If you’ve been dreaming of warm, comforting baking recipes that fill your kitchen with the aroma of autumn, these Apple Cinnamon Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. Soft, chewy, warmly spiced, and packed with sweet apple flavor, this recipe creates cookies that feel like a bite-sized version of apple pie. Whether you’re craving soft top apple cinnamon cookies, exploring apple cookies recipes, or searching for a healthier option inspired by Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies healthy versions, this recipe hits the sweet spot between indulgence and nourishment.
These cookies are perfect for everything from fall festivals, cozy afternoons, school lunchbox treats, or dessert platters alongside other seasonal sweets. If you love the comfort and coziness of desserts like Pumpkin Brownies or Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies from LyndysKitchen, these cookies will fit beautifully into your baking routine.
Table of Contents
Why Apple Cinnamon Cookies Are So Soft, Chewy, and Flavorful
What sets these cookies apart is their irresistible texture. The combination of softened butter, warm cinnamon, and finely diced apples creates a naturally moist and tender cookie with a lightly crisp outside and a perfectly soft center. The apples release just enough sweetness and moisture during baking, blending seamlessly with the cinnamon-infused dough.
These cookies remind many bakers of nostalgic fall desserts like Apple Crisp With Oatmeal or Mini Pumpkin Pie Cups, capturing the essence of homemade comfort in every bite. Their natural sweetness and spice make them ideal for anyone exploring cinnamon cookies recipes or wanting a slightly healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Cookies
Below is everything you need to create your soft, chewy apple cinnamon cookies.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Mix-In
- 1 cup finely diced apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best)
- 1 tablespoon flour (to toss with apples)
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup rolled oats (for added texture)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ¼ teaspoon extra cinnamon for stronger spice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup for richness
These ingredients give you soft cookies with enough structure to hold their shape, while keeping the apple flavor as the star.
Kitchen Tools & Equipment Checklist
You won’t need anything complicated, but having the right tools makes the process smooth:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
- Cooling rack
- Rubber spatula
- Cutting board and sharp knife
If you enjoy baking tools that make life easier, you may also enjoy recipes on Lyndy’s Kitchen like Banana Zucchini Muffins, Easy Blueberry Monkey Bread, or Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pancakes, which use many of the same baking tools.
How to Prepare Apples for Apple Cookies Recipes
Fresh apples are the heart of this recipe, so preparing them correctly is key.
Best Apple Types
- Granny Smith (tart and sturdy)
- Honeycrisp (sweet and crisp)
- Pink Lady (balanced flavor)
Preparation Steps
- Peel apples if preferred (optional).
- Dice apples finely—small cubes help keep cookies soft.
- Toss apples with 1 tablespoon flour to absorb moisture.
- Pat dry lightly if very juicy.
This step keeps your cookies from becoming soggy and ensures even texture throughout.
How to Make Soft & Chewy Apple Cinnamon Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps for perfect cookies every time.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat softened butter with brown and white sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
- Fold in the diced apples gently with a spatula.
- Optional: Fold in oats or nuts for texture.
- Scoop dough into balls and place 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool completely on a rack to set the centers.
If you love easy, family-friendly baking steps, you might also love Lyndy’s Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies, which follow similar mixing methods.
Apple Cinnamon Muffin Mix Cookies Variation
If you want ultra-quick cookies, muffin mix is the ultimate baking shortcut.
Ingredients
- 1 box apple cinnamon muffin mix
- 1 egg
- ½ cup softened butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Optional: ½ cup diced apples
Instructions
- Mix muffin mix, butter, egg, and cinnamon.
- Fold apples into the dough.
- Scoop and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
This method is excellent for busy bakers who rely on shortcut treats like No Bake Pumpkin Pie Balls or Snake Charmer’s Pretzels for easy entertaining.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies Healthy Version
For a healthier spin inspired by wholesome blogs like Lyndy’s Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes or Healthy Veggie Egg Scramble, try this variation:
Healthy Swaps
- Replace half the butter with applesauce
- Use whole wheat flour
- Replace sugar with coconut sugar
- Add rolled oats
- Use finely chopped apples with peel
Result
These cookies become fiber-rich, lightly sweet, and perfect for breakfast or healthier snacks.
