These Apple Butter Cookies are soft and full of warm spices, making them perfect for any cozy day. They have a delightful apple flavor that sets them apart!
You can’t help but enjoy the smell filling your kitchen while baking these cookies. I love to pair them with a cup of tea—pure bliss! 🍏☕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Butter: This is the star ingredient! It adds rich flavor and moisture. If you don’t have any, you can use homemade applesauce, but you’ll lose some of that spiced richness. You can even make homemade apple butter if you are up for a fun kitchen project!
Butter: Unsalted butter works best since it balances sweetness. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Just remember it may slightly change the cookie’s texture.
Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg): These spices create a warm flavor profile. Feel free to adjust to your taste or use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute. It gives a great flavor twist!
Egg: If you need an egg substitute, consider using a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). It works really well in cookie recipes.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
To achieve that soft and chewy texture, careful attention to mixing and baking time is key! Here’s what to do:
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour. Just mix until combined so the cookies don’t become tough.
- Make sure not to overbake. You want them to look set but still soft in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Use room temperature butter and egg for better incorporation and a smoother dough.
Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake, and remember, they will firm up once cooled! Enjoy your baking!
Apple Butter Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons milk or apple cider
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-12 minutes to bake. After that, allow your cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, and then for an additional 15-20 minutes on a wire rack. So, in total, you can have your delicious apple butter cookies ready in about 40-50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep your cookies from sticking and make clean-up a breeze!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. It’s essential to incorporate air here to achieve that soft texture.
3. Add the Egg and Flavors:
Beat in the egg into the butter mixture. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and apple butter until everything is well combined. Your dough should smell amazing already!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. This helps to ensure that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to form a soft dough that still feels a little sticky.
6. Form the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands, then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat. This adds a nice sparkle and sweetness to the outside of the cookies.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.
8. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain their soft texture.
9. Prepare the Optional Glaze:
If you’d like to glaze your cookies, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or apple cider, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this over the cooled cookies using a spoon or a piping bag for a pretty effect.
Enjoy your deliciously soft and aromatic Apple Butter Cookies! They are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Happy baking! 🍏🍪
Can I Substitute Apple Butter with Applesauce?
Yes, you can use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for apple butter in this recipe. Keep in mind that apple butter has a richer flavor and thicker consistency, so using applesauce may result in slightly different cookies.
What Should I Do If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, try refrigerating it for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to roll into balls. You can also sprinkle a little flour on your hands when rolling to prevent sticking.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately, as it helps to bind the ingredients and maintain the cookie texture.
