The Best Apple Pie Snickerdoodles Recipe for Sweet Tooth Joy

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through my mind whenever I whip up these delightful apple pie snickerdoodles that blend classic comfort with playful creativity.

Cinnamon swirls drift through the air, promising something magical.

Soft, pillowy cookies capture the essence of a beloved dessert in every single bite.

Warm spices mingle with tender chunks of apple, creating a nostalgic treat that feels both familiar and exciting.

Crisp edges give way to a chewy center that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Baking these cookies is like wrapping yourself in a cozy autumn embrace.

Fall in love with this irresistible fusion that will make you the star of any gathering.

Apple Pie Snickerdoodles – What’s in It

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps soften apples.
• Apples: Fresh, crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for texture and tartness.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the apple mixture.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that enhances apple flavor.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the apple filling and prevents excess liquid.

• Butter: Creates tender, rich cookie base.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and moisture to the dough.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.

• All-Purpose Flour: Foundation of the cookie structure.
• Cream of Tartar: Provides signature tangy snickerdoodle flavor.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread.
• Salt: Balances sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm spice to the cookie dough.

• Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates classic snickerdoodle exterior with sweet, spicy crunch.

Baking Apple Pie Snickerdoodles Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Slide the oven rack to the middle position and heat it to 350°F.

Cover baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Dreamy Apple Filling

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

• Diced apples
• Sugar
• Cinnamon

Cook until apples become tender and soft, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened.

Let the filling cool down completely.

Step 3: Mix Cookie Dough

Whip butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until they become light and fluffy.

Blend in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.

• Flour
• Cream of tartar
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, creating a soft dough.

Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, creating a sweet and spicy coating.

Step 5: Form Delightful Cookie Balls

Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions.

Flatten each piece and place a small dollop of apple filling in the center.

Carefully wrap dough around filling, creating smooth balls.

Roll each ball in cinnamon sugar coating.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange cookies on prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges look set but centers remain soft.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before devouring.

Snickerdoodle Ideas for Apple Pie-Inspired Cookies

• Chill the apple pie filling before stuffing cookies to reduce runny consistency and minimize potential spillage during baking.
• Dice apples into smaller, uniform pieces for a smoother filling and more consistent cookie texture throughout each bite.
• Pat diced apples dry with paper towels before cooking to prevent excess liquid from making cookie dough soggy or difficult to shape.
• Use slightly chilled dough for easier handling and more precise shaping when wrapping around apple pie filling.
• Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the apple pie filling for a more complex, aromatic taste profile that complements the cinnamon notes.

Store Apple Pie Snickerdoodles

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum flavor and texture.
• Warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
• Transfer frozen cookies to the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste and soft texture.

Tasty Sips for Apple Pie Snickerdoodles

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream complements the warm, spicy apple pie snickerdoodles perfectly, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
• Sip Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic, warming spices in chai tea beautifully match the cinnamon and apple notes in the cookies, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
• Enjoy Caramel Drizzle Accompaniment: Drizzle rich, buttery caramel sauce over the cookies to elevate the apple pie flavors and add an indulgent layer of sweetness.
• Select Mulled Apple Cider: Warm, slightly tangy mulled apple cider with additional cinnamon sticks provides a harmonious drink that echoes the cookie's apple and spice profile.

Snickerdoodle Flavor Alternatives

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond and rice flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking powder to ensure complete allergen safety.
• Vegan Apple Wonder: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs. Use coconut oil instead of butter and plant-based sugar to create a completely dairy-free cookie experience.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use fresh apples with less added sugar and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Spin: Replace traditional flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Use sugar-free apple filling made with erythritol and reduce carbohydrate content for ketogenic diet followers.

FAQs

• What makes the apple pie filling taste so good?

The secret is cooking the diced apples with butter, sugar, and cinnamon until they become soft and caramelized. Adding cornstarch helps thicken the filling, creating a rich, concentrated apple flavor that’s perfect inside the cookie.

• Can I make the apple pie filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the apple pie filling up to 3 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before using it in the cookies.

• How do I prevent the cookie dough from sticking to my hands when filling?

Lightly coat your hands with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil before shaping the cookies. This will help the dough not stick to your fingers and make it easier to wrap the filling inside.

• Why does the recipe use cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar helps give the snickerdoodles their signature tangy flavor and contributes to the cookies’ soft, chewy texture. It also helps prevent sugar crystallization, resulting in a smoother, more tender cookie.

Apple Pie Snickerdoodles Everyone Keeps Requesting

• Quick and Easy Family Treat: Whip up these delightful apple pie snickerdoodles in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy parents seeking a fast dessert solution.
• Surprise-Filled Texture Adventure: Experience the magical combination of soft, chewy snickerdoodle exterior with a warm, gooey apple pie center that creates an unexpected flavor explosion in every bite.
• Minimal Ingredient Charm: Craft these cookies using common pantry staples like butter, flour, and cinnamon, eliminating the need for complicated or expensive shopping trips.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these cookies at family gatherings, potlucks, or as an after-school snack that appeals to both kids and adults with their comforting, nostalgic taste profile.

Apple Pie Snickerdoodles Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Homemade apple pie snickerdoodles blend classic cookie warmth with signature cinnamon-apple charm. Crisp edges, gooey centers, and spiced crumble invite you to savor sweet comfort with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2.75 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1.25 cups granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1.5 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon salt

Apple Pie Filling Ingredients:

• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the workstation by heating the oven to 350°F and lining baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring a clean and ready cooking environment.
2. Craft the apple mixture by gently melting butter in a saucepan, then incorporate diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Simmer until apples soften and become tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Enhance the apple mixture by introducing cornstarch, stirring carefully to create a thick, luxurious filling. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
4. Create the cookie base by whipping butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and airy.
5. Integrate eggs and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until smooth and well-combined.
6. Separately combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a bowl, whisking to distribute ingredients evenly.
7. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms.
8. Prepare a cinnamon-sugar coating by thoroughly mixing sugar and cinnamon in a separate shallow dish.
9. Form cookies by scooping dough portions, gently flattening each, and nestling a small spoonful of cooled apple filling in the center.
10. Carefully encase the filling by wrapping dough around the apple center, rolling into perfect spheres.
11. Generously coat each cookie ball in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
12. Arrange cookies on prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow proper spreading.
13. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for set edges and slightly soft centers, indicating perfect doneness.
14. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture.

Notes

• Adjust apple softness by cooking longer or shorter to achieve desired texture in filling.
• Use firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best filling consistency and flavor.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain cookie structure.
• Substitute gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg