I can almost smell Grandma’s kitchen just thinking about it – the warm, comforting scent of apples and cinnamon always filled the air during the fall. Her apple pie was legendary, but sometimes, she’d surprise us with something even better: cookies! These Apple Cinnamon Cookies with Maple Glaze – So Easy!, are my attempt to recreate that magic, with a little modern twist. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Apple Cinnamon Cookies with Maple Glaze – So Easy! you’ll ever make!
The Ultimate Apple Cinnamon Cookie Experience
Get ready to fall in love! These aren’t just any cookies; they are little bites of autumn bliss. The soft, chewy cookie base is packed with real apple and warm cinnamon, and then topped with a luscious maple glaze that takes everything to the next level. I promise you, from the moment these come out of the oven, your house will smell absolutely divine, and everyone will be begging for more. And the best part? They are genuinely SO easy to make. Let’s dive in!
What Makes These Cookies So Special?
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes these cookies so irresistible. It’s all about the combination of flavors and textures.
- Real Apple: We’re not using apple flavoring here! Diced apple adds moisture, sweetness, and that quintessential apple taste.
- Warm Spices: Cinnamon is the star, but a hint of nutmeg and cloves adds complexity and warmth.
- Soft & Chewy Texture: The perfect cookie should be soft in the center with slightly crisp edges. We’ll achieve that with the right balance of ingredients.
- Maple Glaze: The maple glaze is the crowning glory! It adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful, glossy finish.
The Apple Cinnamon Cookie Recipe
Alright, let’s get baking! Here’s the recipe for these incredible Apple Cinnamon Cookies:
Cookie Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced apple (I prefer Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
Maple Glaze Ingredients:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (or more, as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cream together the butter and sugars. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. You want the mixture to be pale and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Beat in the dry ingredients gradually until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in the diced apple. Gently fold in the diced apple until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Don’t worry if the dough looks a little sticky – the apples will release some moisture.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Don’t overbake! The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the maple glaze. While the cookies are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium bowl until smooth. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the cookies but thin enough to drizzle.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies. Let the glaze set before serving. You can also sprinkle the glazed cookies with chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
- Enjoy! These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Success Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Cookies
Want to guarantee cookie perfection? Here are my top tips for making these Apple Cinnamon Cookies shine:
- Use softened butter. This is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy cookie dough. If you forget to take the butter out of the refrigerator ahead of time, you can soften it quickly by microwaving it for 10-15 seconds at a time.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough (optional). For even thicker and chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will also prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Don’t overbake the cookies. Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. The cookies should be golden brown around the edges and still slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
- Use pure maple syrup. Artificial maple syrup will not provide the same rich flavor.
Variations and Add-Ins
Want to customize these cookies to your liking? Here are a few ideas:
- Add chopped nuts. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds would all be delicious additions.
- Add dried cranberries or raisins. These will add a touch of sweetness and chewiness.
- Use different spices. Try adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a different flavor profile.
- Add chocolate chips. Chocolate chips are always a good idea!
- Make them gluten-free. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re loving the warm, comforting flavors of these apple cinnamon cookies, I have a few other recipes I know you’ll adore! For another fall favorite, try my CARAMEL APPLE COOKIE PERFECTION. The caramel drizzle takes them to the next level! If you’re in the mood for something a little different, but still maple-infused, you absolutely must try the MAPLE DONUT BAR HEAVEN. They’re seriously addictive, and so fun to make and decorate. Also, you can consider try to make Apple Pie Cookies, the flavour combination are amazing. Also, if you are cinnamon roll lover, I suggest you to try CINNAMON ROLL COOKIE MAGIC and CINNAMON ROLL COOKIE MAGIC . And last but not least, you have to try the Caramel-Drizzled Apple Cinnamon Cookies which would be perfect with these apple cinnamon cookies.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
If you have any leftover cookies (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store them:
- Storing: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unglazed cookies for up to 2 months. Let them thaw completely before glazing. You can also freeze the cookie dough. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
The Maple Glaze: A Touch of Magic
Let’s talk more about that glaze. It’s what elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary. The combination of maple and apple cinnamon is just pure magic! Here are a few tips for making the perfect maple glaze:
- Use good quality maple syrup. The better the syrup, the better the glaze.
- Sift the powdered sugar. This will prevent lumps in the glaze.
- Add the milk gradually. You want the glaze to be thick enough to coat the cookies but thin enough to drizzle.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
Why I Love This Recipe
These Apple Cinnamon Cookies with Maple Glaze aren’t just delicious; they’re nostalgic. They remind me of cozy autumn days, the smell of Grandma’s kitchen, and the joy of sharing homemade treats with loved ones. And that’s what baking is all about, right? It’s about creating memories and sharing love through food. I truly hope you enjoy making these cookies as much as I do!
Conclusion
So there you have it – the recipe for the most amazing Apple Cinnamon Cookies with Maple Glaze! They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a special treat for your family, or simply to enjoy a cozy afternoon at home, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some magic in your kitchen. I know you’ll absolutely love them!
What makes these Apple Cinnamon Cookies different from other apple cookies?
These cookies use real diced apple for moisture and flavor, a blend of warm spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and are topped with a homemade maple glaze for extra sweetness and a glossy finish.
Can I freeze the Apple Cinnamon Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the unglazed cookies for up to 2 months. Let them thaw completely before glazing. You can also freeze the cookie dough.
What kind of apples are best to use in these cookies?
The recipe suggests using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, but you can use your preferred variety of peeled and finely diced apple.
How do I store the baked Apple Cinnamon Cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Easiest Apple Cinnamon Cookies with Maple Glaze
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Beat in the dry ingredients gradually until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Gently fold in the diced apple until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium bowl until smooth. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies. Let the glaze set before serving.
- Enjoy!