These soft and chewy apple butter cookies are like a warm hug in cookie form! Made with sweet apple butter and a hint of spices, they taste just like fall.
Seriously, who wouldn’t want to snack on a cookie that smells this good? I love baking these simple treats when I want my home to feel cozy. 🍏🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Butter: This is the star of the cookie! It brings sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have apple butter, you can puree cooked apples with a little sugar and cinnamon to make a quick substitute.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar not only sweetens but also adds to the cookie’s texture. You could use brown sugar for a richer flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter makes the cookies tender. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just make sure it’s softened, too!
Flour: All-purpose flour is a must, but you can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. Just keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly. Gluten-free flour blends could also work!
How Do I Get My Cookies Soft and Chewy?
To achieve that perfect soft and chewy texture, follow these simple tips:
- Don’t overmix the dough. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep the cookies tender.
- Leave the cookies slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to bake as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Make sure to let them cool entirely on a wire rack. This helps maintain the right texture!
By keeping these points in mind, your apple butter cookies will turn out wonderfully every time! Enjoy baking!
How to Make Delicious Apple Butter Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup apple butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to bake, plus a little time for cooling. We’re looking at about 30-40 minutes total before you can enjoy these scrumptious cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Mixture:
In a large bowl, add the softened butter, apple butter, and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or a wooden spoon, cream these together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Egg:
Crack the large egg into the bowl and beat it into the mixture until it’s fully combined. It should look smooth and well mixed!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This helps distribute the baking soda evenly.
5. Mix It All Together:
Gently add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined—don’t overdo it! If there are a few floury bits, that’s okay.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to give them a nice sweet coating.
7. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand to form a cookie shape.
8. Bake Away:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies should look set around the edges and slightly golden on the bottom while remaining soft in the center.
9. Cool and Transfer:
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them maintain their soft texture.
10. Make the Optional Glaze:
If you want to add a glaze, in a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this over your cooled cookies for a sweet finishing touch!
11. Enjoy!
Now, take a moment to appreciate the lovely aroma, and dig into your delicious, warm, and cozy apple butter cookies. Perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself!
These cookies are soft and chewy, filled with the delightful flavors of apple and spices. Enjoy them during the fall or anytime you crave a comforting treat!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Butter for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple butter is a great time saver and will work perfectly in these cookies. Just ensure it’s a quality brand to get the best flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Substitute the Egg for a Vegan Option?
Yes, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup). Both options will help bind the ingredients!
What Can I Serve with These Cookies?
These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a warm cup of cider or tea. They also pair well with vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert!
