If you’re looking for a warm, comforting treat that captures the cozy flavors of fall without any fuss, this Simple Apple Cinnamon Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Soft, tender cookies bursting with sweet, finely chopped apples and fragrant cinnamon sugar combine to create a nostalgic bite of homemade goodness. These cookies offer a perfect balance of natural fruit sweetness and spice with a lightly crisp exterior that melts in your mouth. I can’t wait to take you through how easy it is to bring these charming little delights to your kitchen and share that comforting warmth with your friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step to making these apple cinnamon gems truly shine. Each component plays an important role, from the creamy butter adding richness to the cinnamon bringing that signature warmth.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup softened: Provides a tender texture and rich flavor, making the cookies delightfully soft.
- Brown sugar, 3/4 cup packed: Adds moisture and a deep caramel sweetness that pairs beautifully with apples.
- Large egg, room temperature: Binds the dough and helps give the cookies their soft structure.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the sweetness and adds a hint of floral warmth to the cookie dough.
- All-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups: The base that provides structure while keeping the texture tender.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Infuses the dough with that unmistakable apple-cinnamon magic.
- Baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and fluffy.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Finely chopped apple, 1 cup (peeled and patted dry): Adds bursts of juicy freshness and natural sweetness without watering down the dough.
- Cinnamon sugar topping, 1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Creates a slightly crisp, flavorful crust that makes every bite irresistible.
How to Make Simple Apple Cinnamon Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Then, in a large bowl, cream the softened butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and light. This step is key for a soft, tender cookie, as it incorporates air that helps the cookies rise. Next, beat in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and glossy.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough, so every bite has consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Bring it All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies soft instead of dense. Finally, gently fold in the finely chopped apple. The smaller pieces prevent the dough from becoming too wet while delivering a lovely burst of juicy sweetness.
Step 4: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar topping to give the cookies that beautiful, spiced crust. Place them on your prepared baking sheets about two inches apart to allow for slight spreading while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. This delicate timing ensures that they’ll stay wonderfully tender once cooled. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period allows the cookies to firm up just enough without losing their softness.
How to Serve Simple Apple Cinnamon Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your cookies, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce pairs beautifully with the apple and cinnamon notes. A small dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting also adds a luscious touch for special occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies make a wonderful companion to a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even warm apple cider. For a heartier snack, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for a surprising but delicious contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies in a rustic basket lined with a cozy linen napkin for a charming fall gathering. You could also stack them with thin layers of honey-sweetened cream cheese spread between for an irresistible cookie sandwich treat. Personalize with a cinnamon stick garnish or a sprig of fresh mint for a festive look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to two days, which is the perfect window to enjoy them at their best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Frozen, they keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop your cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave them for about 10 seconds. This gentle reheating will revive the soft centers and cinnamon sugar crust without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this cookies recipe?
Absolutely! Firm apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are ideal because they hold their texture well when baked. Softer apples may release more moisture and affect the cookie’s consistency, but they will still taste delicious if you prefer a slightly softer bite.
What is the best way to finely chop the apple without making the dough too wet?
Peeling the apples and patting the pieces dry with paper towels is essential to reduce excess moisture. Try chopping the apple very finely and tossing the pieces in a little flour before folding them into the dough to help absorb some of the juice.
Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
You can swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based margarine and replace the egg with a flax egg or another egg substitute. Keep in mind that this can alter the texture slightly, but the cookies will still capture the essential flavors of apple and cinnamon.
Why do my cookies sometimes spread too much while baking?
Spreading usually happens if the butter is too warm or if there isn’t enough flour. Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, and measure your flour carefully. Chilling the dough before baking can also help control spreading.
How do I store the Simple Apple Cinnamon Cookies Recipe to keep them from getting hard?
Store the cookies at room temperature in an airtight container with a slice of bread inside. The bread helps maintain moisture, keeping the cookies soft longer. Avoid refrigeration, which can dry out the cookies quickly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about baking this Simple Apple Cinnamon Cookies Recipe that fills the kitchen with warmth and makes your home feel extra inviting. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or sneaking bites yourself, these soft, fruity, cinnamon-kissed cookies are an easy way to brighten any day. I hope you have as much fun making and enjoying them as I do!
Print
Simple Apple Cinnamon Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Simple Apple Cinnamon Cookies are soft, flavorful treats perfect for a cozy snack or dessert. Made with finely chopped apples and a warm cinnamon-spiced dough, they offer a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. The cinnamon sugar topping adds an extra touch of crunch and aroma, making them an irresistible homemade favorite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Fruit
- 1 cup finely chopped apple, peeled and patted dry
Topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring an even distribution of flavor and moisture.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen cookies.
- Fold in apples: Carefully fold the finely chopped, peeled, and dried apples into the dough, ensuring the fruit is evenly spread without releasing too much moisture.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar with ground cinnamon for coating the cookie dough balls.
- Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
- Place on baking sheets: Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and centers remain soft, achieving the perfect texture balance.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best texture and flavor contrast.
- Finely chopping the apple helps prevent the cookies from becoming too moist or soggy.
- The cookies are soft and are best enjoyed fresh within two days for optimal taste and texture.
