Apple Cinnamon Cookies Recipe
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
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)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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