Introduction

These Spiced Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. They combine tender, fluffy dough with tart apple pieces and a warm cinnamon-nutmeg coating for a comforting, flavorful treat perfect for any season.

A close-up shows a woman's hand holding a piece of cookie with a bite taken out of it, revealing a soft, crumbly inside with a light yellow color. The cookie's outer layer is coated in a fine layer of cinnamon and sugar, giving it a light brown speckled look. In the background, several whole cookies with the same light brown, cinnamon-sugar coating rest on a black cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups plus 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 large eggs (at room temperature)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
3 cups Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced into 1/4-inch pieces)
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
5 tbsp granulated sugar (for coating)
1 3/4 tsp ground nutmeg (freshly grated recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups plus 2 tablespoons of flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples. The dough will be moist but this ensures tender cookies.
Step 5: Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place on a plate or tray. Chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes or freeze for 10-15 minutes to reduce spreading and keep cookies tender.
Step 6: While dough chills, mix remaining granulated sugar with cinnamon and nutmeg in a small bowl. Roll each dough ball in this cinnamon sugar mixture, coating them well. Rolling twice adds extra flavor and crunch.
Step 7: Place coated dough balls on the prepared cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until centers are just set. Let cookies rest on the sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For best texture, use Granny Smith or other tart apples that hold shape well during baking.
Chilling the dough is key to prevent excessive spreading and maintain tender cookies.
Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the cinnamon sugar for a deeper spice flavor.
Serve cookies slightly warm with vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Storage

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. To refresh, warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness and aroma.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a soft round cookie held by a woman's hand, showing its pale golden inside with a crumbly texture, and a light brown cinnamon sugar coating on the outside. The cookie looks thick and slightly crinkled on the surface, with several more similar cookies blurred in the background resting on a black cooling rack. The overall scene is set against a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, but it’s best to choose a firm, tart apple like Granny Smith to maintain texture and prevent the cookies from becoming too soft or mushy.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar helps with the texture and rise, but if unavailable, you can omit it or substitute with an equal amount of baking powder. The texture might be slightly different, but the cookies will still taste great.