These Apple Snickerdoodles combine the cozy flavors of cinnamon sugar with the sweet, tart bite of fresh apples. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home, these cookies are a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle. The addition of apple chunks elevates each bite, making them a unique treat that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm cinnamon and fresh apples creates a taste sensation that is perfect for fall.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy evening snack, these cookies fit right in.
- Chewy Texture: The soft and chewy consistency makes them irresistible and satisfying.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as an after-school snack, dessert, or even as a sweet gift.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Apple Snickerdoodles, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for your cookies to bake evenly.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (130 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely chopped
For Rolling
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)
How to Make Apple Snickerdoodles
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in Apples
Gently fold in the chopped apple pieces into the cookie dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the ¼ cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for rolling.
Step 8: Shape Dough Balls
Take tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 9: Bake Cookies
Place the rolled dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for about 8–10 minutes or until edges are golden brown while centers remain soft.
Step 10: Cool Cookies
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now enjoy your deliciously spiced Apple Snickerdoodles!
How to Serve Apple Snickerdoodles
These delightful Apple Snickerdoodles are perfect for any occasion. Their warm, cinnamon flavor pairs well with various accompaniments, making them a versatile treat to enjoy.
With Coffee or Tea
- Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Enjoy alongside your favorite herbal tea to balance the sweetness.
A La Mode
- Serve warm Apple Snickerdoodles with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
- Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent treat.
Festive Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate for holiday gatherings or parties.
- Add seasonal fruits like pears and figs to enhance the presentation.
As a Snack
- Perfect for lunchboxes, these cookies make an easy and sweet addition to meals.
- Keep some on hand for quick snacks when you need an energy boost.
How to Perfect Apple Snickerdoodles
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your Apple Snickerdoodles, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness.
- Chop Apples Finely: Smaller apple pieces will distribute more evenly throughout the dough, offering bites of flavor in every cookie.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined after adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove them from the oven when edges are golden and centers appear set.
- Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack for the best texture before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Snickerdoodles
Apple Snickerdoodles pair well with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Consider these options:
Vanilla Yogurt
A smooth, creamy yogurt adds a tangy contrast to the sweet cookies.Cheese Platter
Include soft cheeses like brie or cheddar that balance the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.Fruit Salad
A light fruit salad with apples, berries, and citrus enhances freshness alongside these treats.Nut Mix
Offer a mix of almonds, walnuts, and pecans for a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with soft cookies.Hot Chocolate
This rich beverage makes a comforting pairing during chilly days when enjoying these cookies.Cinnamon Applesauce
Serve warm applesauce infused with cinnamon as a delicious dipping option that complements the cookie flavors.Caramel Dip
A sweet caramel dip provides an indulgent way to enjoy each cookie even more.Pumpkin Spice Latte
This seasonal drink is a delightful complement that enhances the cozy vibe of enjoying Apple Snickerdoodles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially with recipes like Apple Snickerdoodles. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Bold measurement errors: Using incorrect measurements can ruin the texture of your cookies. Always use a kitchen scale for accuracy when measuring flour and sugar.
Bold mixing too much: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep your Apple Snickerdoodles soft and chewy.
Bold skipping the cooling period: Letting the cookies cool on a baking sheet is important. This helps them set properly; otherwise, they may fall apart.
Bold not chilling the dough: If you find your dough too sticky, consider chilling it for about 30 minutes before baking. This will make it easier to roll and shape.
Bold using old ingredients: Baking soda and spices lose potency over time. Always check expiration dates before use to ensure your cookies rise and taste fresh.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Apple Snickerdoodles
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
- Separate layers with parchment paper for easy access.
Reheating Apple Snickerdoodles
- Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Bold Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Bold Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Apple Snickerdoodles that can help you get the best results from this recipe.
Can I use other fruits in my Apple Snickerdoodles?
You can certainly experiment! Pears or finely chopped peaches work well as alternatives, adding their unique flavor.
What type of apples are best for Apple Snickerdoodles?
Sour or sweet-tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp add great flavor without being overly sweet.
How can I make my Apple Snickerdoodles healthier?
Consider using whole wheat flour or reducing sugar slightly. You can also add oats for extra nutrition!
Why are my Apple Snickerdoodles flat?
Flat cookies often result from too much butter or not enough flour. Make sure to measure accurately!
Final Thoughts
These Apple Snickerdoodles are a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining chewy texture with the sweetness of apples and cinnamon. They’re versatile, allowing for various customization options such as adding nuts or drizzling with caramel. Don’t hesitate to try making them your own!
Apple Snickerdoodles
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Apple Snickerdoodles, a delightful twist on the classic cookie that’s perfect for fall. These soft and chewy treats combine the sweetness of fresh apples with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, creating a deliciously spiced experience in every bite. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights at home, these cookies are not only easy to make but also versatile enough to enjoy as an afternoon snack or a sweet gift. Whip up a batch and savor the aroma of autumn with each delicious morsel!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup (130 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely chopped
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture without overmixing.
- Gently fold in finely chopped apple.
- Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for rolling.
- Shape tablespoon-sized dough into balls and roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place on the baking sheet, spacing apart, and bake for 8–10 minutes until golden around the edges.
- Let cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg