These apple butter cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with autumn flavor! Made with warm spices and a hint of apple, they are a cozy treat that everyone loves.
I can’t help but smile when baking these cookies; the smell fills my kitchen like a warm hug! Enjoy them warm with a cup of tea or coffee—perfect for sharing or savoring alone!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Butter: This is the star ingredient! It adds moisture, sweetness, and a hint of apple flavor. If you can’t find apple butter, you can substitute it with applesauce, although your cookies may be a bit less sweet and may need less sugar.
Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted butter to control the salt level. You can also use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free version. Just make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Spices: The mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves makes these cookies taste like fall! If you’re missing one, you can double the cinnamon or leave it out altogether—just adjust to your taste.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar coating gives a nice crunch. You could use brown sugar if you prefer a deeper flavor, but keep in mind the cookies might be chewier.
How Do I Get Soft and Chewy Cookies?
To achieve those soft and chewy cookies, follow these tips carefully:
- Make sure to cream your butter and sugar well—this incorporates air and creates a fluffy texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Mixing just until combined keeps your cookies tender.
- Using the right baking time is key. Take them out when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.
- If you want extra softness, consider underbaking them by a minute or so.
Apple Butter Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (220g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240g) apple butter
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
- Optional: Apple butter for drizzling on top after baking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake, making for a quick and easy baking experience. You’ll want to let them cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack, so the total time from start to finish is around 30 minutes. Perfect for last-minute treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly. While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential to create a nice texture for your cookies!
3. Mix in the Other Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the apple butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat the mixture together until it’s well combined and smooth. This will give your cookies their delicious flavor!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and spices throughout the flour.
5. Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—this means you don’t want to overmix. It’s okay if a few flour streaks remain!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls. Roll each ball in additional granulated sugar for a sweet crunch on the outside. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one to allow for spreading.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be set and lightly browned while keeping the center soft. Don’t worry if they look a bit underbaked; they’ll firm up as they cool!
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Final Touch:
If you’d like, drizzle some warm apple butter over each cookie for an extra special touch before serving. This isn’t necessary, but it adds an extra layer of flavor!
These apple butter cookies are soft, spiced, and so comforting! Perfect for fall, these treats will be a hit with friends and family. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or cider, and savor the cozy vibes!
Can I Substitute Apple Butter with Something Else?
Yes! If you can’t find apple butter, you can use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute. Just note that the cookies may be a bit less sweet and you might need to adjust the sugar in the recipe.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure they are in a freezer-safe container!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! You can mix in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits for added flavor and texture. Just be sure to keep the total volume of mix-ins around 1 cup for the best results.
Why Are My Cookies Flat?
Flat cookies can happen for a few reasons: the butter might have been too warm, too much flour was added, or the dough needs to chill before baking. Make sure to pack the flour properly and allow the dough to rest in the fridge for 30 minutes if you notice it’s too soft.