There’s something magical about the warm, spiced flavors of Apple Butter Cookies—they taste like a cozy autumn afternoon in every bite! These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with the rich, caramelized sweetness of apple butter. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, they make the ultimate treat for fall (or any time you’re craving something comforting and delicious).
Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a regular in your baking lineup. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee, pack them for a road trip, or serve them at a holiday gathering, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love Apple Butter Cookies
Soft and Chewy: These cookies have a perfectly tender texture, thanks to the apple butter.
Packed with Fall Flavors: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar bring all the cozy vibes.
Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just mix, scoop, and bake!
Great for Gifting: Their homemade charm makes them a thoughtful gift for family and friends.
Perfect with Coffee or Tea: These cookies are a dream with a warm drink on a chilly day.
Ingredients in Apple Butter Cookies
Here’s what makes these cookies irresistible:
Flour: Provides structure and the perfect chewiness.
Apple Butter: The star ingredient! Adds moisture, sweetness, and deep apple flavor.
Brown Sugar: Brings a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: Adds a little crispness to the edges.
Butter: Gives the cookies a rich, buttery taste.
Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the warm, comforting flavors.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic spices that complement the apple butter beautifully.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Ensure the perfect rise and soft texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these warm, spiced cookies:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to [temperature] and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, apple butter, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Mix the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Scoop and Shape: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for [time] until the edges are set and slightly golden.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve Apple Butter Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to make them even better:
With a Hot Drink: Pair them with coffee, tea, or a spiced chai latte.
As an Ice Cream Sandwich: Scoop vanilla or caramel ice cream between two cookies.
Drizzled with Caramel: A light caramel drizzle adds extra indulgence.
With a Sprinkle of Powdered Sugar: For a bakery-style finish.
Additional Tips
Use Homemade Apple Butter: If you have homemade apple butter, it will make these even more flavorful.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cookies soft.
Store Properly: Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their chewiness.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought apple butter?
A1: Yes! Both store-bought and homemade apple butter work great.
Q2: How do I keep the cookies soft?
A2: Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread—the moisture from the bread keeps them soft.
Q3: Can I freeze the dough?
A3: Absolutely! Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a bag and bake as needed.
Q4: Can I add nuts?
A4: Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch.
Q5: Do I have to use nutmeg?
A5: No, but it adds warmth. You can skip it or substitute with allspice.
Q6: What if I don’t have apple butter?
A6: You can use applesauce, but the flavor won’t be as intense.
Q7: How long do these cookies last?
A7: They stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container.
Q8: Can I make these gluten-free?
A8: Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Q9: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A9: The edges should be set, but the centers will look slightly soft.
Q10: Can I add white chocolate chips?
A10: Absolutely! They add a sweet, creamy contrast.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s cozy, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious, Apple Butter Cookies are the way to go! With their soft, spiced goodness, they’re perfect for fall—or any time you need a little comfort in cookie form.
Print
Apple Butter Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of warm fall flavors! Made with rich apple butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg, they have a cozy spice blend perfect for autumn. Enjoy them plain or drizzle with a cinnamon glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. These cookies are easy to make and great for holiday baking or a comforting treat!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, beat together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in the apple butter until fully incorporated.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Shape & Bake the Cookies:
- Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
Cool & Serve:
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Glaze:
- For a sweet finishing touch, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of cinnamon, then drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
- Add Nuts: Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Make it Spicier: Increase cinnamon and nutmeg or add a pinch of ground cloves.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute vegan butter and plant-based milk for the glaze.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg