Save If you are craving a guilt-free crunchy snack with a hint of sweetness and spice these Cinnamon Nutmeg Apple Chips have been my go-to treat for years after school or on chilly weekends They capture fresh apple flavor with cozy spices and a perfect crisp every time
I first made these when we picked too many apples in fall they quickly disappeared from the counter everyone fought for the last chip and now I double every batch
Ingredients
- Apples: ripe and crisp variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp gives the best texture Wash thoroughly and keep skin for extra nutrients
- Ground cinnamon: adds warmth and blends perfectly with apples Choose a fresh bottle for bold flavor
- Ground nutmeg: provides subtle earthy spice freshly grated nutmeg elevates the chips
- Granulated sugar or coconut sugar (optional): for those who prefer extra sweetness Use only a little so chips do not become sticky
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Trays:
- Set your oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit This low temperature is crucial for slow drying Line two baking trays with parchment paper which prevents sticking and speeds up cleanup
- Slice the Apples:
- Wash apples thoroughly then core them to remove seeds If you have a mandoline adjust it for 1 eighth inch slices for uniform crispness With a sharp knife cut as evenly as possible Do not peel apples as the skin helps keep the chips together
- Arrange and Season:
- Lay apple slices flat in one layer with no overlapping on the parchment If slices touch they will steam and turn floppy Mix cinnamon and nutmeg in a bowl If you are adding sugar combine that too Sprinkle this blend across the apples so that each slice is well coated
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place trays in your preheated oven Bake for 1 hour on the center rack Flip each apple slice gently using tongs and return to bake for another 45 to 60 minutes Check every 15 minutes for desired crispness Golden edges are perfect for flavor and texture
- Cool for Crunch:
- Remove trays from oven and let the chips cool completely right on the parchment This resting time dries them further so they become the crisp snack you hope for Transfer to an airtight container only after fully cooled
Save Apple season is big at my house and Honeycrisp is our family favorite for chips My kids love dipping these in vanilla yogurt for movie nights and we still laugh about the time I burned the first batch from sneaking TV during baking
Storage Tips
Use a wide lidded jar or food-safe bag to keep chips crispy Avoid refrigeration as moisture softens them If you want longer storage pop them in a zipped freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months Let thaw uncovered for best texture
Ingredient Substitutions
Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for fall flavor Nutmeg can be substituted with cardamom for a floral twist Skip sugar for a truly clean snack Honey or maple syrup drizzled over before baking creates chewy chips instead
Serving Suggestions
Scatter chips over your morning oatmeal or a creamy chia pudding Crunch as a topping for ice cream with hot caramel sauce Toss them with walnuts and dried cranberries to make a trail mix for hikes
Cultural Context
Baked apple snacks have a long tradition in American homes especially in orchard country In Colonial times apples preserved with spice were an everyday nibble Families passed down chip recipes that transformed surplus apples into sweet storable treats
Seasonal Adaptations
Try green apples for a tart crisp Add dried ginger for a winter boost Pair with pear slices in early autumn Cool dry weather is best for crisp chips Apples bought out of season may need extra bake time
Success Stories
Friends have brought these to fall potlucks and the batch always vanishes Teachers ask for the recipe after classroom snack time My neighbor once traded her homemade granola for a jar of apple chips so everyone wins
Save Try these chips for your next after school snack or weekend treat the cozy crunch will win everyone over again and again
Recipe FAQ
- → How thin should the apple slices be?
Slice apples about 1/8 inch thick. Thin slices ensure crispness during baking.
- → Can I substitute other spices?
Yes, try ground ginger or cardamom for extra flavor and a new twist.
- → Are these chips suitable for people with allergies?
They contain no common allergens but always check your spice blends for cross-contamination.
- → How do I store the apple chips?
Keep them in an airtight container; they'll stay crisp for up to a week.
- → What's the ideal apple variety?
Fuji or Honeycrisp apples yield the best texture and sweetness for chip-making.
- → Can I add sweetener?
Absolutely. Sprinkle coconut or granulated sugar or even drizzle with honey before baking.