Apple Cinnamon Cookies Recipe
If you are craving a cozy treat that perfectly captures the warmth of autumn in every bite, these Apple Cinnamon Cookies are about to become your new favorite. Imagine soft, chewy cookies bursting with tender bits of fresh apple and the comforting aroma of cinnamon, all wrapped in a lightly sweet dough that’s just begging to be dunked in your favorite cup of tea or coffee. These cookies bring together simple, wholesome ingredients to create a deliciously nostalgic experience that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or just because, Apple Cinnamon Cookies always bring a smile to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for these Apple Cinnamon Cookies is a breeze, yet each one plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor balance. From the softness of the butter to the subtle warmth of ground cinnamon, every component contributes something delicious to the mix.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that creates the cookie’s structure and gives it just the right tenderness.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise gently for a soft and chewy texture.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings that signature warm spice that defines these cookies.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture, making each bite melt in your mouth.
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed: Adds deep sweetness and a slight caramel note to the cookies.
- 1 large egg: Binds all ingredients together and adds a lovely golden hue.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced: The star ingredient that adds juicy bursts and natural sweetness.
- 1/3 cup oats (optional): For a bit of chewiness and a heartier texture if you like.
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty richness.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mixing Bowls
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and come off the pan effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This dry mix sets the stage for the perfect cookie texture and evenly distributes the delightful cinnamon flavor throughout your dough.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This aeration is key for creating soft, tender cookies that aren’t flat or dense.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. These wet ingredients bring moisture and flavor depth to the dough, giving your Apple Cinnamon Cookies a rich and inviting aroma.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring just until all flour is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix since that can make the cookies tough instead of soft and tender.
Step 6: Fold in Apples, Oats, and Nuts
Gently fold in your freshly diced apples, oats if you opt to include them, and the chopped nuts for crunch and texture. These ingredients create delightful bursts of flavor and elevate the cookies beyond the ordinary.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, keeping them about two inches apart to allow enough space for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden and the centers are set but still soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your Apple Cinnamon Cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps the cookies maintain their shape and perfect chewy texture.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Cookies
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, you can elevate them by dusting a little powdered sugar over the top for a snowy, festive look or adding a delicate drizzle of caramel sauce to emphasize their sweet, cozy vibe.
Side Dishes
Apple Cinnamon Cookies pair wonderfully with a warm chai latte, a creamy vanilla ice cream scoop, or a simple cup of hot apple cider. Any of these sides enhance the comforting spices and juicy apple pieces in the cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, try stacking Apple Cinnamon Cookies on a rustic wooden board paired with fresh apple slices and a small bowl of whipped cream or maple syrup for dipping—turning a snack into a charming, interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your Apple Cinnamon Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 4 days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies around longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months—just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To revive the soft, freshly baked taste, warm the cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This little warm-up brings out their comforting aroma and slightly melts any nutty or caramel layers.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! Crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji all work well. Just keep in mind that tart apples add a nice tang, while sweeter varieties will enhance the cookie’s natural sweetness.
Do I have to use nuts and oats?
No, both are optional. Nuts add crunch and a nutty flavor, while oats add chewiness and make the cookies heartier. If you prefer, you can simply omit these and still have tasty Apple Cinnamon Cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend, making sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
How long do the cookies keep their softness?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies remain soft for about four days. After that, they may begin to firm up but can be easily refreshed with a quick warm-up.
Is it better to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples results in a smoother texture inside the cookies, without any chewy skin bits. However, you can leave the peel on if you prefer more texture and additional fiber—it’s completely up to your taste!
Final Thoughts
Baking these Apple Cinnamon Cookies is like wrapping yourself in a cozy, delicious hug. They are approachable enough for a weekday treat yet impressive enough to share with friends and family during holidays or gatherings. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and experience the simple joy that comes from combining fresh apples, warming spices, and a tender cookie base. Once you do, these Apple Cinnamon Cookies may just become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
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Apple Cinnamon Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Cinnamon Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with warm cinnamon and fresh apple flavors. Perfect for a cozy snack or holiday treat, these cookies combine the sweetness of brown sugar with the crunch of nuts and the wholesome texture of oats, creating a delightful balance that’s irresistible.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
- 1/3 cup oats (optional)
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt, ensuring they are well combined to distribute the leavening and spices evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing thoroughly to incorporate the wet ingredients evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the dough and producing tough cookies.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the peeled and diced apple, oats, and chopped walnuts or pecans if using, distributing them evenly throughout the cookie dough.
- Shape Cookies: Drop rounded spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading while baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies appear set but still soft in the center.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangier flavor and firmer texture.
- Oats and nuts are optional but add great texture and nutrition; feel free to omit if desired.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert/Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: apple cinnamon cookies, soft cookies, easy cookie recipe, fall dessert, apple recipe, cinnamon bake, homemade cookies
