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Apple Cinnamon Cookies 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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