Types of Dessert Bars Inspired by These Flavors
Apple and cinnamon make a versatile base for different types of dessert bars, such as:
- Apple Cinnamon Oat Bars – soft, chewy, perfect for breakfast
- Apple Pie Crumble Bars – reminiscent of Apple Crisp With Oatmeal
- Cinnamon Swirl Cookie Bars – warm, buttery, fragrant
- Apple Maple Blondies – gooey and cozy
- Oatmeal Apple Cinnamon Squares – a healthier dessert bar variation
If you enjoy exploring dessert bars, try pairing them with fun treats like Lyndy’s Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles or Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars.
Tips for Making the Best Cinnamon Cookies Recipes
- Use room-temperature butter for even creaming.
- Don’t overmix once apples are added.
- Scoop cookies evenly for consistent baking.
- Chill dough 20 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Add extra cinnamon for deeper flavor.
- Use parchment paper — not a greased tray.
These professional baking tips also appear across recipes like Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs and Mini Pumpkin Bread With Cinnamon Swirl, highlighting the importance of consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cutting apples too large — causes soggy cookies.
- Adding too much moisture — dry apples lightly after dicing.
- Overbaking — removes softness completely.
- Using expired baking soda — cookies won’t rise.
- Mixing vigorously after adding flour — leads to dense texture.
Avoid these mistakes for bakery-style results.
Serving Suggestions for Apple Cinnamon Cookies
These cookies are perfect for:
- Fall dessert platters
- School snacks
- Holiday cookie trays
- Breakfast cookies
- Coffee or tea pairing
They pair beautifully with other fall desserts like Apple Fritter Donuts, Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, and Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal.
Storage & Freezer Tips
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Refrigerator
Keeps for up to 1 week.
Freezer
Freeze baked cookies up to 2 months.
Freeze cookie dough balls up to 3 months.
Reheat
Warm cookies for 8–10 seconds in the microwave to soften.
Healthy Swaps for Apple Cinnamon Cookies Healthy Variations
For a healthier cookie:
- Replace butter with 50% applesauce
- Use whole wheat pastry flour
- Add chopped nuts for nutrition
- Reduce sugar by ¼ cup
- Add oats for fiber
- Use maple syrup instead of refined sugar
These swaps align with lighter recipe ideas like Lyndy’s Make Ahead Breakfast Bowls, Brown Sugar Overnight Oats, or High Protein Banana Bread.
Non-Alcoholic Drink Pairings
Serve these cookies with:
- Warm spiced tea
- Chai latte
- Cinnamon milk
- Apple cider
- Oat milk latte
- Iced lavender lemonade
For other drink ideas, explore Lyndy’s refreshing beverages like Lavender Lemonade or Strawberry Cream Soda.
Apple Cinnamon Cookies FAQ
Why are my cookies flat?
Butter may have been too warm. Chill dough.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Can I skip the oats?
Absolutely — they’re optional.
Can I use dried apples?
Yes, chop finely and reduce flour slightly.
How do I get bakery-style soft tops?
Chill dough and underbake by 1 minute.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes — it scales perfectly.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
These Apple Cinnamon Cookies combine the best flavors of fall into a soft, chewy treat that feels nostalgic, comforting, and irresistible. Whether you enjoy them as a cozy snack, holiday cookie, breakfast treat, or dessert platter addition, these cookies always deliver warm, delicious flavor.
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Print
Soft & Cozy Apple Cinnamon Cookies – The Ultimate Fall Treat
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Cinnamon Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with warm fall flavor. Made with fresh apples, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg, these cozy cookies taste just like a bite of homemade apple pie. Perfect for lunchboxes, dessert platters, or afternoon snacks, they’re an easy apple cookie recipe that brings comfort and spice to every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Mix-In:
- 1 cup finely diced apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1 tbsp flour (to toss apples)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ tsp extra cinnamon for stronger spice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat softened butter with brown and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in egg and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in Apples: Toss diced apples with 1 tbsp flour and fold gently into dough. Add oats or nuts if desired.
- Form Cookies: Scoop dough into balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
- Bake: Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Cool: Let cookies rest on pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Apple Prep Tip: Dice apples finely and toss with flour to prevent sogginess.
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature or freeze up to 2 months.
- Healthier Option: Replace half the butter with applesauce and use whole wheat flour for a lighter version.
- Flavor Boost: Add maple syrup or extra cinnamon for deeper fall flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies, Fall Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Apple Cinnamon Cookies, Apple Cookies Recipe, Soft Apple Cookies, Chewy Cinnamon Cookies, Fall Baking Recipes, Apple Dessert Ideas, Apple Oatmeal Cookies, Cozy Cookies, Autumn Desserts, Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies Healthy
