Apple Butter Cookies are soft, chewy treats packed with warm spices and apple goodness. They smell amazing while baking and are perfect for fall or any cozy day!
Honestly, these cookies are a hug in dessert form! I love enjoying them with a cup of tea and a good book. They’re super easy to whip up too, making happy moments even sweeter!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the salt content. If you prefer dairy-free cookies, try using coconut or vegan butter in a 1:1 ratio. Personally, I love the flavor of grass-fed butter for an extra richness!
Apple Butter: Apple butter is the star of this recipe, adding sweetness and flavor. If you don’t have any, try using unsweetened applesauce mixed with a bit of cinnamon for a similar taste, but be sure to adjust the sugar in the recipe!
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here, but for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has xanthan gum, as it helps with texture. I’ve found that blends work well in cookie recipes!
Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives a warm, cozy flavor. Feel free to adjust or add spices like ginger for a little zing! I often throw in a pinch of cardamom too for something different.
How Do I Make the Perfect Dough Texture?
Getting the right dough texture is key for soft cookies. Here’s how:
- Start by creaming the butter and sugars until fluffy. This step adds air, making your cookies lighter.
- Don’t overmix your dough once you add the flour. Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking. This way, you get beautifully shaped cookies!
Keeping these tips in mind will help you create cookies that are soft, flavorful, and a delight to eat! Enjoy your baking!
Delicious Apple Butter Cookies Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 10-12 minutes for baking, plus a little cooling time. Overall, you can have warm, delicious cookies ready in about 30-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to cream these together until the mixture is light and fluffy. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step adds air to your batter, making your cookies soft!
3. Mix in Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the apple butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. Yum, it’s already smelling good!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
5. Mix Dry into Wet:
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Remember, don’t overmix! The dough should be soft but not sticky.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat. This adds a lovely sweetness to the outside of the cookies.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your fingers, forming a slight crisscross pattern if you like. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
8. Cooling Time:
Once baked, take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now, enjoy your soft and chewy Apple Butter Cookies with a cup of tea or cider! They’re sure to become a favorite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Butter?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple butter works perfectly in this recipe and saves time. Just make sure to choose a variety without added sugars if you prefer a less sweet cookie.
What Should I Do if My Dough Seems Too Sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle when rolling into balls. If it’s still too sticky, you can add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them or freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
