Name: Apple Butter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup apple butter; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

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Imagine biting into a perfectly soft, warmly spiced treat that tastes like autumn in every bite. That’s exactly what you get with these Apple Butter Cookies—tender, fragrant, and brimming with cozy apple and cinnamon flavor! This recipe brings together pantry staples and a swirl of luscious apple butter for a cookie that’s equal parts nostalgic and irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a fall gathering or simply craving a comforting dessert, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Apple Butter Cookies lies in how each simple ingredient transforms into a chewy, flavorful masterpiece. Every component plays its crucial role, from the richness of butter to the deep, spicy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their soft, tender crumb and rich flavor—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps the cookies achieve that classic texture.
Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note for extra depth.
Apple butter (1/2 cup): The star ingredient—infuses every bite with spiced apple flavor and keeps the cookies moist.
Large egg (1): Binds the dough together and adds richness.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor and enhances the warmth of the spices.
All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The backbone of the cookies, providing structure while keeping them soft.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light texture.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Delivers that classic spiced aroma and taste.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, earthy spice to complement the apple butter.

How to Make Apple Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is key for ensuring your Apple Butter Cookies bake evenly and slide right off the tray without sticking—a little prep goes a long way!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars. Mix until the blend becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This aeration gives your cookies their signature soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Apple Butter, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the apple butter, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. You’ll notice the dough turning a lovely golden color, and the aroma at this stage is already incredible—apple butter really shines here!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step makes sure your spices are evenly distributed, so every bite of your Apple Butter Cookies is brimming with warm flavor.

Step 5: Bring Together Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until everything comes together. Don’t over-mix—this helps keep the cookies soft and tender, just the way they should be.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the pan for five minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures your Apple Butter Cookies have the perfect chewy texture and don’t fall apart.

How to Serve Apple Butter Cookies

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a delicate drizzle of maple glaze takes these cookies from delicious to downright dreamy. For an extra pop, try a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving—it’s a beautiful finishing touch that hints at the spiced sweetness inside.

Side Dishes

Pair Apple Butter Cookies with a mug of hot apple cider, chai tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Their rich, spiced flavor also makes them perfect alongside a cheese board with sharp cheddar and fresh apple slices, creating a playful sweet-and-savory combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your cookies in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin for a cozy fall picnic, or package them in clear bags tied with ribbon for heartfelt edible gifts. For parties, serve the cookies on a tiered platter with little jars of apple butter for dipping—guaranteed to wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep your Apple Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to five days, making them perfect for snacking all week long or packing into lunchboxes.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

If you love a warm cookie, pop one in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or briefly in a 300°F oven until just heated through. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven magic and makes the apple butter flavor shine.

FAQs

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Absolutely! Homemade apple butter adds a truly personal touch and can make your Apple Butter Cookies extra flavorful. Just make sure it’s thick and spreadable so the dough doesn’t get too wet.

What makes these cookies so soft?

The combination of apple butter, brown sugar, and just the right amount of fat from the butter ensures a super soft, chewy texture. Refrigerating the dough before baking also helps if you prefer an even chewier bite.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or raisins?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even raisins are delicious additions. Stir about half a cup into the dough at the end for added texture and flavor without overpowering the apple butter.

Is there a gluten-free version?

You can swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The cookies may be a bit more delicate, but you’ll still get all that spiced apple flavor in each bite.

How do I make my cookies look extra special?

Before baking, you can press the tops of each dough ball gently with a fork or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for sparkle. After baking, drizzle with a simple glaze or a little more apple butter for bakery-style flair.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cookie that captures the essence of fall and feels like a warm hug, these Apple Butter Cookies are the answer. They’re simple, versatile, and just so satisfying. Give them a try—you might find yourself making them all year long!

Apple Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these soft and spiced Apple Butter Cookies, perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy, comforting dessert. Made with creamy apple butter and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies offer a tender texture and rich flavor that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup apple butter
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for your dough.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the apple butter, egg, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugars until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the baking agent and spices.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until the dough comes together to avoid overworking and toughening the cookies.
Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers feel set but still soft.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

For chewier cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help control spread and improve texture.
These cookies pair beautifully with a drizzle of maple glaze or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness and flavor.
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American