Apple Butter Cookies

Introduction

When I first made Apple Butter Cookies, I was skeptical about how the apple butter would affect the flavor and texture. I’m glad to report that I was pleasantly surprised by the results! These cookies are soft, spiced, and packed with the comforting taste of apple butter, which adds both richness and a hint of natural sweetness. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple butter makes them the perfect treat for the fall season. They’re wonderfully chewy and have just the right amount of spice, without being overpowering. My family absolutely loved them and asked for seconds—these cookies quickly became a new favorite! Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy weekend snack, or just to treat yourself, these Apple Butter Cookies are an absolute winner.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup apple butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure an even bake.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will typically take about 3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
   Beat in the apple butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until all the ingredients are well combined.
4. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding them to the wet ingredients.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this could result in dense cookies.
6. Form the Cookies:
   Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough will spread slightly as it bakes, so be sure to leave some room between the cookies.
7. Bake:
   Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft, so be careful not to overbake them.
8. Cool:
   Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set up without breaking apart.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: 110 kcal
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Snack: Perfect for an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
• For Breakfast: Enjoy these cookies as a cozy breakfast treat alongside some fresh fruit.
• For Dessert: Serve these cookies after dinner with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert.
• For Gift-Giving: Package the cookies in a nice tin or box as a homemade gift for friends or family during the holidays.
• As a Fall Treat: These cookies are especially great for fall, thanks to the apple butter and warm spices, so serve them at autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving, or Halloween parties.

Additional Tips

1. Use homemade apple butter for an extra flavor boost. If you have the time, making your own apple butter can elevate the taste of these cookies.
2. Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer sweeter cookies, add an extra tablespoon of sugar or a bit more apple butter.
3. Chill the dough for better texture. If you want thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
4. Add a pinch of salt to the icing. If you decide to ice the cookies, a small pinch of salt in the glaze can balance out the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
5. Make smaller cookies for bite-sized treats. If you want to make mini cookies, simply reduce the size of each dough ball and decrease the baking time by 1-2 minutes.

Recipe Variations

• Glazed Apple Butter Cookies: Drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, apple cider, and a little vanilla extract for a sweet finish.
• Apple Spice Cookies: Add chopped dried apples to the dough to give the cookies a chewy texture and intensify the apple flavor.
• Vegan Apple Butter Cookies: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter in place of the regular butter.
• Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies: Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the dough for a heartier, more textured cookie.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Hot Drink: Serve these cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai, apple cider, or coffee to complement the warm spices in the cookies.
• With Ice Cream: Top each cookie with a scoop of vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• As Part of a Cookie Platter: Serve alongside other autumn-inspired treats like pumpkin spice cookies, pecan sandies, and snickerdoodles for a festive cookie platter at a fall gathering.
• With a Warm Sauce: Drizzle caramel or maple syrup over the cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing the Dough: You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Simply scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just bake the cookies from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storing Baked Cookies: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: These cookies can also be frozen after baking. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought apple butter?
   Yes, store-bought apple butter works just as well for this recipe. Just ensure it’s smooth and not too runny.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for structure.
3. How can I make the cookies thicker?
   Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking will help the cookies maintain their shape and be thicker.
4. Can I substitute the apple butter with applesauce?
   Apple butter is thicker and has more concentrated flavor, but you can use applesauce in a pinch, though the cookies will be slightly less rich.
5. What can I add to make these cookies even more flavorful?
   Try adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and nutty flavor.
6. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
   The cookies should have lightly golden edges, and the centers should still be soft and slightly puffed.
7. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
   Yes, a hand mixer works fine to cream the butter and sugars and mix in the wet ingredients.
8. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it. This will also help the flavors meld together even more.
9. How should I store leftover cookies?
   Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
10. Can I add frosting to these cookies?
    Yes, these cookies can be frosted with a simple vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting if you want a sweeter treat.

Conclusion

Apple Butter Cookies are the perfect treat for fall, combining the flavors of apple butter and warm spices in a soft, chewy cookie. They are easy to make, versatile enough for different dietary preferences, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed with a hot drink, as a gift, or as a snack, these cookies are full of flavor and warmth. With the option to freeze dough or baked cookies, they’re also a convenient make-ahead treat. Try them out for your next gathering, or just to enjoy a cozy fall moment at home. Happy baking!

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