Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Cookies (Better Than Bakery!)
Soft, chewy snickerdoodles loaded with fresh apple pieces and rolled in cinnamon-sugar. These cookies have crispy edges, tender centers, and stay fresh for days thanks to the moisture from the apples.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely diced apple peeled
For the Coating:
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Dice apple into ¼-inch pieces and pat dry with paper towel.
- Whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Beat softened butter and 1½ cups sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Add flour mixture to butter mixture and stir just until combined. Fold in diced apples gently with a spatula.
- Mix ⅓ cup sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Scoop dough into 1½ tablespoon portions, roll into balls, then coat completely in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place dough balls 2-3 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly underdone.
- Cool cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before storing.
Notes
Apple Variety: Granny Smith apples work best for their tartness, but Honeycrisp or Gala are good alternatives. Avoid Red Delicious.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to keep cookies extra soft.
Freezing Dough: Roll dough balls in cinnamon-sugar, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 12-14 minutes.
Cream of Tartar: Don't substitute this ingredient—it's essential for the authentic snickerdoodle flavor and texture.