Apple Snickerdoodles

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, these Apple Snickerdoodles are just what you need! The combination of gooey caramelized apples and warm cinnamon in a chewy, sugar-coated cookie is simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just want to brighten up a busy weeknight, this recipe brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cozy Flavors: The blend of brown butter and cinnamon brings a warm, inviting aroma that fills your home with the spirit of fall.
• Gooey Goodness: Each bite features tender bits of caramelized apple that melt in your mouth—it’s like a hug for your taste buds!
• Family-Friendly: These cookies are perfect for kids and adults alike, making them an excellent addition to any gathering or lunchbox treat.
• Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared in advance and chilled, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.
• Easy to Bake: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll feel like a pro baker in no time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for these delicious Apple Snickerdoodles. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store!

For the Caramelized Apples

• 250 grams peeled and finely diced gala apples (about 4-5 small apples)
• 50 grams dark brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Lemon juice from one small lemon

For the Cookie Dough

• 184 grams unsalted butter (European-style preferred)
• 100 grams dark brown sugar
• 100 grams granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
• 250 grams all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 5 grams cornstarch

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 66 grams granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with it or adjust based on your preferences.

• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch to the cookies.
• Use Different Apples: While Gala apples are sweet and juicy, feel free to experiment with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a different flavor profile.
• Make Them Vegan: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs instead for a plant-based version.
• Try Different Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.

How to Make Apple Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling and finely dicing those lovely gala apples. Toss them together with dark brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice until they’re well coated. Cooking them down on low-medium heat helps caramelize the sugars, bringing out their natural sweetness. This step is essential as it sets the foundation for that gooey filling we all love. After about 10 minutes on the stove, set them aside in the fridge to chill while we move on.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Now comes my favorite part—browning the butter! Melt it over medium heat until it starts crackling and sizzling. This process creates a rich, nutty flavor that makes these cookies special. Keep stirring until you see golden milk solids floating around—this is when you know it’s ready. Pour it into another container to cool in the fridge for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, ground cinnamon, fine sea salt, and cornstarch. This blend will help our cookies rise beautifully while keeping them tender.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next up, whisk together your cooled brown butter with both sugars and vanilla bean paste until it’s nice and smooth. Add in your egg and egg yolk; this enriches our dough further. Finally, fold those chilled caramelized apples into this mixture gently so they’re evenly distributed throughout.

Step 5: Form the Dough

Now it’s time to combine the dry ingredients into our wet mix! Gently fold until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Once you have a soft dough formed, cover it tightly and pop it into the fridge for at least 2-3 hours. This chilling step is crucial as it helps develop flavors and makes rolling easier!

Step 6: Preheat & Prepare Baking Sheet

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper while preparing your cinnamon-sugar coating by whisking together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.

Step 7: Roll & Coat Cookies

Using a cookie scoop (I love using my trusty 1.125 oz scoop), roll portions of dough into balls before rolling them generously in that delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place them spaced apart on your baking sheet so they have room to spread while baking.

Step 8: Bake Your Cookies

Pop them into your preheated oven! Bake for about 12-14 minutes until the edges are golden brown but slightly puffy on top. Remember—they’ll continue baking after you take them out due to carryover cooking.

Step 9: Cool & Enjoy!

Let your freshly baked cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. But honestly? If you can’t resist enjoying one warm right away—you absolutely should!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Snickerdoodles

Baking is all about joy and a little know-how, so here are some pro tips to ensure your Apple Snickerdoodles turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter come together smoothly, allowing for a more even texture in your cookies.
• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Chilling allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in chewy centers and crisp edges.
• Be careful with the butter: Browning butter adds a nutty flavor, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning. The golden brown color is key to achieving that rich taste!
• Measure flour accurately: Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping straight from the bag. This prevents overly dense cookies by ensuring you’re using just the right amount of flour.
• Test one cookie first: Bake a single cookie to check the texture and adjust your baking time if needed. This way, you can make sure your batch turns out just right.

How to Serve Apple Snickerdoodles

These delightful Apple Snickerdoodles are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Serve them warm and fresh for the ultimate treat, or get creative with some fun serving ideas.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top before serving enhances both presentation and flavor.
• Caramel drizzle: A drizzle of dairy-free caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the apples.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling crushed walnuts or pecans gives a satisfying crunch and complements the soft cookies beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla non-dairy ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream balances out the warmth of the snickerdoodles, making it a perfect pairing for a cozy dessert experience.
• Spiced apple cider: Warm spiced apple cider brings out the apple flavors in your cookies while adding a comforting seasonal drink option.
• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies, making it a great side for balance.
• Chai tea: The warming spices in chai tea complement the cinnamon in your snickerdoodles, enhancing their flavor profile while providing a soothing beverage option.

Now you’re all set to bake up these scrumptious Apple Snickerdoodles! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Snickerdoodles are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy cozy treats throughout the week. Whether you’re planning a gathering or just want some sweet snacks on hand, these cookies hold up beautifully when stored correctly.

Storing Leftovers

• Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• For added softness, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Once frozen solid, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave for about 10-15 seconds but be careful not to overheat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions to help you with your baking journey!

Can I substitute other types of apples in my Apple Snickerdoodles?

Yes! While Gala apples work wonderfully for their sweetness, you can also try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a different flavor profile.

How do I achieve the perfect texture in my Apple Snickerdoodles?

To get that chewy texture, make sure not to overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Chilling the dough is also crucial for achieving that delightful chewiness!

Can I make these Apple Snickerdoodles gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately for structure.

How do I store my Apple Snickerdoodles?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing the unbaked dough.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up these delightful Apple Snickerdoodles! With their warm flavors and chewy texture, they truly capture the essence of fall baking. Enjoy making this recipe and sharing these sweet treats with friends and family. Each bite is sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!