If you are on the hunt for a cookie that combines the delightful warmth of cinnamon, the classic snickerdoodle texture, and the fresh, juicy burst of apple, you have found your new favorite with this Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe. These cookies are soft yet slightly chewy, with a subtle apple sweetness that elevates the traditional snickerdoodle into something uniquely cozy and irresistible. Perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself, this recipe blends familiar flavors in a surprisingly fresh way that’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe is all about simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Every element plays a role — from the cream of tartar giving that signature chewy bite, to the cinnamon spices lending warmth, and the chopped apple adding a fresh twist that brightens the entire cookie.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure while keeping cookies tender.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and adds lightness.
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar: The secret behind the iconic snickerdoodle chewiness.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives that cozy spice note inside the dough.
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature: Adds richness and moisture, making the cookies soft.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps with structure.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Adds a mild molasses flavor and deeper chewiness.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a subtle aromatic touch.
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely chopped: Injects fresh fruitiness and moisture that makes these cookies stand out.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a sweet crunchy coating.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rolling): Adds a final burst of cinnamon spice on top.
How to Make Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple setup ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients is what gives the cookies their characteristic texture and that hint of spice you expect in a snickerdoodle.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, beat the room temperature butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookies a light, tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. These ingredients add moisture and depth of flavor, helping to bring the dough together.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry, Add Apples
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix. Then gently fold in the finely chopped apple pieces, which will add moisture and juicy bursts in every bite.
Step 6: Roll and Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Using a tablespoon, scoop out dough portions and roll them into balls. Then coat each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, giving the cookies their signature sweet and spicy outer crust.
Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the coated dough balls onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading without crowding.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges start to turn golden brown but the centers remain soft. Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. This final rest ensures the perfect chewy texture.
How to Serve Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe
Garnishes
These Apple Snickerdoodles are lovely on their own, but you can elevate presentation by dusting them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or adding a tiny dollop of cinnamon buttercream frosting. For a fun fall twist, serve with a few thin apple slices as garnish. The visual and flavor pairing will make your cookies irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with warm beverages like a chai latte, spiced apple cider, or even a creamy hot chocolate. The spicy and sweet notes in the drinks complement the cinnamon and apple perfectly. For a more filling snack, accompany them with a small bowl of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, stack the Apple Snickerdoodles tied with a rustic twine bow, or arrange them in a decorative tin layered with parchment. You could also sandwich some homemade apple butter or caramel sauce between two cookies for a delightful twist. These ideas make sharing your favorite recipe even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Apple Snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Proper storage helps retain their softness and prevents them from absorbing unwanted odors.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze raw dough balls on a tray first before transferring to a container. This allows you to bake fresh batches whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the texture beautifully, bringing back the gooey apple interior and slightly crisp edges without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their texture well, while sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala will add more natural sweetness and softness. Experiment to find your personal favorite.
What if I don’t have cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar is key for that classic snickerdoodle chewiness, but if you’re out, you can substitute with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar mixed with the baking soda. This activates the leavening properly for a similar result.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, you can enjoy Apple Snickerdoodles without gluten. Just check that your blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
How do I keep the chopped apples from making the dough too wet?
Make sure to finely chop and gently pat the apples dry with a paper towel before folding them into the dough. This step helps prevent excess moisture and keeps your cookies from spreading too much.
Are these cookies suitable for dairy-free diets?
You can replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative to make the recipe dairy-free. Be sure to select one with a similar fat content for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about baking cookies that remind you of cozy autumn days, and this Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe captures that feeling perfectly. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a fun new treat, these cookies bring equal parts comfort and delight. So grab your mixing bowl and apples, and get ready to enjoy a batch of soft, cinnamon-sugar coated magic that everyone will rave about.
Print
Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and chewy Apple Snickerdoodles, a flavorful twist on the classic cookie. Infused with tender bits of fresh apple and coated in a cinnamon-sugar blend, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, ideal for a cozy dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely chopped
For Rolling
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, ground cinnamon, and fine salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat the unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which creates the perfect texture for your cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugars until fully incorporated, adding richness and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Then fold in the finely chopped apple pieces evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape and Coat: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls. Mix together the rolling sugar and cinnamon, then coat each ball thoroughly in this cinnamon-sugar blend for that signature snickerdoodle finish.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake and Cool: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden color. Once baked, transfer to a wire rack and allow the cookies to cool before serving to enjoy the perfect texture.
Notes
- For best results, use a tart apple like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
- You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a healthier variation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
