Description

These apple cinnamon cookies are soft in the middle, lightly crisp on the edges, and drizzled with a glossy maple glaze. Packed with tender apple bits and fragrant cinnamon, they’re a cozy, easy treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced (about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon butter (for sautéing apples, optional)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2–3 teaspoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Pinch of salt (for glaze)

Instructions

Peel and finely dice the apple. For extra tender apples, sauté in a small saucepan with 1 teaspoon butter over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until just softened. Let cool.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two parts, mixing gently after each addition.
Fold in the cooled diced apples until evenly distributed.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating the tray halfway, until edges are golden and centers are set but still soft.
Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable.
Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Let set for 15 minutes until glaze is shiny and firm.

Notes

For gluten-free cookies, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives. Sautéing apples helps concentrate flavor and prevents soggy dough. Dough can be frozen for up to a month; bake from frozen, adding 2 minutes to bake time. Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Sugar: 12
Sodium: 60
Fat: 4
Saturated Fat: 2
Carbohydrates: 20
Fiber: 1
Protein: 2

Keywords: apple cinnamon cookies, maple glaze, fall dessert, easy cookies, homemade cookies, autumn baking, apple cookies, cinnamon cookies, snack, treat