Name: Apple Cinnamon Cookies: 10 Perfect Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-488002H1M38S
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 1/3 cup (70g) packed light brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup (120g) peeled, finely diced apple, tossed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and patted dry; Optional: 1/2 cup (60g) chopped toasted pecans or walnuts; Optional: 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for rolling

Jump to Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Cookies have a way of bringing back the coziest memories, don’t they? I remember my mom baking these every fall, the scent of cinnamon and warm apples filling our whole house, making it feel so inviting. These easy apple cinnamon cookies are just like that – simple to whip up and incredibly comforting. They bake up to a perfect balance of soft and chewy centers with just the right amount of crispiness around the edges. If you’ve ever wondered how to make apple cinnamon cookies that taste like pure autumn magic, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cinnamon Cookies

The perfect blend of warm apple and cozy cinnamon spice creates an irresistible flavor.
You get delicious soft apple cinnamon cookies that melt in your mouth with every bite.
Enjoy incredibly chewy apple cinnamon cookies with delightful crisp edges for great texture.
With a quick prep time, these are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute treats.
Made with wholesome ingredients, they’re a treat you can feel good about sharing.
They’re budget-friendly, using common pantry staples for a delightful bake.
This recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a fantastic family-friendly option.
These cookies are versatile enough for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to simple afternoon snacks.

Apple Cinnamon Cookie Ingredients

Gathering your apple cinnamon cookie ingredients is the first step to baking these delightful treats. You’ll need:

1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour – the base for our cookies
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – essential for that classic apple cinnamon flavor
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional) – adds an extra layer of warmth
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – helps the cookies spread and get tender
1/2 teaspoon baking powder – for a little lift and softness
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavors
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened – crucial for a tender crumb and richness
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar and 1/3 cup (70g) packed light brown sugar – provide sweetness and contribute to that wonderful chewy texture
1 large egg – binds everything together
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – enhances all the other flavors
1 cup (120g) peeled, finely diced apple, tossed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and patted dry – the star ingredient, make sure it’s nice and dry to avoid soggy dough
Optional: 1/2 cup (60g) chopped toasted pecans or walnuts – for a lovely crunch
Optional: 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for rolling – adds a beautiful sparkle and extra crunch

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Cookies

Follow these simple steps to create delicious baked apple cinnamon cookies that are sure to become a favorite. They’re truly the best way to capture that cozy fall feeling in a bite!

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. While the oven heats, peel, finely dice the apple, and then pat it thoroughly dry with a paper towel. This is key to avoiding a soggy cookie dough.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (if you’re using it), 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt. Set this dry mixture aside for now.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, and 1/3 cup (70g) packed light brown sugar. Beat them until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy – this process incorporates air, which helps with texture.
Step 4: Beat in the 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients from Step 2 to the wet ingredients in the large bowl, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Gently fold in the diced apple and any nuts you’re adding.
Step 6: For even better texture and slightly plumper cookies, cover the bowl and chill the dough for about 20 minutes. This step really makes a difference in the final appearance of your homemade apple cinnamon cookies.
Step 7: Scoop the dough into balls using a 1.5-tablespoon scoop. If you like, you can roll them in coarse sugar for that extra sparkle and crunch. Arrange the cookie dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one.
Step 8: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and lightly golden brown. The centers should still look a little soft.
Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period allows them to firm up perfectly.

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Cookies

Want to elevate your cookie game? These tips will ensure your apple cinnamon cookies are absolutely perfect every time.

Accurately measure your flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, to avoid dense cookies.
Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their texture holds up well during baking and provides a lovely contrast to the sweet dough.
Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added; this is crucial for achieving a tender texture.
Pat the diced apple very dry with paper towels before adding it to the dough to prevent excess moisture, which can lead to flat cookies.

What’s the secret to perfect apple cinnamon cookies?

