Get ready to fall in love with this Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe—a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle cookie that brings the cozy warmth of cinnamon together with juicy, tender bits of apple. These cookies are perfectly soft with just the right amount of sweetness and a little crunch from the cinnamon sugar coating. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a comforting everyday treat, this Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and bring smiles to everyone lucky enough to taste them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, yet each plays an essential role in creating the distinctive texture, flavor, and appearance of these Apple Snickerdoodles. From the tang of the cream of tartar to the fresh apple bits, every element is chosen to make these cookies shine.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: the foundation that gives structure to our cookies.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: helps the cookies rise just perfectly for that soft, chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar: classic snickerdoodle ingredient that adds a subtle tang and chewiness.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: infuses gentle warmth and flavor throughout the dough.
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt: balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature: adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: brings sweetness and helps with the delicate crunch.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: adds moisture and a deep, molasses-like flavor.
- 1 large egg: binds all the ingredients while contributing to a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: provides warm aromatic notes that complement the apples and cinnamon beautifully.
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely chopped: adds fresh, juicy bursts of flavor and moist texture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling): pairs with cinnamon to create the classic snickerdoodle crust.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rolling): intensifies that signature sweet-spicy coating.
How to Make Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking space
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the pan with ease, making clean-up a breeze and perfect cookies every time.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures the spices and leaveners are evenly distributed, setting the stage for a well-textured cookie bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Cream the butter and sugars
In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light. This process traps air to give your cookies a lovely lift and richness that makes every bite memorable.
Step 4: Add egg and vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. These ingredients add moisture and depth of flavor, making the dough more cohesive and tasty.
Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until blended to avoid overmixing. Then, gently fold in the finely chopped apple pieces. The apples lend a juicy, fresh texture that takes these snickerdoodles to a whole new level.
Step 6: Shape and coat your cookies
Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, form the dough into balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture carefully, coating them evenly. This step creates that signature crackly, cinnamon-kissed crust that’s simply irresistible.
Step 7: Arrange for baking
Place the cinnamon-sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart since they will spread slightly as they bake. Proper spacing is key to getting perfectly round cookies.
Step 8: Bake until golden perfection
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting period helps them set and develop that tender interior and crispy edge contrast.
How to Serve Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are lovely as-is but feel free to sprinkle a little powdered sugar or extra cinnamon on top just before serving for an added festive touch. You might also try a thin drizzle of caramel sauce to complement the apple and cinnamon flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Apple Snickerdoodles pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced tea, a creamy latte, or even a glass of cold milk. Consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to create a sweet dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or gift-giving, stack these cookies in a pretty jar layered with parchment paper, tied with a ribbon, and a handwritten note featuring the Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe. Alternatively, arrange them on a rustic wooden platter with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a charming presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Apple Snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for about 3 to 4 days, making them perfect to bake ahead for a quick snack or sweet surprise.
Freezing
You can freeze baked Apple Snickerdoodles by placing them on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method preserves their flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
For that freshly baked feel, warm your cookies in the oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave them for about 15 seconds. This brings back their soft, chewy magic and revives those apple notes wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While a sweet-tart apple like Fuji or Gala works beautifully, feel free to experiment with Granny Smith for a more tangy bite or Honeycrisp for a crispier texture. Just make sure to finely chop the apples so they blend well into the dough.
What if I don’t have cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar is key to the traditional snickerdoodle texture and tang, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with an equal amount of baking powder (which contains cream of tartar) or omit it altogether, keeping in mind the cookies may be less chewy and slightly different in texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend that includes xanthan gum. This swap usually works well to maintain the texture without sacrificing flavor, but be sure to check your brand’s instructions for best results.
Is it possible to make these vegan?
You can experiment by replacing butter with a vegan butter alternative and swapping the egg for a flax egg or another egg substitute. The texture might be slightly different, but with a bit of tweaking, you can enjoy a vegan version of this Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe.
How do I keep the finely chopped apples from turning brown?
To prevent browning, toss the chopped apples in a small amount of lemon juice before folding them into the dough. This keeps the apples looking fresh and vibrant while baking.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Snickerdoodles Recipe is a heartwarming treat that captures the essence of autumn and the comforting charm of homemade cookies. Every bite offers a beautiful balance of soft dough, cinnamon-sugar crunch, and juicy apple spice that’s impossible to resist. I can’t wait for you to try it and share these delightful cookies with your family and friends—happy baking!
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
These Apple Snickerdoodles combine the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor of traditional snickerdoodle cookies with the fresh, sweet addition of finely chopped apples. Soft, chewy, and bursting with warm spices, they make a delightful treat perfect for any season.
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 promote even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, ground cinnamon, and fine salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, cream the room temperature unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Then gently fold in the finely chopped apple pieces to evenly distribute them in the dough.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the ¼ cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to create the rolling mixture.
- Shape and Coat: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture ensuring it is well coated.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy once cooled.
Notes
- For best results, use a crisp apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to add a nice tartness and crunch.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to cream properly with the sugars.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cookies tender.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- You can freeze the cookie dough balls before rolling in cinnamon sugar for up to 1 month; thaw before baking.
