Apple Snickerdoodles

If you’re looking for a cozy and delightful treat to bake this fall, I can’t wait for you to try these Apple Snickerdoodles! They’re not just cookies; they’re little bites of autumn happiness. The combination of warm cinnamon sugar and fresh apple chunks creates a flavor explosion that will have your family and friends coming back for more. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home.

What makes this recipe special is the way it combines the classic snickerdoodle with the comforting taste of apples. Each cookie is soft and chewy, creating a fantastic texture that pairs wonderfully with the spiced coating. And trust me, they make your kitchen smell like a warm hug from Grandma!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip these up in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love them! The sweet apple bits make them fun and appealing.
• Perfect for Fall: These cookies capture the essence of the season with their warm spices and fruity goodness.
• Batch Baking Bliss: You can easily double the recipe for parties or freezing for later!
• Deliciously Unique: This twist on the classic snickerdoodle sets them apart from ordinary cookies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to find that this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create these amazing Apple Snickerdoodles!

Dry 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

Wet Ingredients

• 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

Add-Ins

• 1 medium apple, peeled and finely chopped

For Rolling

• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)

Variations

One of the best things about Apple Snickerdoodles is how flexible this recipe can be! Feel free to get creative and try out different twists on this classic treat.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Use Different Apples: Try using Granny Smith for a tart kick or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with adding nutmeg or allspice for a deeper flavor profile.

How to Make Apple Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and prevents sticking, making cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, ground cinnamon, and salt. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices throughout the dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, beat together the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, helping create soft cookies with a nice rise.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined. The egg adds moisture while also helping bind everything together.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. We want them tender!

Step 6: Fold in Apples

Gently fold in your finely chopped apple pieces. The fresh apples will add moisture and flavor to each bite—yum!

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together the remaining granulated sugar with ground cinnamon. This will create that iconic snickerdoodle coating we all love.

Step 8: Form Cookie Dough Balls

Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated. This adds sweetness with every bite!

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Place your dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are golden but centers are still soft—this ensures chewy perfection.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now comes the hard part—waiting before devouring these delightful treats!

And there you have it—your very own batch of delicious Apple Snickerdoodles ready to share (or keep all to yourself!). Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Snickerdoodles

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

• Use fresh apples – Fresh apples not only add flavor but also moisture to the cookies. This results in a chewier texture and a delightful burst of apple goodness in each bite.
• Chill the dough – If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. This step can prevent excessive spreading and gives you thicker, more uniform cookies.
• Don’t overmix – When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of tender ones.
• Adjust baking time for your oven – Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; if your oven runs hot or cold, you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.
• Experiment with spices – While cinnamon is classic, feel free to mix in other warm spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist that enhances the cozy flavors of fall.

How to Serve Apple Snickerdoodles

These Apple Snickerdoodles are not only delicious on their own but can also be served in a variety of delightful ways that make them even more enjoyable!

Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce – A gentle drizzle of caramel sauce brings out the apple flavors and adds a decadent touch.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream – The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm spices in the cookies, creating a comforting dessert experience.
• Apple cider – A warm cup of apple cider enhances the autumnal vibes while complementing the apple flavor in your snickerdoodles.
• Fresh fruit salad – A refreshing side of fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the cookies and provide a healthy option alongside your treats.
• Cheese platter – Pairing these cookies with mild cheeses like brie or gouda offers a delightful sweet-and-savory contrast that’s sure to impress guests at any gathering.

Enjoy your baking adventure and treat yourself to these delicious Apple Snickerdoodles! They’re perfect for cozy evenings or sharing with friends during fall gatherings. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Snickerdoodles are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time, making it convenient to enjoy these delicious cookies whenever you’re in the mood for a sweet treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, consider refrigerating them to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Form cookie dough balls and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
• Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• When ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time from frozen.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Arrange cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Warm in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Apple Snickerdoodles!

Can I use different types of apples for Apple Snickerdoodles?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully, feel free to experiment with your favorite variety. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may change the overall flavor slightly.

How do I ensure my Apple Snickerdoodles stay chewy?

To keep your Apple Snickerdoodles chewy, avoid overbaking them. You want the edges just golden and the center set but still soft. Also, adding enough moisture from the chopped apples helps maintain that delightful chewiness!

Can I make these Apple Snickerdoodles gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just ensure that it includes xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already have it.

What can I serve with my Apple Snickerdoodles?

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of warm cider or tea. You could also serve them alongside vanilla coconut ice cream for a cozy dessert experience!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Apple Snickerdoodles as much as I do! Their warm cinnamon flavor combined with apple chunks truly makes them special. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself, they’re sure to bring comfort and joy. Happy baking, and don’t forget to let me know how yours turn out!