Apple Butter Cookies Recipe

Bursting with cozy spices and speckled with fragrant apple butter, these Apple Butter Cookies are everything you adore about autumn wrapped up in a soft, chewy treat. Each bite delivers a perfect blend of warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg, balanced with the comforting flavors of brown sugar and real apple butter. Whether you’re bringing them to a family gathering or simply enjoying them with a cup of coffee, this recipe promises joy and nostalgia with every batch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather just a few classic baking staples and one very special jar of apple butter—each ingredient is simple, but vital for that dreamy, fall-inspired flavor in every Apple Butter Cookie. Here’s what you’ll need, plus exactly why each one matters.

• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives these cookies their rich, tender crumb and keeps every bite soft and moist.
• Packed Brown Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds deep, caramelly sweetness and chewy texture, perfect for pairing with apple butter.
• Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Delivers just the right amount of sweetness and helps make the edges lightly crisp.
• Large Egg (1): Binds everything together and contributes to the cookies’ tender structure.
• Apple Butter (1/3 cup): The star of the show—infuses genuine apple essence and a subtle tang.
• Pure Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all those warm flavors and rounds them out beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 3/4 cups): The sturdy base, creating the perfect cookie dough.
• Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough, ensuring a light and soft center.
• Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a little extra lift for just the right texture.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Brings out all the sweet and spiced notes—never skip it!
• Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Instantly evokes that classic fall aroma and depth.
• Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a delicate, nutty warmth that complements the apple perfectly.
• Cinnamon Sugar (optional, for rolling): Heaps on extra sweetness and sparkle with each bite.

How to Make Apple Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper—this keeps your Apple Butter Cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Ready your equipment and let’s get mixing.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer (or plenty of elbow grease) to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. This step ensures your cookies achieve that irresistible chewy texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Crack in your egg, toss in the apple butter, and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again until everything is smooth and fully incorporated. Don’t skimp here—this is where your cookies pick up that dreamy apple aroma!

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a second bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing the dry ingredients before adding them to the wet ensures the spices and leaveners distribute evenly, so every cookie tastes amazing.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your mixed dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until no streaks of flour remain. Don’t overmix—this keeps your Apple Butter Cookies soft and tender.

Step 6: Shape and Sugar

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. If you want an extra layer of spiced sweetness, gently roll each ball in cinnamon sugar. Place them about 2 inches apart on the parchment-lined baking sheets to allow space for spreading.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide your trays into the hot oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for set edges and slightly soft centers—remember, the cookies will continue to set as they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Finish

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This patience pays off with an ideal chewy texture and lets the flavors settle beautifully.

How to Serve Apple Butter Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, dust your cooled cookies with a little extra cinnamon sugar or even a drizzle of maple glaze. Chopped toasted pecans are a lovely autumnal touch too, adding crunch and nutty depth to these irresistible Apple Butter Cookies.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a mug of spiced apple cider, a creamy latte, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert. For festive gatherings, set them alongside cheese and fresh apple slices for a sweet-savory snack spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cookies in rustic baskets lined with plaid cloth for picnics or holiday gifts, or stack them inside a mason jar and tie with twine for a charming edible present. For parties, serve Apple Butter Cookies on a vintage platter amid scattered cinnamon sticks and whole apples to really drive home the fall vibes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Apple Butter Cookies stay soft for days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer parchment or wax paper between them to prevent sticking and preserve their gentle texture for up to five days—if they last that long!

Freezing

To get ahead for the holidays or prep for cravings, freeze baked cookies in zip-top bags for up to three months. Alternatively, scoop and freeze the cookie dough balls unbaked on a tray, then transfer them to a bag—just bake from frozen with an extra minute or two whenever the mood strikes.

Reheating

If you love a warm, just-baked cookie, pop a few cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or into a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes. They’ll taste irresistibly fresh, and those cozy apple-and-spice aromas will come right back to life.

FAQs

Can I use homemade apple butter in this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade apple butter can really showcase your personal touch and can even add a unique spice profile or extra tang. Just be sure your apple butter isn’t too runny—thicker is better for the right cookie texture.

Are these Apple Butter Cookies chewy or crispy?

They’re delightfully soft and chewy, thanks to the apple butter and brown sugar. The edges may get just a bit crisp, but the centers stay tender and moist for days.

Can I add nuts or mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts work beautifully, adding crunch and even more fall flavor. Dried cranberries or white chocolate chips are fun twists as well—just fold in up to 1/2 cup with the dry ingredients.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

For these Apple Butter Cookies, chilling isn’t required, but if your dough feels very sticky or you want a thicker cookie, a short chill in the fridge (about 30 minutes) can help.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Bake until the edges look set and the centers are still a tad soft—the cookies will firm up as they cool. Overbaking is the enemy of that signature chewy bite, so keep a close eye in the last minute or two!

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Apple Butter Cookies is like wrapping yourself in a warm, spiced hug—simple, satisfying, and downright joyful. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned cookie critic, these treats always deliver. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they disappear quicker than you expected!

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