Apple Cinnamon Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Apple Cinnamon Cookies combine the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with tender chunks of fresh apple for a soft, chewy treat. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a cozy homemade snack that feels like autumn in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup peeled, cored, and diced apples (preferably a tart variety like Granny Smith)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the diced apples, nuts, and raisins if using. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Step 6: Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are set.
8. Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Try adding a teaspoon of apple pie spice for a more aromatic flavor twist.
• Use different nuts like almonds or leave nuts out entirely if preferred.
• For extra sweetness, drizzle a light glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk over cooled cookies.
• If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before scooping.
• Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and texture.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm cookies in a low oven or microwave briefly to regain softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal because they hold their shape well during baking and provide a pleasant balance to the sweetness of the cookie.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for best texture.

How do I store these cookies, and how long do they last?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving to restore softness.

Can I use different nuts or leave them out entirely?

Absolutely. You can swap walnuts or pecans for almonds, hazelnuts, or omit nuts altogether if preferred.

What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky to scoop?

Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle and scoop.

Apple Cinnamon Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 51 reviews

These Apple Cinnamon Cookies are soft, chewy treats bursting with the flavors of warm cinnamon, fresh diced apples, and a hint of nutmeg. Perfect for autumn or any time you crave a comforting homemade cookie, these are enhanced by optional nuts and raisins for added texture and sweetness.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Add-ins

• 1 cup peeled, cored, and diced apples (preferably a tart variety like Granny Smith)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the dough.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to blend fully. Then mix in the vanilla extract for aroma and flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the creamed butter and sugar batter. Mix until just combined to prevent overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
6. Fold in Fruit and Nuts: Gently fold in the diced apples, chopped nuts, and raisins if using, being careful not to overmix in order to keep the texture light and to distribute the add-ins evenly.
7. Portion Dough: Drop the cookie dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the dough about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set but still soft to the touch.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely to prevent breakage and preserve texture.

Notes

• The moisture from the fresh apples ensures these cookies remain soft and chewy.
• For a more aromatic twist, add a teaspoon of apple pie spice along with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Adding nuts is optional but provides a delightful crunch and complements the soft cookie texture.
• If you prefer sweeter cookies, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk over cooled cookies.

Keywords: apple cookies, cinnamon cookies, chewy cookies, homemade cookies, dessert recipe, baking