Dried Cinnamon Sugar Apples

Dried cinnamon sugar apples are the longer-lasting, make-ahead version of fresh cinnamon sugar apple slices. Drying them deepens the apple flavor, locks in the warm spice, and creates a garnish that’s sturdy enough to sit on a glass without wilting. They’re perfect for fall and winter cocktails and for kids’ snacks, especially when you want something you can prep ahead.

Whenever I have a bowl of apples, the family isn’t eating fast enough, I make these cinnamon sugar apple chips. Suddenly, those old apples sitting around can’t be eaten fast enough.

Why Dried Cinnamon Sugar Apples Work as a Garnish

Drying concentrates the apple’s sweetness and gives you a lightly chewy texture that holds its shape. The cinnamon sugar adds warmth and aroma without overpowering the drink, making these a great match for whiskey, bourbon, brandy, and apple-forward cocktails. Even better, you can skip the sugar and sprinkle with cinnamon, letting the apple’s natural sugars sweeten this cocktail garnish.

How to Use Dried Cinnamon Sugar Apples in Cocktails

• Rest a slice on the rim of a rocks or coupe glass. Use a cocktail pick if your apple isn’t staying put.
• Float on top of sours or spirit-forward drinks
• Pair with cinnamon sticks, rosemary, or star anise
• Use in bourbon cocktails, apple cider drinks, and fall spritzes

They also work well on hot cocktails where fresh fruit would soften too quickly, and as a naturally sweet snack for road trips or afternoons at soccer practice.

Storage Tips

Once completely cooled, store dried cinnamon sugar apples in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week (if you can make them last that long!). If stacking, add a light dusting of sugar between layers to prevent sticking.

Dried Cinnamon Sugar Apples Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 apples
• Ground cinnamon
• Granulated sugar

(Optional mix: 4 parts sugar to 1 part cinnamon)

Instructions

1. Thinly slice the apples using a mandolin (like this one) or a sharp knife. Try to keep the slices evenly thin for consistent drying.
2. Sprinkle one side of each slice with cinnamon or the cinnamon sugar mixture.
3. Flip and sprinkle the other side so both sides are lightly coated.
4. Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or on air fryer racks (this is the air fryer/dehydrator combo I use).
5. Dry the apples:
   • Oven: 180°F for 2–5 hours
   • Air fryer: 165°F for 2–4 hours
     Drying time depends on slice thickness.
6. Flip halfway through drying so both sides dry evenly.
7. Remove once the apples are dry but still slightly pliable.