Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies

I thought I knew everything about snickerdoodles until my neighbor brought over a batch with tiny apple pieces mixed right into the dough. The Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for various occasions, from cozy fall evenings to holiday gatherings. With a delightful blend of warm spices and juicy apples, these cookies stand out with their unique flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spiced apples and cinnamon creates a mouthwatering treat that everyone will adore.
• Easy to Make: Even novice bakers can whip these up in no time, making them great for any skill level.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adjust spices or add nuts for extra crunch based on your preference.
• Fall Favorite: With the taste of autumn spices, they are an ideal addition to your seasonal baking repertoire.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking, gather the necessary tools to streamline your process. Having the right equipment will make preparing your Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies much smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Speeds up the creaming process of butter and sugars, ensuring a light cookie texture.
• Baking sheets: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies every time.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Ingredients

To make your delicious Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies, gather these ingredients:

For the Dough

• 3 cups plus 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Spiced Apples

• 3 cups granny smith apples, peeled and diced

For Coating

• 5 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 3/4 tsp ground nutmeg

How to Make Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheets

Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. The flour,
2. Cream of tartar,
3. Baking soda,
4. Salt.

Stir well to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
1. The softened butter,
2. Granulated sugar,
3. Brown sugar until fluffy.

This process should take about 3 minutes.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 6: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Fold in Apples

Gently fold in the diced granny smith apples until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 8: Prepare Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix together:
1. Granulated sugar,
2. Ground cinnamon,
3. Ground nutmeg.

Step 9: Shape Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each ball in the sugar coating mixture before placing them on prepared baking sheets.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 8 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for several minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Now enjoy your delightful Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies, perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself!

How to Serve Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies

Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie game.

A Warm Beverage Pairing

• Chai Tea – The warm spices in chai tea complement the cinnamon in the cookies beautifully.
• Hot Apple Cider – A cup of hot apple cider brings out the apple flavors and adds a comforting touch.
• Coffee – A robust cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

Add a Dip

• Caramel Sauce – Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the cookies creates a rich, sweet contrast.
• Cream Cheese Frosting – A light spread of cream cheese frosting adds a tangy twist that pairs well with the spices.

Create a Cookie Sandwich

• Ice Cream Filling – Sandwich two cookies around your favorite ice cream for a delicious treat any time of year.
• Whipped Cream – For an airy twist, add whipped cream between two cookies for a fluffy dessert experience.

How to Perfect Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies

Making Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies is easy, but there are ways to make them even better. Follow these tips for perfect results every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Let butter and eggs sit out until they reach room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Chill your dough – Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Measure flour accurately – Spoon and level flour in measuring cups to avoid dense cookies due to too much flour.
• Don’t skip the cream of tartar – This ingredient gives snickerdoodles their signature tangy flavor and chewy texture.
• Rotate your baking sheet – Halfway through baking, rotate your sheet for even cooking, ensuring all cookies bake uniformly.
• Watch baking time closely – Bake just until edges are lightly golden; they’ll continue to cook as they cool.

Best Side Dishes for Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies

These delicious cookies can be paired with various side dishes that complement their flavor profile. Here are some ideas to consider when serving them.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream enhances the spice in the cookies beautifully.
2. Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can create an interesting savory-sweet pairing with the cookies.
4. Pumpkin Soup – Serve alongside warm pumpkin soup for a cozy fall-inspired meal.
5. Nutty Granola Bars – Crunchy granola bars add texture and make for a wholesome snack option next to these soft cookies.
6. Chocolate Covered Pretzels – The salty crunch of pretzels coated in chocolate offers an exciting flavor combination with each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking these Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies can be a joyful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Always spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Too much flour can make cookies dry.
• Skipping the cream of tartar: This ingredient is key for that classic snickerdoodle texture. Don’t omit it or substitute with baking powder.
• Using cold butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. Cold butter will not blend well, leading to dense cookies.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and result in tough cookies.
• Forgetting to chill the dough: If your dough feels too soft, chilling it for at least 30 minutes helps maintain shape while baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• To keep them fresh, layer parchment paper between the cookies.

Freezing Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze individual cookies with parchment paper in between.

Reheating Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm a cookie on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies.

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can use any favorite apple variety that holds its shape when baked.

How do I customize the spices in these cookies?

Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg amounts or even add ginger or allspice for extra warmth and flavor.

Are Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies chewy or crunchy?

These cookies tend to be chewy with a slightly crisp edge. Baking time will affect crunchiness; bake longer for crunchier edges.

What can I serve with Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies?

These delightful cookies pair well with warm apple cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert combo.

Final Thoughts

These Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies offer a delightful twist on a classic treat. Their unique flavor profile makes them perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave something sweet. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or different spices; they’re versatile and sure to impress!