There’s something special about the smell of warm apples and cinnamon drifting through the kitchen. It instantly brings back memories of crisp autumn afternoons, family gatherings, and homemade treats fresh from the oven. If you’re looking for an easy dessert that tastes like it took hours to make, these Two-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Cookies are exactly what you need. While the original viral recipe calls for only spice cake mix and apple pie filling, adding a few simple ingredients creates thicker, softer cookies with a beautiful golden crust and a more reliable texture every time.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, packing lunchbox treats, or simply craving a cozy dessert, this recipe delivers bakery-style cookies with very little effort.
For food safety and baking recommendations, the USDA and King Arthur Baking offer excellent resources on proper baking temperatures, ingredient handling, and storage practices.
JUMP TO
Two-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Cookies
These Two-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Cookies are soft, moist, and packed with warm cinnamon-spiced apple flavor. Made with spice cake mix and apple pie filling, plus a few optional ingredients for better texture, they’re an easy fall dessert perfect for holidays, lunchboxes, or an afternoon snack.
- Total Time: 30 Minutes
- Yield: 24 Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) spice cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz / 595 g) apple pie filling
Recommended Ingredients
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 tbsp (28 g) melted unsalted butter
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup caramel baking bits
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Cinnamon sugar
- Vanilla glaze
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2
Roughly chop the apple slices from the pie filling into bite-sized pieces.
This helps produce evenly shaped cookies.
Step 3
In a large bowl combine:
- spice cake mix
- apple pie filling
- egg
- melted butter
- cinnamon
- nutmeg
Mix until no dry cake mix remains.
Do not overmix.
Step 4
Fold in any optional mix-ins.
Step 5
Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets.
Leave 2 inches between cookies.
Step 6
Bake 12–15 minutes.
The edges should be lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
Step 7
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
Transfer to a cooling rack.
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with vanilla glaze before serving.
Notes
✔ Chop large apple chunks.
✔ Do not overbake.
✔ Chill dough 15–20 minutes if very sticky.
✔ Use parchment paper instead of greasing the pan.
✔ Cookies continue baking while cooling.
✔ Store airtight because fruit keeps them extra moist.
✔ Room temperature ingredients give the best texture.
✔ Use fresh cake mix for the best rise.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 15 Minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Why You’ll Love These Two-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Cookies
These cookies have become incredibly popular because they require very little preparation while delivering wonderful homemade flavor.
You’ll love them because they are:
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Soft and chewy.
- Filled with real apple pieces.
- Packed with warm cinnamon flavor.
- Perfect for beginner bakers.
- Easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins.
- Ideal for fall, Thanksgiving, and Christmas cookie trays.
Unlike traditional cookie recipes that require measuring flour, sugar, and multiple spices, the spice cake mix already contains most of the dry ingredients needed for perfectly flavored cookies.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
Recommended for Better Results
Although these additions are optional, they make a noticeable difference in texture and appearance.
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
The egg helps bind the dough together, while the butter creates richer flavor and encourages a lightly crisp exterior. Extra cinnamon strengthens the warm spice flavor without overpowering the apples.
Optional Mix-Ins
Feel free to customize your cookies with:
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup caramel baking bits
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
Kitchen Tools
Before you begin, gather everything you’ll need:
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Cookie scoop
- Two baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Sharp knife for chopping apple pieces
Preparing everything beforehand makes baking much easier.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper instead of greasing the pan. Parchment prevents sticking and encourages more even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
Open the can of apple pie filling.
Many canned fillings contain large apple slices that are too big for cookies. Use a knife to chop the apples into small bite-sized pieces, about ½ inch each.
This simple step helps every cookie bake evenly while making them easier to scoop.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl combine:
- Spice cake mix
- Apple pie filling
- Egg
- Melted butter
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg (if using)
Mix gently until no dry cake mix remains.
Do not overmix.
The dough should look thick, sticky, and much softer than traditional cookie dough. This is completely normal because the fruit filling contains extra moisture.
If the dough feels extremely wet, refrigerate it for about 15 to 20 minutes before scooping.
Step 4: Add Mix-Ins
Fold in any optional ingredients such as chopped pecans or white chocolate chips.
Avoid adding too many extras because excessive mix-ins can make the cookies spread unevenly.
Step 5: Scoop the Cookies
Using a medium cookie scoop or about 2 tablespoons of dough, place cookies onto the prepared baking sheets.
Leave approximately 2 inches between each cookie.
These cookies spread slightly while baking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
The cookies are ready when:
- The edges are lightly golden.
- The centers no longer appear wet.
- The tops spring back gently when touched.
Avoid overbaking.
Because of the apple filling, the cookies continue cooking for several minutes after leaving the oven.
Step 7: Cool
Allow the cookies to remain on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
This resting time allows them to finish setting without falling apart.
Transfer them carefully to a wire rack until completely cool.
Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze if desired.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cookies
Although the recipe is simple, these small details make a huge difference.
Chop the Apples
Large chunks create uneven cookies and make scooping difficult.
Smaller pieces distribute evenly throughout the dough.
Chill the Dough
If your kitchen is warm, refrigerating the dough for 15 to 20 minutes helps prevent excessive spreading.
Don’t Flatten the Dough
Leave each scoop rounded.
The cookies naturally spread while baking.
Use Fresh Cake Mix
Older cake mixes can lose some of their leavening power, producing flatter cookies.
Don’t Overbake
The centers should still feel slightly soft when removed from the oven.
They will finish setting as they cool.
Easy Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try different flavor combinations.
Caramel Apple Cookies
Fold caramel baking bits into the dough before baking.
White Chocolate Apple Cookies
White chocolate chips pair beautifully with cinnamon and apples.
Nutty Apple Cookies
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Maple Glazed Cookies
Mix powdered sugar with a little maple syrup and milk for an easy glaze.
Holiday Version
Add a pinch of cloves, ginger, and allspice for an even richer seasonal flavor.
Storage
Because these cookies contain fruit, proper storage is important.
Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container.
They stay fresh:
- Up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Instructions
These cookies freeze surprisingly well.
Allow them to cool completely before freezing.
Store inside a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really make these with only two ingredients?
Yes. The original viral recipe only uses spice cake mix and apple pie filling. However, adding an egg and melted butter creates a thicker dough, improves the texture, and produces cookies that bake more consistently.
Why is my dough so sticky?
Apple pie filling contains a lot of moisture, making this dough softer than traditional cookie dough. Chilling it for 15 to 20 minutes makes it easier to handle.
Can I use yellow cake mix instead?
Yes, but you’ll lose much of the warm cinnamon flavor that makes these cookies special. If using yellow cake mix, add extra cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. They stay moist for several days and also freeze very well, making them perfect for holiday baking.
Final Thoughts
These Two-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Cookies prove that simple recipes can still deliver incredible flavor. With just a few pantry staples and a couple of optional improvements, you can create soft, chewy cookies bursting with sweet apples and warm spices. They’re easy enough for beginner bakers yet delicious enough to serve during holidays, family gatherings, or cozy afternoons with a cup of coffee. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite fall cookie recipes.