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Apple Cinnamon Cookies Recipe

4.8 from 108 reviews

Apple Cinnamon Cookies are a delightful autumn-inspired treat that combines the warm spice of cinnamon with the natural sweetness and moisture of diced apples. These soft and chewy cookies also feature the option to add oats and nuts for extra texture and flavor. Perfect for cozy afternoons or sharing with family, this recipe is easy to prepare and yields delicious, comforting cookies that capture the essence of fall.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 1 large apple, peeled and diced
  • 1/3 cup oats (optional)
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step creates a tender cookie texture.
  4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, which adds moisture and richness to the dough.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  6. Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the diced apple, oats, and chopped walnuts or pecans if using. These add flavor, texture, and natural sweetness.
  7. Form Cookies: Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  8. Bake: Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn golden and the centers are set.
  9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them firm up to the perfect consistency.

Notes

  • You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free option.
  • The oats are optional but add a lovely chewy texture; you may use rolled or quick oats.
  • Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
  • For a more intense apple flavor, consider adding a pinch of apple pie spice along with cinnamon.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: apple cinnamon cookies, autumn cookies, soft cookies, baked cookies, cinnamon desserts, apple desserts, cozy treats