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Crispy Apple-Shaped Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Warm Cinnamon Icing

crispy apple-shaped sugar cookies - featured image

These crispy apple-shaped sugar cookies feature a satisfying crunch and a warm cinnamon icing that adds a cozy, spicy finish. Perfect for fall gatherings or any time you want a simple yet special treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Warm Cinnamon Icing:
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk (whole milk or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat 1 cup (225 g) softened unsalted butter with 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in 1 large room-temperature egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Use an apple-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Transfer to baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart.
  8. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges turn golden brown and cookies feel firm to the touch.
  9. Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to crisp up fully.
  10. Prepare Cinnamon Icing: While cookies bake, whisk together 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon (14 g) melted butter in a small saucepan over low heat until smooth and warm (not boiling).
  11. Glaze Cookies: Drizzle or brush the warm cinnamon icing over the cooled cookies.

Notes

Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps the cookies hold their apple shape and prevents spreading. Roll dough to about ¼ inch thickness for the perfect crisp texture. Warm the cinnamon icing gently to avoid separation. Store cookies in an airtight container to keep crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookies, apple-shaped cookies, cinnamon icing, crispy cookies, fall dessert, easy cookies, holiday baking