Apple Snickerdoodles are a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle cookie, combining warm cinnamon and sugar flavors with caramelized apples for a unique and cozy treat.
Prep Time 2 hourshours
Cook Time 14 minutesminutes
Total Time 2 hourshours14 minutesminutes
Serving Size 24cookies
Ingredients
Caramelized Apples
250gramspeeled and finely diced gala apples (about 4-5 small apples)
50gramsdark brown sugar
1.5teaspoonsground cinnamon
Pinchsalt
1tablespoonlemon juice from one small lemon
Cookie Base
184gramsunsalted butter (European-style preferred, browned to 150 grams)Approximately 3/4 cup.
100gramsdark brown sugar
100gramsgranulated sugar
2teaspoonsvanilla bean paste or extract
1egg (room temperature)
1egg yolk (room temperature)
250gramsall-purpose flour
1teaspoonbaking soda
1teaspooncream of tartar
1teaspoonground cinnamon
0.5teaspoonfine sea salt
5gramscornstarch
66gramsgranulated sugar (for coating)
1tablespoonground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
Preparation of Apples
Peel and finely dice the apples. Toss them together with dark brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice until combined.
Heat the apples on the stove and cook them down until browned and caramelized, about 10 minutes over low to medium heat. Set aside in the fridge to chill.
Bringing the Butter to Perfection
Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat until it crackles and sizzles.
Let it continue until it stops bubbling rapidly and starts to foam. Stir gently until golden brown.
Remove from heat and let cool in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, ground cinnamon, salt, and cornstarch. Set aside.
Combining Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the cooled brown butter, dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until combined.
Add the egg and egg yolk, whisking until smooth, then gently fold in the cooled caramelized apples.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently fold until a dough forms. Cover and chill for 2-3 hours.
Baking the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for coating.
Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough, rolling each ball in the cinnamon sugar until generously coated. Space cookies 2-3 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set and golden brown but tops appear puffy and slightly underdone.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
Apple Snickerdoodles are best served fresh and slightly warm. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea and can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Freeze for longer storage.