Description
These Apple Butter Cookies are soft, spiced treats perfect for fall. Combining the rich flavor of apple butter with warm spices and a tender crumb, these cookies offer a delightful balance of sweetness and autumnal warmth, making them a perfect dessert for cozy gatherings or an everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy in texture, which helps create tender cookies.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in the egg, apple butter, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined, resulting in a smooth cookie dough base.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix dry ingredients into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined and a soft dough forms, avoiding overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, place portions of dough spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges become lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for the best texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider.
- You can incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for added crunch and texture.
