Soft Apple Butter Cookies Recipe: A Fall-Time Treat!

Craft a delightful batch of apple butter cookies that whisper autumn’s warmth into every tender bite.

Sweet memories dance through kitchens when these treats emerge from the oven.

Cinnamon and nutmeg weave magic into each soft, pillowy morsel.

Home bakers will adore how simple ingredients create something extraordinary.

Crisp edges give way to chewy centers packed with rich, spiced flavor.

Southern grandmothers might have shared similar recipes passed down through generations.

The smell alone will draw everyone into the kitchen, eager to sample these irresistible morsels.

Grab a plate and satisfy your seasonal sweet tooth with these comforting delights.

What to Enjoy with Apple Butter Cookies

• Pair these apple butter cookies with a steaming mug of chai latte, letting the spicy notes complement the cookie's cinnamon and nutmeg undertones.
• Serve alongside a cold glass of vanilla bean milk, creating a smooth and comforting dessert experience that enhances the cookie's rich apple butter flavor.
• Drizzle the cookies with salted caramel sauce and enjoy with a small scoop of cinnamon ice cream, transforming the simple cookie into an elegant sweet treat.
• Steep a mug of apple-spice herbal tea that echoes the warm fall flavors in the cookies, making each bite and sip a delightful harmony of taste.

Apple Butter Cookies That Taste Like Fall

• Effortless Autumn Baking
• These cookies whip up in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy home bakers who want delicious treats without complicated steps.
• Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg create a cozy flavor profile that captures the essence of fall, making these cookies ideal for family gatherings or afternoon snacking.
• Suitable for all skill levels, from novice to experienced bakers, with an optional cinnamon-sugar coating that transforms basic cookies into something special.
• Dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing for stress-free entertaining and spontaneous baking moments.

What Goes Into Apple Butter Cookies

Main Ingredients:

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base with smooth texture for cookies.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens and helps create golden brown cookie color.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture to cookie dough.
• Apple Butter: Adds deep apple flavor and extra moisture to cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: Structural foundation for cookie texture and shape.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread during baking.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement apple butter flavor.

• Sugar, Cinnamon: Adds extra sweetness and spice coating to cookie exterior.

Bake Apple Butter Cookies with Ease

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2: Whip Butter And Sugars

• Butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Whip these ingredients until they transform into a fluffy cloud, continuing for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce Moisture

• Egg
• Apple butter
• Vanilla extract

Mix until everything blends smoothly and looks perfectly combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Components

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Slowly incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just united.

Step 5: Create Cookie Rounds

Scoop approximately one tablespoon of dough and roll into delightful balls. Optional: Create a cinnamon-sugar coating by mixing sugar and cinnamon, then roll each dough ball for extra sparkle. Space these rounds about two inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for golden edges and centers that look slightly soft. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 7: Indulge And Enjoy

Savor these cookies as they are, or drizzle caramel for an extra decadent experience. Grab a glass of milk and enjoy!

Tips That Make Apple Butter Cookies Stand Out

• Prevent Spreading Cookies: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
• Store Smart: Keep apple butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Use freshly ground spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a more intense and aromatic cookie experience.
• Customize Texture: For softer cookies, reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes; for crispier edges, extend baking time by 1-2 minutes.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

Store Apple Butter Cookies to Keep Them Soft

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness. Alternatively, revive in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes until slightly warm.
• Discard cookies if they develop an off smell, appear moldy, or taste stale. Always inspect before consuming stored baked goods.

Apple Butter Cookie Variations You’ll Love

• Gluten-Free Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or oat flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking powder to ensure no wheat contamination.
• Vegan Apple Butter Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Replace egg with mashed banana or flax egg substitute. Choose plant-based apple butter for complete vegan compatibility.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce granulated sugar by half and use stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Select a low-sugar apple butter or make homemade version with minimal added sugars. Consider using sugar-free caramel drizzle for topping.
• Spiced Autumn Variation: Enhance cookie flavor by adding ground cardamom and ginger alongside existing spices. Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into dough for extra crunch and nutty depth.

Apple Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Warm spices and sweet apple butter meld perfectly in these irresistible cookies, creating a comforting autumn treat. Crisp edges, tender centers, and a sprinkle of cinnamon invite you to savor each delightful bite of pure seasonal bliss.

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Ingredients

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Primary Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (120 g) apple butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sugars:

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Optional Topping:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and arranging parchment-lined baking sheets to ensure optimal cookie baking conditions.
2. Utilize an electric mixer to whip butter and sugars into a creamy, airy texture, creating a smooth foundation for the cookie dough.
3. Introduce moisture and flavor by incorporating egg, apple butter, and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
4. Separately combine dry ingredients, whisking flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to distribute spices and leavening agents evenly.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
6. Craft uniform dough balls, optionally rolling them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra layer of sweet, spiced coating.
7. Carefully position dough balls on prepared baking sheets, maintaining sufficient spacing to allow for spreading during baking.
8. Slide sheets into the preheated oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until edges firm up and centers remain slightly soft and yielding.
9. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for initial cooling, then transfer to a wire rack to complete the cooling process.
10. Serve as a delightful standalone treat or elevate with a luxurious caramel drizzle for an indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create a more compact, chewy cookie texture.
• Swap out wheat flour for gluten-free alternatives like almond or oat flour to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Use unsweetened apple butter to control sugar content and create a more nuanced, less sweet cookie profile.
• Experiment with spice variations by adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger to enhance the warm, autumnal flavor of the cookies.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 135
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg