Apple Butter Cookies

Soft, chewy, and bursting with the warm flavors of apple butter and spices, these Apple Butter Cookies are a delightful treat for any season. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, these cookies bring cozy vibes to your kitchen in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Infused with apple butter, creating a unique and delicious flavor.
• Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add a cozy touch.
• Soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have.
• Perfect for fall baking or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup apple butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• Extra granulated sugar for rolling

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the apple butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Shape the dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll each ball in granulated sugar, ensuring an even coating.
7. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them. Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork.
8. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and enjoy these flavorful cookies with your favorite warm beverage!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30-32 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories: 120 kcal per cookie

Variations

• Glazed Cookies: Drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider for added sweetness.
• Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a crunchy texture.
• Spiced Up: Increase the amount of cinnamon or add cardamom for a stronger spice flavor.
• Whole Wheat: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and denser texture.
• Dried Fruit: Mix in raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity burst of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Place the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: If desired, warm the cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore their soft texture.

FAQs

1. What is apple butter, and can I substitute it?

Apple butter is a concentrated apple spread with spices. If you don’t have apple butter, you can use unsweetened applesauce, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling and baking.

3. Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon to balance the flavor.

4. Are these cookies chewy or crispy?

These cookies are soft and chewy. For a slightly crispier texture, bake them for an extra 1-2 minutes.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and bake in batches as needed.

6. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to help the cookies retain their shape.

7. Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make these cookies gluten-free.

8. What’s the best way to measure flour?

Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid using too much, which can make the cookies dense.

9. Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes! Semi-sweet or white chocolate chips pair beautifully with the apple butter and spices.

10. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers will still look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

Apple Butter Cookies are the ultimate comfort treat, combining the warm flavors of fall with a soft, chewy texture that’s hard to resist. Whether for a holiday dessert table or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress. Try them today and bring a touch of homemade warmth to your kitchen!

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