These Apple Butter Cookies are a warm hug in a bite! Soft and chewy, they mix apple butter with cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, making each cookie a little piece of fall.
I love how the apple butter keeps them moist and yummy. Perfect with a cup of tea or just for a quick snack! Plus, you’ll likely want to share (maybe not!). 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Butter: This is the star of the cookies! It adds moisture and a lovely apple flavor. If you can’t find apple butter, you can use puréed apples or a homemade version by cooking down apples with sugar and spices until thick.
Spices: I love using cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth. If you don’t have ground nutmeg or cloves, you can simply omit them or use a ready-made apple pie spice mix for convenience!
Granulated Sugar: This cookie gets its sweetness from granulated sugar that rolls on the outside. Brown sugar can be used too for a deeper flavor. Just replace it in equal parts, and you’ll get a chewy texture!
Flour: All-purpose flour works well here, but for a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just check that it contains xanthan gum for the right texture.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
The key to soft and chewy cookies is to avoid overmixing and overbaking. Here’s how to get it just right:
- When mixing dry and wet ingredients, combine until everything is just incorporated. Lumps are okay – they’ll bake out!
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Take them out when they’re lightly cracked on top; they may seem a bit underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Always let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring them. This helps them set perfectly without falling apart!
Enjoy making these Apple Butter Cookies, and feel free to adjust spices and sweetness to fit your tastes! 🍏✨
How to Make Apple Butter Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1/2 cup (120 g) apple butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
For the Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10-12 minutes of baking time. To cool and let the drizzle set, plan for another 10-15 minutes. In total, you’ll need around 30-40 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This will keep the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use a mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, mix in the apple butter, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well blended. Make sure it looks smooth and creamy!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using). This helps to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly throughout the dough.
5. Mix It All Together:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it! A few lumps are okay. Your dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Take about 1-inch of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat it thoroughly. This gives the cookies a lovely sparkle!
7. Bake the Cookies:
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. Gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand to create a thick disc.
8. Bake:
Put the trays in the oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. They should be set and slightly cracked on top. Don’t worry if they look a little underbaked; they’ll firm up as they cool!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Make the Cinnamon Drizzle:
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the drizzle. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream, and ground cinnamon until smooth. Make sure it’s thick enough to drizzle!
11. Drizzle Over Cookies:
Once the cookies are cool, use a spoon or a piping bag to drizzle the cinnamon glaze over the top of each cookie. You can get creative with your drizzle pattern!
12. Enjoy:
Let the drizzle set for a few minutes before serving. These cookies are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy your delightful apple butter cookies!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Butter?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple butter works great in this recipe and saves you time. Just make sure to choose one without added sugars or preservatives for the best flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Substitute a Different Sweetener?
You can! If you prefer to use brown sugar or a sugar substitute, feel free to swap it in. Just remember that using brown sugar will make the cookies chewier and add a hint of caramel flavor.
How Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Use vegan butter instead of regular butter, and you’re all set!
