting beverage choice.
• Cinnamon spiced nuts – Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cookies while echoing their flavors beautifully.
• Fruit salad – A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the cookies and adds a splash of color to your dessert table.

Enjoy making these delightful cookies; they’re sure to become a favorite in your home!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies are perfect for meal prep! Whether you’re planning for a busy week or just want to enjoy them over several days, you’ll love how easy they are to store and enjoy later.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days (if they last that long!).

Freezing

• To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
• You can also microwave them for 10-15 seconds if you’re looking for a quick treat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies.

Can I use other types of apples in my Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples give a nice tartness, you can use any apple variety you prefer. Just make sure they are firm enough to hold their shape when baked.

How can I make my Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, avoid over-baking them. Keep an eye on the timer and remove them once the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft. They’ll continue to cook slightly while cooling.

Can I add nuts to my Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies?

Yes! If you enjoy a bit of crunch, feel free to mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans. Just be sure they complement the apple flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in baking these Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies as I do! The combination of warm spices and tart apples makes this recipe truly special. Enjoy making these delightful treats and sharing them with friends and family. Happy baking!