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
Scale
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.
