Cinnamon Apple Cookies: 5 Reasons to Fall in Love

Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite fall treat: Cinnamon Apple Cookies! There’s just something magical about the combination of warm cinnamon and tender apples that instantly transports me to cozy autumn afternoons. The moment I pull these cookies out of the oven, my kitchen fills with that delightful aroma, making it impossible to resist sneaking a bite (or two!). These cookies are not just delicious; they’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for those busy fall days when you want a sweet treat without a lot of fuss.

Every time I make these cookies, I’m reminded of family gatherings, where we’d sit around sipping cider and sharing stories while munching on these soft, chewy delights. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they’ve become a staple in my home every autumn. They’re the perfect way to celebrate the season and share a bit of warmth with friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time—perfect for busy fall days!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Fall: These cookies capture the essence of autumn, making them a delightful addition to any seasonal gathering or cozy night in.
• Great for Sharing: With a yield of 24 cookies, they’re perfect for sharing with friends, family, or even neighbors to spread some fall cheer!
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon or even add nuts or raisins for a twist on the classic recipe!

Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful cookies that are perfect for fall:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This adds richness and helps create the perfect texture.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Brown sugar gives a lovely depth of flavor and moisture to the cookies.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This helps balance the sweetness and adds a nice crispness to the edges.
• 1 large egg: The egg acts as a binder and adds fluffiness to the dough.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making the cookies taste even better!
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, providing structure and stability.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookies rise and become nice and fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star of the show! It adds that warm, spicy flavor we all love in fall.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the sweet flavors.
• 1 cup diced apples: Use your favorite tart apples for a burst of freshness and added moisture in every bite!

How to Prepare Cinnamon Apple Cookies

Let’s dive into making these scrumptious Cinnamon Apple Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm batch of cookies ready to enjoy in no time!

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and rise beautifully. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than underbaked cookies, so give your oven a few minutes to warm up before you start mixing!

Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. You want to mix these until the mixture is fluffy and light in color—think whipped honey! This should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is super important because it creates air pockets that help your cookies rise, giving them that delightful texture we all love.

Mix in the Egg and Vanilla

Next, crack in the large egg and add the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these together until everything is well combined and smooth. You want that lovely vanilla aroma to fill your kitchen—it’s going to elevate the flavor of your cookies!

Combine Dry Ingredients

Now, grab another bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This step is key! Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures that the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough, so every cookie will have that perfect flavor!

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Here’s a little tip: do this gradually and mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want soft and chewy treats! It’s okay if there are a few flour streaks—just make sure everything is mostly mixed together.

Fold in the Diced Apples

Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the diced apples using a spatula. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the dough. You want those sweet, tart bursts of apple goodness in every bite, so be careful not to mash them up!

Portion the Dough

Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a little space between each cookie, as they will spread a bit while baking. You’ll want to have about 2 inches between them—this helps them bake evenly!

Bake the Cookies

Pop those cookies into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden and the centers look set but still soft. If you can resist the urge to peek too soon, you’ll get nice, chewy cookies!

Cool and Serve

Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve them warm, or store them in an airtight container for later—if they last that long!

Tips for Success

Want to make sure your Cinnamon Apple Cookies turn out perfectly every time? Here are some of my tried-and-true tips that’ll help you achieve cookie greatness!

• Choose the Right Apples: I can’t stress this enough! Using tart apples like Granny Smith not only adds a nice zing but also balances the sweetness of the sugars. Sweet apples can make the cookies overly sugary, so go for that tartness!
• Adjust the Cinnamon: If you love cinnamon as much as I do, feel free to add a little extra! You can increase it to 1.5 teaspoons for a spicier kick or cut back if you prefer a milder flavor. Just remember to taste the dough as you go!
• Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and chewy, right?
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have the time, chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes can help them keep their shape while baking. Plus, it intensifies the flavors!
• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies at the 10-minute mark. They should be golden at the edges and soft in the center for that perfect texture.
• Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for days, if they last that long!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to bake up a storm! Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Curious about what’s in these delicious Cinnamon Apple Cookies? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one cookie:

• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Fat: 7g
• Protein: 1g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But no matter the numbers, one thing’s for sure: these cookies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing or indulging in all by yourself!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Cinnamon Apple Cookies fresh and delicious, it’s important to store them properly. Once they’ve cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. This will help retain their soft, chewy texture and keep them from drying out. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to hide them away so they last longer!

You can store these cookies at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them around even longer, consider freezing them! Just place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag with as much air removed as possible. They should stay good for about 2-3 months—perfect for a sweet surprise later!

When you’re ready to indulge in a cookie straight from the freezer, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer a warm cookie, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it; you want them warm but not hot! Enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of fall with every bite!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these amazing Cinnamon Apple Cookies? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my answers to help you get the most out of this delightful recipe.

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely! While I love using tart apples like Granny Smith for their zing, you can experiment with other varieties too. Fuji or Honeycrisp apples add a sweet flavor, but make sure they’re not too sweet to keep the balance right in your cookies. Just remember to adjust the sugar a bit if you go super sweet!

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

No worries! You can substitute brown sugar with an equal amount of granulated sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses. This will mimic that rich flavor and moisture we love in brown sugar. Just mix it in well, and you’re good to go!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum, which helps provide the structure that regular flour does. The cookies will still be delicious!

How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

To make these cookies dairy-free, simply replace the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative or coconut oil. The flavor will still shine through, and you won’t miss the dairy at all!

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Of course! Feel free to toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. You could even add chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that adding extra ingredients might change the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on those cookies!

How do I store leftover cookies?

After they’ve cooled completely, store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw or warm them up!

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