If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that captures all the cozy flavors of autumn, look no further than these Apple Butter Cookies. Each bite is soft, warmly spiced, and brimming with rich apple goodness, making them perfect for snacking, gifting, or serving at your next gathering. The apple butter infuses the cookies with a deep sweetness and moist texture, while hints of cinnamon and nutmeg evoke the nostalgic comfort of a homemade apple pie. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, you’ll find these cookies both simple to make and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are pantry-friendly yet work together to create something magical. Each one brings a unique element to the Apple Butter Cookies, from rich flavor to perfect tenderness and that signature spiced aroma.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the cookies a tender crumb and a buttery base that lets all the other flavors shine.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a subtle molasses depth, making the cookies extra chewy.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Contributes a balanced sweetness and helps with that soft, cakelike texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough together and ensures each cookie bakes up fluffy and light.
- Apple butter (1/2 cup): The star of the show, bringing rich apple flavor and natural sweetness that sets these cookies apart.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and enhances the overall aroma of the cookies.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Provides the structure needed for cookies that are soft yet sturdy.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the baking powder to help the cookies rise and stay pillowy.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a gentle lift and helps achieve that cake-like bite.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers warm spice that pairs beautifully with apple butter.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, cozy undertone that makes these cookies feel like a hug.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and amplifies all the fall flavors.
How to Make Apple Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your Apple Butter Cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, parchment helps the cookies bake evenly, so you get that perfectly soft texture every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps the cookies rise and gives them their irresistible soft, tender bite.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, apple butter, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The apple butter adds not just flavor, but also incredible moisture, making these cookies uniquely soft and flavorful. The vanilla ties it all together with a lovely aroma.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures the leaveners and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Take care not to overmix; stopping as soon as the flour disappears helps keep the Apple Butter Cookies soft and tender.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. This ensures the cookies stay moist and cake-like, just the way they should be!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This rest time helps them firm up just enough to hold their shape, so you can enjoy them at their very best.
How to Serve Apple Butter Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, try drizzling your Apple Butter Cookies with a simple maple glaze or dusting them with a little powdered sugar. Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the spiced cookie base.
Side Dishes
These cookies are wonderful alongside a mug of spiced chai, hot apple cider, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re serving them for a gathering, a platter of seasonal fruit or a selection of cheeses can complement their sweet, spiced notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Apple Butter Cookies stacked high on a rustic wooden tray, nestled in a basket lined with a gingham napkin, or packaged in cellophane bags for charming homemade gifts. For a festive twist, sandwich two cookies with a thin layer of apple butter or cream cheese frosting in the middle!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Apple Butter Cookies soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to four days, making them perfect for snacking or sharing over several days without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the completely cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to three months, so you can always have a sweet treat on hand.
Reheating
If you prefer your Apple Butter Cookies warm, just pop them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This quick burst of heat revives their soft, cake-like texture and releases all those wonderful fall aromas.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple butter for these cookies?
Absolutely! Homemade apple butter brings even deeper flavor and a personal touch to your Apple Butter Cookies. Just make sure it’s thick and not too runny, so your dough doesn’t become too wet.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the dough?
Yes, feel free to stir in a half cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even raisins for added texture and flavor. They blend beautifully with the spiced apple profile of these cookies.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No chilling is required for this recipe! The dough is ready to bake right away, so you can satisfy your Apple Butter Cookies craving in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be set while the centers remain a bit soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake if you want them to stay tender and moist.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just be sure to check that your apple butter and other ingredients are also gluten-free if you’re baking for someone with allergies.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new fall favorite or simply want to impress your friends with a batch of something special, give these Apple Butter Cookies a try. They’re easy, comforting, and perfectly capture the flavors of the season—what’s not to love?
Print
Apple Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Butter Cookies are soft, spiced treats perfect for fall or any time you crave a flavorful, moist cookie. Made with smooth apple butter and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies offer a delightful balance of sweetness and depth, perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture, which will help give the cookies a tender crumb.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, apple butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, adding moisture and rich apple flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dry Into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough.
- Shape Cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers remain slightly soft, ensuring a moist and tender cookie.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.
Notes
- These cookies stay soft and cake-like thanks to the apple butter.
- Add chopped pecans or a drizzle of maple glaze for extra flair and texture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
