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Apple Snickerdoodles with Caramelized Apples Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 79 reviews

These Apple Snickerdoodles combine the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor of snickerdoodle cookies with juicy caramelized apples folded into a soft, tender dough. Browned European-style butter adds a rich, nutty depth, while a cinnamon sugar coating gives each cookie a delightful crunch. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy, flavorful treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramelized Apples

  • 250 grams peeled and finely diced gala apples (about 4–5 small apples)
  • 50 grams (¼ cup) dark brown sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Lemon juice from one small lemon

Cookies

  • 184 grams (13 tablespoons) unsalted butter (European-style preferred), browned to 150 grams (approximately ¾ cup)
  • 100 grams (½ cup) dark brown sugar
  • 100 grams (½ cup) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract
  • 1 egg, room temperature
  • 1 egg yolk, room temperature
  • 250 grams (2 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 5 grams (2 teaspoons) cornstarch

Coating

  • 66 grams (1/3 cup) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Apples: Peel and finely dice the gala apples. In a bowl, toss the apples with dark brown sugar, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and lemon juice until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a stove-safe pan and cook over low to medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are browned and caramelized. Remove from heat and chill in the fridge.
  2. Brow the Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a pot over medium heat. As it melts, it will begin to crackle or sizzle. Continue stirring gently until the bubbling subsides and it foams. Watch for the milk solids to turn golden brown and the butter to develop a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and transfer to a separate container. Cool in the fridge for 10 minutes.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, fine sea salt, and cornstarch. Set aside.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk the cooled browned butter with dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. Add the room temperature egg and egg yolk, whisking until smooth and fully incorporated.
  5. Add Apples and Fold Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the chilled caramelized apples into the wet mixture until evenly distributed. Then, fold in the dry ingredients gently until just combined and a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours to allow it to firm up and let the flavors meld.
  7. Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the cookie coating.
  8. Form and Coat Cookies: Using a cookie scoop (about 1.125 oz or 40 grams), scoop dough portions and roll each into the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Place on the baking sheet, spacing cookies 2 to 3 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  9. Bake: Bake cookies for 12 to 14 minutes until edges are set and golden brown but the tops still appear puffy and slightly underbaked. The cookies will finish baking on the hot pan after removal from the oven.
  10. Cool and Serve: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Enjoy them slightly warm or completely cooled.

Notes

  • European-style butter has a higher fat content and browns better, which adds richer flavor to the cookies.
  • Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading and to deepen the flavors.
  • The caramelized apples add moisture and sweetness; be sure to fully cool them before mixing with batter to maintain proper dough consistency.
  • If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can increase cinnamon in the coating slightly.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: apple snickerdoodles, caramelized apples, cinnamon sugar cookies, browned butter cookies, fall cookies, soft cookies

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/apple-snickerdoodles-with-caramelized-apples-recipe/