These Apple Butter Cookies are soft, spiced treats that smell just like fall! Made with rich apple butter, they offer a lovely sweetness and cinnamon flavor in every bite.
Baking these cookies is a breeze—just mix, scoop, and enjoy. Perfect for a cozy day at home or sharing with friends. Who wouldn’t love a cookie that tastes like a hug? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Butter: This is the star of the cookies! It adds moisture and flavor. If you don’t have apple butter, you can substitute it with unsweetened applesauce, but the spice mix should be increased for flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter helps create a tender cookie. If you want a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or plant-based butter, which works just as well in the mixing process.
Granulated Sugar: This is for sweetness and to help the cookies crisp up slightly. For a more natural sweetener, consider using coconut sugar or brown sugar, but remember that brown sugar will add more moisture.
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves): These warm spices make the cookie taste festive. You can adjust the amounts to your liking. If you don’t have cloves, just leave them out or replace them with allspice, which gives a similar flavor.
What’s the Key to Making Soft and Chewy Cookies?
Achieving that perfect soft and chewy texture in your cookies is all about the following techniques:
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: Make sure to cream the softened butter with sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This incorporates air, helping cookies rise.
- Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Cooling Time: After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet. This allows them to set and become chewy before transferring them to a wire rack.
Apple Butter Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup apple butter (smooth, unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
For the Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 10-12 minutes for baking. You’ll want to let the cookies cool for a bit too, so plan for about 30-40 minutes total time, including cooling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, apple butter, and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. Use a mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for fluffy cookies, so take your time!
3. Mix in the Egg and Vanilla:
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat them together until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This helps evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a nice, soft dough!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop the dough into rounded tablespoons and roll each ball in the additional granulated sugar to coat. This gives the cookies a lovely sugary crunch!
7. Bake the Cookies:
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and have crackled tops but still look soft.
8. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them finish setting up and keeps them soft!
9. (Optional) Glaze the Cookies:
If you’d like a sweet finishing touch, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle it over your cooled cookies and let it set before enjoying.
These soft, warmly spiced Apple Butter Cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea. Happy baking!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Butter Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple butter is a convenient option and will work perfectly in this recipe. Just choose one that’s smooth and suited to your taste preference, whether sweetened or unsweetened.
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices on Hand?
No problem! If you’re missing some spices like nutmeg or cloves, you can just use cinnamon or even a pumpkin pie spice blend as a substitute. Adjust according to your flavor preferences!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping and baking.