These Apple Butter Cookies are warm, soft, and packed with yummy flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg. They are perfect for a cozy afternoon treat!
Whenever I bake these, my kitchen smells just like fall! They are so easy to make, you’ll want to whip up a batch whenever you need a sweet snack. 🍏🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Butter: This is the star of the cookies! If you can’t find apple butter, you can make your own by cooking down apples with sugar, or you could substitute it with applesauce mixed with a bit of brown sugar and spices for similar flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt in the recipe. If you’re out of butter, coconut oil can work well too, giving a slightly different taste but still a nice texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour is used here for structure, but you can try a gluten-free blend if needed. Just ensure it’s a 1-to-1 substitute to maintain cookie texture.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth to the cookies. Feel free to add a pinch of allspice or ginger for an extra flavor kick, if you like!
How Do I Get the Best Texture for My Cookies?
The texture of the cookies comes from creaming the butter and sugars well. This step adds air, making your cookies light and fluffy. Here are some tips:
- Ensure your butter is softened. It shouldn’t be melting but easily spreadable. Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before baking.
- When mixing, aim for a light, fluffy mixture. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with a hand mixer.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour. Mix just until there are no dry flour spots. This keeps your cookies tender.
Delicious Apple Butter Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 10 to 12 minutes for baking. Allow some extra time for cooling, and you’re looking at about 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish to enjoy these delightful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to make clean-up a breeze later on.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Add the apple butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat everything together until well combined and smooth.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients well so everything is evenly distributed.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon, scoop rounded portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. If you want, roll each ball in granulated sugar for a nice finish! Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets in the oven and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges to be set while the centers remain slightly soft.
8. Cool the Cookies:
Once done, take the cookies out and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Glaze (Optional):
While the cookies are cooling, make your glaze! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired drizzle consistency.
10. Glaze the Cookies:
Once the cookies are cool, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or a piping bag for fun designs. Let the glaze set for a bit before serving.
And there you have it—enjoy your soft and flavorful apple butter cookies with a cup of tea or coffee! They’re perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself. Happy baking!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider Instead of Apple Butter?
While you can use apple cider, it won’t provide the same thickness and sweetness as apple butter. If you opt for cider, consider adding more sugar and a dash of cinnamon to mimic the flavor profile.
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked dough by scooping the balls onto a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
What Should I Do If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels overly sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help firm it up and make it easier to handle.
How Long Do These Cookies Last?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months.
