If you’re looking for a cookie that embodies the very spirit of fall, let me gush about these Apple Butter Snickerdoodles. Fluffy, cinnamon-kissed, and delightfully tender, these cookies take everything you adore about classic snickerdoodles and transform them into a cozy apple orchard dream with the simple addition of apple butter. Every batch fills the kitchen with warm spices and a gentle sweetness that’s impossible to resist. They’re destined to become a staple whether you’re hosting a casual coffee date or need something special for the holidays.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Apple Butter Snickerdoodles is how each humble ingredient shines. The lineup is short, but every component is essential—the apple butter adds depth, the cinnamon lends warmth, and the classic cookie base ensures an unforgettable texture.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): The key to plush, buttery cookies that practically melt in your mouth.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup + 1/4 cup for coating): Sweetens the dough and creates that signature snickerdoodle sparkle.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a whisper of caramel and a touch of chewiness.
- Apple butter (1/3 cup): Infuses each bite with apple flavor and keeps the cookies moist.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and gives structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A dash of vanilla rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Provides the perfect base for a soft yet satisfying cookie.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps your cookies puff up just right.
- Cream of tartar (1/4 teaspoon): Brings the classic tang and characteristic snickerdoodle texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon for coating): The heartwarming spice that carries the flavor home.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and makes all the other flavors pop.
How to Make Apple Butter Snickerdoodles
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—it’s a small step, but it guarantees effortless cookie removal and easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Patience is key here; mix until the blend is light and fluffy to create the perfect foundation for tender Apple Butter Snickerdoodles.
Step 3: Add the Apple Butter, Egg, and Vanilla
Beat in the apple butter, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is silky-smooth. The apple butter will lend a deep, mellow apple flavor and a lovely golden hue to your dough.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures all the leavening and spices are evenly distributed for even baking and flavor throughout.
Step 5: Mix the Dough
Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. The dough will be soft but fragrant, with flecks of cinnamon hinting at the treat to come.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. This classic coating is the crowning glory of any snickerdoodle and gives these Apple Butter Snickerdoodles their sparkling, aromatic crust.
Step 7: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Toss each ball generously in your cinnamon sugar mixture before placing on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. Watch for those edges to just set while the centers retain a softness—this is the hallmark of a perfect Apple Butter Snickerdoodle. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Apple Butter Snickerdoodles
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar just before serving adds a shimmering finish. For a more decadent touch, a light drizzle of caramel makes these Apple Butter Snickerdoodles positively swoon-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a mug of hot apple cider or chai tea for a cozy afternoon snack. For a party platter, arrange them alongside sharp cheddar cheese slices—the contrast is unexpectedly delicious!
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Apple Butter Snickerdoodles in a rustic basket lined with a festive napkin for a charming homemade gift. Or, for dessert, sandwich two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable autumnal treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Apple Butter Snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. The apple butter keeps them soft and fresh longer than most cookies.
Freezing
To stash some away for a rainy day, freeze baked cookies in a zip-top bag for up to three months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls (sans cinnamon sugar coating) for quick, hot-from-the-oven cookies whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
If you love your cookies warm, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 8 seconds. From frozen, let them thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to restore their fresh-baked aroma.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple butter?
Absolutely! Homemade apple butter adds a personal touch and can be spiced to your liking. Just ensure it’s thick and not too runny for the best dough consistency.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The results are still tender, but check your dough’s consistency as every mix behaves a little differently.
How do I make thicker cookies?
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling into balls and baking. This prevents spreading and gives you a thicker, chewier Apple Butter Snickerdoodle.
Is apple butter the same as applesauce?
No, apple butter is thicker, richer, and more concentrated than applesauce, with a deeper flavor. Using applesauce will make the dough too wet and dilute the taste.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Absolutely! A handful of toasted walnuts or chopped pecans adds welcome crunch, and a few golden raisins or dried cranberries bring extra bursts of sweetness if you like to mix things up.
Final Thoughts
Every batch of Apple Butter Snickerdoodles brings the comforting scent of cinnamon and orchard apples right to your kitchen. Whether you’re a snickerdoodle superfan or just love cozy, seasonal cookies, I hope you’ll try this recipe and share it with someone who needs a little treat. Happy baking!
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Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Butter Snickerdoodles are a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle cookie, infused with the warm flavors of apple butter and cinnamon. Perfect for fall baking or anytime you crave a cozy treat.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup apple butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in the apple butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Prepare coating: In a small bowl, stir together the cinnamon and sugar for the coating.
- Form cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
- Cool: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra apple flavor, use spiced apple butter.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Dough can be chilled for thicker cookies.
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