Apple Butter Cookies Recipe
If you’re craving a treat that captures cozy autumn flavors all year long, these Apple Butter Cookies are a must-bake gem. Imagine soft, pillowy cookies bursting with apple spice and a touch of sweetness—they practically melt in your mouth! Each bite is a celebration of comforting cinnamon, rich brown sugar, and silky apple butter, dancing together in a cookie that’s perfect for gatherings or sneaking as an afternoon snack. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe promises not only warmth and nostalgia, but also a batch of cookies you’ll be proud to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to truly magical cookies. The beauty of these classic Apple Butter Cookies is how each component not only builds flavor but also delivers on that delectable, tender texture and homestyle appeal.
- Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): The foundation for richness and tenderness, bringing that melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- Packed brown sugar (½ cup): Adds a caramel-like depth and chewy texture that’s pure comfort.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Balances sweetness and helps the cookies spread just so.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and gives the cookies structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash that enhances every other flavor and rounds out the spices.
- Apple butter (½ cup): The star of the show—infuses each bite with sweet-tart apple flavor and keeps the cookies irresistibly soft.
- All-purpose flour (1¾ cups): The backbone that holds everything together, allowing for that perfect cookie chew.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Lends gentle lift for a light, cakey texture.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Partners with baking soda for the ideal rise.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Brings out the sweetness and spice—never skip it!
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Delivers that unmistakable taste of fall in every bite.
- Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Just a hint that makes the spice blend truly memorable.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, ¼ cup): For a touch of crunch and nutty depth—stir in if you like a little extra texture.
How to Make Apple Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this little step ensures your Apple Butter Cookies come off without any sticking, and makes for super easy clean-up later. Trust me, once you smell the cookies baking, you’ll want them on your plate ASAP!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and paler in color. This process takes about 2-3 minutes and creates that melt-away texture you’ll love in every cookie.
Step 3: Mix in Egg, Vanilla, and Apple Butter
Beat in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Now add that beautiful apple butter—a good measure of autumn in a jar! Blend until everything is evenly combined and the dough is luscious and fragrant.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a separate bowl. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed, so every Apple Butter Cookie gets its fair share of warm flavor.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If you’re nuts about nuts, now’s the time to fold in the walnuts or pecans.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to drop even portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft—overbaking can dry them out. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your Apple Butter Cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. The wait is truly the hardest part, as the aroma in your kitchen will be irresistible! Once cool, they’re ready for snacking, gifting, or simply savoring with a cup of tea.
How to Serve Apple Butter Cookies
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, try dusting your Apple Butter Cookies with powdered sugar or a light drizzle of glaze (mix a bit of powdered sugar and apple cider until smooth). A sprinkle of finely chopped nuts or cinnamon sugar on top before baking can also add visual and flavor appeal.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a steaming mug of apple cider, a cozy latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a dessert platter, pair them with slices of sharp cheddar cheese or fresh apple slices to echo their warm, autumnal notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Lay out your Apple Butter Cookies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of caramel sauce, spiced whipped cream, or even more apple butter for dipping. For gifts, stack them in a mason jar tied with a ribbon, or pack them in a cute bakery box lined with parchment for the perfect homemade touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying a few (or many!), keep your Apple Butter Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to 4 days—though they’re so tempting, you might find they disappear much sooner!
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Freeze fully cooled cookies in a zip-top bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, making it easy to have a homemade treat whenever your cravings hit.
Reheating
To enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven taste, warm a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a couple of minutes. The apple butter ensures they stay soft, even after reheating!
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple butter instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade apple butter brings even more personality and depth of flavor to your cookies. Just make sure it’s thick and not too runny, so your dough holds together nicely.
How can I make Apple Butter Cookies gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The cookies will still be soft and delicious—just be sure your blend includes xanthan gum for a chewy texture.
What if I don’t have nutmeg?
No worries! You can simply use a touch more cinnamon or try a pinch of allspice or cloves for a slightly different—but equally delightful—spice profile.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and chill it in the refrigerator, covered. This also helps the flavors develop even more! Just let the dough soften slightly before scooping and baking.
Are Apple Butter Cookies suitable for gifting?
Definitely! With their inviting aroma and soft texture, these cookies make a thoughtful, homemade gift for the holidays, housewarmings, or a sweet surprise for someone you love. Just be sure to pack them gently to keep them perfectly pillowy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Apple Butter Cookies enough—they’re a true comfort bake, filling your kitchen with incredible aromas and your heart with warmth. Whether you’re sharing a batch or savoring one with your morning coffee, don’t be surprised if they quickly become a family tradition. It’s time to preheat that oven and let a little magic happen!
Print
Apple Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. Soft, spiced, and full of apple goodness, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup apple butter
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Optional:
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then mix in the apple butter until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. Fold in nuts if using.
- Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are soft.
- Cool and serve: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies stay soft thanks to the apple butter.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- You can also drizzle them with a glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
