Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe

If you’re craving a snack that’s both delightfully crunchy and bursting with warm, cozy flavors, look no further than these Cinnamon Apple Chips. This treat transforms humble apples into irresistibly crispy slices dusted in cinnamon, offering a perfect balance of natural sweetness and spice. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome snack, a crunchy topping, or a guilt-free dessert, Cinnamon Apple Chips bring a charming twist that’s incredibly simple to make yet impressively tasty.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Cinnamon Apple Chips is beautifully straightforward because it relies on a few simple ingredients that each add something special. The apples bring natural sweetness and texture, cinnamon infuses the chips with cozy warmth, and a touch of sugar can enhance the flavor without overwhelming the natural fruitiness.

• 4 medium McIntosh apples: Known for their natural sweetness and perfect texture when baked into chips.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The key spice that gives the chips their signature, comforting flavor.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Optional for added sweetness; you can swap it for honey or leave it out to keep things pure.
• 1 spray cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking on the baking sheet; parchment paper works great as an alternative.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Chips

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to a low and slow 200°F (93°C), placing your rack in the middle to ensure even baking. This gentle heat is crucial to drying the apples into crisp, chip-like textures without burning them.

Step 2: Slice the Apples

Core the McIntosh apples and slice them evenly into rounds about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Getting a consistent thickness is important so all your chips bake uniformly crisp and never soggy in spots.

Step 3: Season the Apple Slices

Toss the apple slices in a mix of ground cinnamon and granulated sugar. This simple coating enrobes the fruit in sweet warmth, transforming each chip into a little burst of autumnal goodness.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake

Spray your baking sheet with cooking spray or line with parchment paper to keep things from sticking. Lay the apple slices in a single layer without overlap, so each slice gets enough air to crisp up beautifully during baking.

Step 5: Bake Low and Slow

Bake the apples for 2 to 3 hours, flipping or checking them halfway through for doneness. Patience really pays off here; the low temperature draws out moisture gradually, giving you satisfying crunch in every bite.

Step 6: Cool and Store

After baking, transfer the apple chips to a wire rack to cool completely. This step locks in the crisp texture. Once cooled, store your Cinnamon Apple Chips in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Chips

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Cinnamon Apple Chips with a little extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also drizzle them with a bit of honey or melted chocolate for a decadent twist that’s hard to resist.

Side Dishes

These chips pair wonderfully with creamy dips like vanilla yogurt or mascarpone cheese, balancing the spice and crunch with rich creaminess. They’re a fantastic accompaniment to warm drinks such as chai tea or hot apple cider, adding festive cheer to any snack time.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering Cinnamon Apple Chips atop salads for a sweet, crunchy surprise or use them as a delightful garnish on cakes and cupcakes. They also make great additions to trail mix or granola, lending a burst of cinnamon and fruit that elevates every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Cinnamon Apple Chips in an airtight container at room temperature, and they should stay crisp for up to a week. Avoid stacking them while warm to prevent sogginess; spread them out nicely on a plate before storing.

Freezing

While these chips are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them in a sealed bag if you want to keep them longer. Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly and, if needed, briefly crisp them in a low oven before eating.

Reheating

If your Cinnamon Apple Chips lose some crunch over time, a short stint in a 250°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes will revive that perfect crispiness. Keep an eye on them so they don’t brown too much during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for Cinnamon Apple Chips?

Absolutely! While McIntosh apples are naturally sweet and tender, firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji also work wonderfully and will yield slightly different textures and flavor notes.

Do I have to add sugar to the recipe?

Not at all. The sugar is optional and can be swapped for honey or omitted for a healthier, more natural snack. The cinnamon and apple sweetness alone create plenty of flavor.

Why bake the chips at a low temperature?

Low and slow baking helps dry out the apple slices evenly without burning them, allowing for maximum crispness and flavor development.

Can I make Cinnamon Apple Chips in a dehydrator?

Yes, a food dehydrator is a great alternative to the oven for making these chips, using a similar thickness and drying time adjusted to your model’s settings.

How long do Cinnamon Apple Chips stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh and crisp for about a week, making them perfect for midweek snacking or lunchbox treats.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Apple Chips are one of those simple pleasures that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. They’re easy to make, wonderfully flavorful, and versatile in how you enjoy them. Once you try making your own, I bet these crispy, cinnamon-kissed delights will become a beloved staple in your snack repertoire. Go ahead, give them a try—you’ll be hooked from the first crunchy bite!

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