Apple Snickerdoodles

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a classic cookie, these Apple Snickerdoodles will bring a smile to your face! Imagine biting into a soft, chewy snickerdoodle with warm, gooey apples and the comforting aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. This recipe is one of my favorites for gathering friends and family around, making it perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings.

The combination of caramelized apples and rich brown butter makes these cookies truly special. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself after a long day, these Apple Snickerdoodles are sure to lift your spirits!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll be baking in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cookies, and these are packed with delicious apple goodness that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
• Perfect for sharing: Bake a batch to share with friends or take to a gathering; they’ll disappear quickly!
• Cozy flavors: The warm spices and sweet apples capture the essence of fall, making every bite comforting.
• Make-ahead option: Chill the dough ahead of time for an easy baking session whenever you crave something sweet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this recipe. Gather them up and let’s get baking!

For the 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
• Juice from one small lemon

For the Cookies

• 184 grams unsalted butter (European-style preferred) (browned to 150 grams, approximately 3/4 cup)
• 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)

Dry Ingredients

• 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

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 66 grams granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Variations

This recipe is flexible! Feel free to get creative with your Apple Snickerdoodles. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch.
• Use different apples: Try using Honeycrisp or Fuji for varying sweetness levels.
• Mix in chocolate chips: A handful of chocolate chips will give a lovely contrast to the spiced apple flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for a tasty alternative.

How to Make Apple Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling and finely dicing your apples. Toss them with dark brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice until well combined. Cooking them down on the stove over low-medium heat allows the sugars to caramelize beautifully, creating that irresistible flavor. After about 10 minutes, set those caramelized apples aside in the fridge to cool. This step is crucial because it ensures the apples stay juicy without making your cookies soggy.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat. Watch closely as it crackles and sizzles—this is where the magic happens! Stir occasionally until it foams up and turns golden brown. The nutty aroma means it’s ready! Transfer it into another container and let it cool in the fridge for about 10 minutes. Browning the butter adds depth of flavor that elevates your snickerdoodles.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, salt, and cornstarch. This mixture provides structure while ensuring your cookies have that soft-chewy texture we all love.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your cooled brown butter with dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Then add in the egg and egg yolk—mixing these wet ingredients well helps create a rich cookie dough that bakes beautifully. Finally, fold in those chilled caramelized apples gently so they distribute evenly throughout.

Step 5: Form the Dough

Add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually until just combined; don’t overmix! Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill this dough in the fridge for about 2-3 hours. Chilling helps develop flavor while ensuring optimal texture when baked!

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon for rolling those cookies later on. Use a cookie scoop (about 40 grams) to portion out dough balls; roll each ball generously in cinnamon sugar before placing them on the prepared sheet spaced at least two inches apart.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Bake for about 12-14 minutes until edges are set but tops remain slightly puffy. They will continue cooking on the pan once removed from heat—trust me; they’ll be irresistible! Let cool for five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack or diving right into one warm from the oven!

There you have it—delicious Apple Snickerdoodles ready for any occasion! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Snickerdoodles

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these simple tips, you’ll ensure your Apple Snickerdoodles turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh apples: Fresh, crisp apples yield the best flavor and texture. Gala apples are sweet and tender, perfect for caramelizing, but feel free to mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp for added depth.
• Cool the butter thoroughly: Allowing your browned butter to cool will prevent it from cooking the eggs when mixed, ensuring a beautifully soft cookie. A quick 10-minute chill in the fridge does wonders!
• Chill the dough: Don’t skip chilling your dough! This step allows the flavors to meld together and helps your cookies maintain their shape while baking. Aim for at least 2-3 hours of chilling.
• Be mindful of baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look slightly underdone in the middle; this ensures they remain chewy once cooled.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar coating for a warm, spiced twist that complements the apple flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Apple Snickerdoodles

Serving Apple Snickerdoodles can turn a simple treat into something extraordinary! These cookies not only taste incredible but also look appealing when presented well.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top right before serving adds an elegant touch and enhances visual appeal without overpowering the flavors.
• Cinnamon stick: Present each cookie with a beautiful cinnamon stick as a stirrer for hot beverages like chai or cider, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: Pairing these warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures; the creaminess complements the chewy snickerdoodle perfectly.
• Apple cider: Serve alongside hot apple cider infused with spices for a comforting fall-themed treat that enhances the apple flavors in your cookies.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea balances out sweetness and makes for a relaxed afternoon snack or dessert pairing.
• Cheese platter: Include some mild cheeses like brie or gouda as part of a cheese board. The savory notes create an interesting contrast to the sweet snickerdoodles.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Apple Snickerdoodles will become an instant hit at any gathering, bringing warmth and joy to everyone who takes a bite! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Snickerdoodles are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough ahead of time or store the baked cookies for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator, where they can last up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze cookie dough, scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag; they will keep for about 3 months.

Reheating

• When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a few hours.
• Reheat baked cookies in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up while you prepare your delicious Apple Snickerdoodles!

Can I use other types of apples in Apple Snickerdoodles?

Absolutely! While gala apples work wonderfully for their sweetness, you can substitute with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for different flavor profiles.

How do I get my Apple Snickerdoodles to be chewy?

The key to chewy snickerdoodles is not overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when they are slightly underdone; they will continue cooking on the baking sheet after being taken out.

Can I make these Apple Snickerdoodles vegan?

Yes, you can! Substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use vegan butter instead of regular butter.

What makes these Apple Snickerdoodles special?

The unique combination of caramelized apples and brown butter elevates this classic cookie into something truly special, making it a cozy treat perfect for fall!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Apple Snickerdoodles! They perfectly blend fall flavors and comforting sweetness, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them yourself, they’re sure to bring warmth and happiness. Happy baking!