Apple Butter Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Apple Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of apple butter and spices in a soft, tender cookie. Perfect for cozy afternoons or sharing with friends, these cookies bring a comforting twist to your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup apple butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add the apple butter to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form the dough.
- Step 6: Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For a deeper spice flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the dry ingredients.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
- Substitute apple butter with pumpkin butter for a seasonal twist.
- If you prefer a crispier cookie, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid overbaking.
Storage
Store your Apple Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them soft, place a slice of apple or a piece of bread in the container. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.
Does apple butter affect the cookie’s sweetness?
Apple butter adds natural sweetness and moisture, so you can slightly reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet cookie.
PrintApple Butter Cookies Recipe
These Apple Butter Cookies combine tender, buttery dough with the warm, spiced flavor of apple butter for a soft and comforting treat that’s perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy cookie.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup apple butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, apple butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Do not overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Scoop the dough: Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps preserve their soft texture.
Notes
- Use a good quality apple butter for the best flavor.
- Do not overbake; the cookies should be soft and slightly underdone in the center when you take them out.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Keywords: apple butter cookies, soft cookies, fall cookies, spiced cookies, easy cookie recipe
