These Apple Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with the cozy flavor of apples and spices. Perfect for snack time or sharing with friends!
Whenever I make these, my whole kitchen smells like fall. They’re so easy to whip up, and of course, I sneak a few straight from the oven! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Butter: This is the star of the cookies, lending a deep apple flavor. If you don’t have apple butter, you can substitute with homemade applesauce, just be mindful of the moisture level—maybe reduce the butter slightly.
Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives these cookies warmth. If you don’t have allspice, you can simply skip it or use more cinnamon. Adjust spices to your taste!
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for better control of saltiness, but if you only have salted butter, just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
Flour: If you need a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It generally works well to make cookies.
How Do I Get Soft and Chewy Cookies?
To achieve soft, chewy cookies, there are a few key techniques to keep in mind:
- **Don’t Overmix**: Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing will activate the gluten and make the cookies tough.
- **Check Baking Time**: Bake until edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue cooking on the baking sheet as they cool.
- **Cooling**: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them. This helps maintain their soft texture.
These small steps will ensure your cookies come out delightfully chewy every time! Enjoy baking!
Delicious Apple Butter Cookies Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or allspice (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons apple cider or milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and around 10-12 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to allow time for the cookies to cool and let the glaze set, so overall, plan for about 45 minutes to 1 hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. With an electric mixer (or a sturdy spoon), cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Add in the egg, apple butter, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined and the mixture is smooth. It should feel velvety!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves or allspice (if you’re using it). Make sure there are no lumps!
5. Mix Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies could end up tough.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake:
Pop the trays in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be set and the tops to start cracking, while the center remains soft. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly.
8. Cool:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Make the Glaze:
As the cookies cool, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and apple cider or milk until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more liquid if necessary!
10. Drizzle the Glaze:
Once the cookies are fully cooled, use a spoon or a piping bag to drizzle the glaze over the cookies in a fun crisscross pattern.
11. Set and Store:
Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then your cookies are ready to enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Enjoy your soft, spiced apple butter cookies with a lovely sweet drizzle — perfect for autumn treats or year-round indulgence! 🍏🍂
Can I Substitute Apple Butter with Applesauce?
Yes, you can use applesauce instead of apple butter. Just keep in mind that applesauce is thinner, so you might want to reduce the amount of butter slightly for the right consistency. Start with 1/4 cup of applesauce and keep the butter at 3/4 cup.
How Should I Store the Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating or freezing them. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper so they don’t stick!
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. This usually works well in baking without changing the flavor much, but be sure to check if the blend contains xanthan gum or not, as you may need to add some for better texture.
What Other Spices Can I Add?
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also add ground ginger or cardamom for extra warmth and flavor. Adjust the amounts to your taste preference! Just be cautious not to overpower the cinnamon and nutmeg.