The key to truly amazing apple cinnamon spice cookies lies in the balance of ingredients and proper technique. Using softened butter, the right amount of brown sugar for chewiness, and not overmixing the dough are essential for that perfect texture. For more baking tips, check out this guide on baking fundamentals.

Can I make apple cinnamon cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! Chilled dough is actually beneficial for these cookies. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping and baking if it’s too firm.

How do I avoid common mistakes with apple cinnamon cookies?

The most common pitfall is soggy dough from wet apples, which is why patting them dry is so important. Also, overmixing the flour can make your cookies tough. If you find why are my apple cinnamon cookies flat, it’s often due to old baking soda or too much butter. Learn more about common baking mistakes.

Apple Cinnamon Cookies: 10 Perfect Bites - Apple Cinnamon Cookies - additional detail

Best Ways to Serve Apple Cinnamon Cookies

These delightful cookies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a few other treats. For a truly special experience, try them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk, creating lovely glazed apple cinnamon cookies. They are also wonderful served warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a comforting afternoon snack, enjoy them with a warm mug of apple cider or a spiced tea. The aroma alone is pure bliss!

Nutrition Facts for Apple Cinnamon Cookies

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for one of these delicious cookies:

Calories: 190
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 130mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more detailed nutritional information, you can consult resources like the USDA FoodData Central.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Cinnamon Cookies

Once your delicious apple cinnamon cookies have cooled completely, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh and tasty. I usually let them cool on the wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes after they come off the baking sheet. Then, I place them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from drying out. For the best quality, store them at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep your apple cinnamon cookie recipe leftovers for longer, freezing is a fantastic option! Wrap each cooled cookie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, the best way to reheat them is to let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. For a warm, just-baked feel, you can pop them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. This brings back that wonderful aroma and slightly crisp edge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cinnamon Cookies

What are apple cinnamon cookies?

Apple cinnamon cookies are delightful baked treats that combine the comforting flavors of sweet apples and warm cinnamon spice. They typically have a soft, chewy texture with slightly crisp edges, making them a perfect year-round cookie, especially popular during the fall season.

Can I use different types of apples in these cookies?

Absolutely! While firm, tart-sweet apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are recommended for their texture and flavor balance, you can experiment with others. Just ensure whatever apple you choose is peeled, finely diced, and thoroughly patted dry before adding it to the dough to prevent sogginess.

How do I make apple cinnamon oat cookies?

To make apple cinnamon oat cookies, simply add about 1/2 cup of rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick oats) to the dry ingredients in Step 2 of the instructions. Make sure to pat the apples very dry, as oats can absorb extra moisture. This variation adds a lovely heartiness and texture! You can find more variations on our recipes page.

Why are my apple cinnamon cookies so flat?

If you find that why are my apple cinnamon cookies flat, it’s usually due to a few common issues. Overmixing the dough after adding the flour can develop gluten too much, leading to spread. Also, ensure your baking soda or baking powder is fresh, as old leavening agents won’t provide enough lift. Lastly, make sure your butter wasn’t too soft when you started creaming it, as this can also cause excessive spreading. For more tips on achieving the perfect cookie texture, see this guide on cookie baking techniques.

Variations of Apple Cinnamon Cookies You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic apple cinnamon cookie recipe, you’ll love experimenting with these fun twists! They’re a fantastic way to customize your cookies.

Apple Cinnamon Walnut Cookies: For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, add 1/2 cup of toasted chopped walnuts to the dough along with the apples in Step 5. They pair beautifully with the apple and cinnamon.
Apple Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies: To achieve a more delicate, buttery, and crumbly texture reminiscent of shortbread, reduce the baking soda to 1/4 teaspoon and omit the baking powder entirely. You might also slightly reduce the brown sugar for a less chewy cookie.
Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Cookies: Easily make these gluten-free by substituting a good quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for best results.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies: For a heartier cookie, add 1/2 cup of rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick oats) to the dry ingredients. This variation offers a wonderful texture and is very satisfying.