If you’re on the lookout for a cookie that wraps you in the cozy embrace of autumn flavors, then this Apple Butter Cookies Recipe is a must-try. These cookies boast a soft, tender crumb enriched with the deep, spiced sweetness of apple butter and a hint of apple pie spice that sneaks in just enough warmth. The gentle tang and subtle molasses notes from the apple butter create a cookie that’s far from ordinary—each bite feels like a comforting hug on a crisp day. Whether you’re baking for a sprinkle of everyday joy or for impressing guests with something unexpected, this recipe is a delicious little secret you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Apple Butter Cookies Recipe plays a special role, from creating tender texture to infusing warm spice notes and just the right amount of sweetness. The beauty lies in the simplicity—simple pantry staples come together to create something truly magical.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Room temperature butter adds richness and a tender crumb without overpowering the cookie.
- Jarred apple butter (1/4 cup): The star ingredient that brings moistness and deep apple flavor with cozy spices already blended in.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and helps create a slight crispness on the cookie edges.
- Egg yolk (1): Adds moisture and binds ingredients, contributing to the cookie’s soft, chewy texture.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The basic structure-building ingredient that supports the cookie’s shape and bite.
- Apple pie spice (3/4 teaspoon + extra for rolling): Offers warming cinnamon, nutmeg, and hints of clove—a perfect complement to apple butter.
- Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise gently without losing their tender texture.
- Additional sugar (1/4 cup): For rolling the dough balls, creating a slightly crunchy, spiced sugar coating.
How to Make Apple Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Butter, Apple Butter, and Sugar
Start by combining your room temperature unsalted butter, jarred apple butter, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat these together until the texture is smooth and fluffy—around 30 seconds. This step is crucial because it aerates the butter, ensuring your cookies have that perfect lightness when baked.
Step 2: Add the Egg Yolk
Next, drop in your egg yolk and mix again. The egg yolk not only enriches the dough with fat for tenderness but also brings the mixture together for easy handling. You want this fully blended so your cookie dough feels cohesive and smooth.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, apple pie spice, and baking soda evenly over the wet mixture. Using your mixer on a low setting, blend just until the dough starts to come together. The spices will give your cookies that signature warm, spiced aroma, while the baking soda lightly lifts the texture.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Pop your dough into the fridge for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the ingredients meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, which means they come out perfectly shaped and soft on the inside.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dough Balls
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Once chilled, divide the dough into 12 evenly sized tablespoon portions. Roll each ball generously in the mixture of apple pie spice and sugar. This coating forms a slightly crisp, beautifully spiced crust once baked.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Place your dough balls evenly spaced on an ungreased baking sheet—no parchment paper needed, which makes cleanup a breeze. Bake for 13 minutes, then let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set their shape before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling completely here allows the exterior to firm just enough while the inside stays soft and chewy.
How to Serve Apple Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar or a dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies. If you want to amp up the apple theme, serve with a tiny dab of apple butter on top or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a luscious finish.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai tea, apple cider, or even a creamy latte. For a festive touch, serve on a platter alongside sharp cheddar cheese slices—the sweet-spicy cookie and the salty cheese create a delightful balance that’s surprisingly addictive.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Apple Butter Cookies Recipe into a simple dessert platter by arranging them with sliced fresh apples, small bowls of apple butter, and a sprinkle of toasted nuts. For parties, stack them into little towers or sandwich a thin layer of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an elevated treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Apple Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them from getting too soft or stale, separate layers with parchment paper. They hold their tender texture beautifully without losing that signature flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delights for longer, freeze the baked cookies in a tightly sealed container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw at room temperature before serving to revive their soft, melt-in-your-mouth magic.
Reheating
To warm them up, pop the cookies in a preheated 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back their delightful softness and gently awakens their aromatic apple butter essence.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple butter instead of jarred?
Absolutely! Homemade apple butter will work beautifully and may even add a fresher, more vibrant flavor to your cookies. Just ensure it’s thick and well-reduced to avoid excess moisture in your dough.
What if I don’t have apple pie spice?
No worries! You can easily substitute by mixing equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves or allspice. This blend mimics the warm, cozy flavor that apple pie spice brings.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or add a little to help keep the cookies tender and intact.
How soft should the dough be before chilling?
The dough should come together into a soft, slightly sticky ball. If it seems too dry, keep mixing gently until the flour is fully incorporated and the dough holds firm without crumbling apart.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just double all ingredients and be sure to space cookies well on the baking sheets, or bake in batches to keep the perfect texture and shape.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably comforting about these Apple Butter Cookies Recipe that turns any day into a cozy celebration. They’re simple to make, full of warm flavors, and perfect for sharing with friends, family, or even just enjoying yourself with a cup of your favorite tea. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s the kind of treat that quickly becomes a beloved classic in your baking repertoire.
Print
Apple Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Butter Cookies offer a tender, flavorful bite with the warm spices of apple pie spice and the sweet richness of apple butter. Perfectly soft and lightly spiced, these cookies are easy to make and ideal for fall baking or any time you want a cozy, comforting treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60 grams) jarred apple butter
- 1 egg yolk
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice (for rolling)
- 1/4 cup (60 grams) granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients needed for the recipe and prepare your workspace.
- Cream Butter, Apple Butter, and Sugar: In a medium bowl, combine the room temperature unsalted butter, jarred apple butter, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on high speed for about 30 seconds until well combined and creamy.
- Add Egg Yolk: Add the egg yolk to the mixture and beat again until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, apple pie spice, and baking soda evenly over the wet mixture. Use the electric mixer on low speed just until the dough comes together. If the dough appears dry at first, continue mixing until it holds together well.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm up, which makes it easier to handle and helps the flavors blend.
- Preheat Oven: About 5 minutes before the dough is ready, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape and Roll: Divide the chilled dough into 12 equal tablespoon-sized balls. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice with 1/4 cup sugar. Roll each dough ball in the spiced sugar mixture to coat completely. Place the coated balls evenly spaced on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 13 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking, then transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and enhances texture.
Notes
- Room temperature butter ensures easier mixing and better texture.
- Apple pie spice can be replaced with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice if unavailable.
- Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Rolling in spiced sugar adds extra flavor and a subtle crunch.
