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Apple Cinnamon Pecan Cookie Recipe

Learn how to make these quick and easy apple cinnamon pecan cookies that combine the perfect balance of sweet apple chunks, warm cinnamon, and crunchy pecans. This simple cookie recipe creates chewy centers with crisp edges - ideal for fall baking or anytime you crave a homemade treat!

Prep

20 mins

Cook

12 mins

Serve

24

Kcal

185

Ingredients

Directions

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cups all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon baking soda</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3/4 cup packed brown sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 cup granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg, room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 cup apple, peeled and diced small (about 1 medium apple, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp preferred)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar, for topping (optional)</li></ul>
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly combined. This ensures your spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and slightly darker. Watch them carefully - they can burn quickly! Let them cool before chopping.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the mixture looks smooth and glossy, about 1 minute.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Don't overmix or your cookies might become tough.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Gently fold in the diced apple pieces and chopped pecans using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This prevents excessive spreading during baking and allows the flavors to meld together.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For a finishing touch, sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of cinnamon sugar if desired.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft. They'll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet after removal.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4> Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. The texture will improve as they cool, with crisp edges and chewy centers.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4> Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage up to 3 months.</li></ol>
Apple Cinnamon Pecan Cookie Recipe

What ingredients are used in Apple Cinnamon Pecan Cookie Recipe?

These cookies require all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, unsalted butter, brown and white sugar, an egg, vanilla, fresh apple (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), toasted pecans, and optional cinnamon sugar for topping.

How to bake Apple Cinnamon Pecan Cookie Recipe at home?

Learn how to bake Apple Cinnamon Pecan Cookies by preheating your oven to 350°F, preparing your dough with apple chunks and toasted pecans, chilling it for 30 minutes, then baking for 10-12 minutes until golden at the edges. The result is perfectly balanced cookies with chewy centres and crisp edges, bursting with autumnal flavours.

How do I prevent my cookies from becoming too moist from the fresh apple?

Dice your apples into small pieces (about 1cm cubes) and pat them dry with kitchen paper before adding to the dough. The 30-minute chilling time also helps control moisture distribution, while using firmer apple varieties like Granny Smith reduces excess moisture.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time and freeze them?

Absolutely! You can freeze both the baked cookies and raw dough. For baked cookies, ensure they're completely cool before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months. For dough, portion into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the time.

What's the best way to achieve the perfect chewy centre with crisp edges?

The combination of brown and white sugar creates this perfect texture. Don't overbake - remove cookies when edges are golden but centres look slightly underdone. The 5-minute rest on the hot baking sheet completes the cooking process while preserving that desirable chewy centre.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required.
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