These Apple Butter Cookies are soft and chewy, packed with the warm flavors of apple and spice. They make your home smell like fall, even in summer!
Honestly, these cookies are a hug in dessert form. And they disappear fast! I love to enjoy them with a cup of tea—perfect for cozy moments.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Butter: This is the star of the show! It adds moisture and a deep apple flavor to the cookies. If you can’t find apple butter, you could mash up some cooked apples with a bit of sugar and spices for a quick substitute.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over the salt content. If you’re looking to cut calories, you can use unsweetened applesauce in place of butter, but this may alter the texture slightly.
Spices: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger gives these cookies their warm flavor. If you don’t have all these spices on hand, using pumpkin pie spice is a great shortcut for a similar effect.
Sugar: Granulated sugar keeps the cookies sweet and helps them spread. If you want a healthier version, consider using coconut sugar or brown sugar for a different flavor. Brown sugar adds more moisture, which can make your cookies chewier!
How Do I Achieve Soft and Chewy Cookies?
The key to soft and chewy cookies is in the mixing and baking. Follow these tips to ensure you get the perfect texture:
- Don’t over-mix the dough once you’ve combined the wet and dry ingredients. A gentle mix keeps the cookies tender.
- Make sure to measure your flour accurately—too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
- Be careful not to overbake! Check the cookies when the edges look set and the tops look slightly cracked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
By following these steps, you’ll have delicious, soft, and chewy apple butter cookies that your friends and family will love! Enjoy!
How to Make Apple Butter Cookies with Spiced Drizzle
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup apple butter (smooth style)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
For the Drizzle:
- 1/4 cup apple butter
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 10-12 minutes to bake. Total time, including cooling and drizzling, is approximately 30-40 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, take your softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a mixer or a strong spoon, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Apple Butter:
Next, beat in the egg and the apple butter until everything is well mixed and smooth. Make sure there are no lumps!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and all of your spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger). This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—don’t overdo it!
6. Scoop the Dough:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked. The smell will be amazing!
8. Prepare the Drizzle:
While the cookies are baking, mix the apple butter, powdered sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth. This will be your delightful drizzle!
9. Cool and Drizzle:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. When they are just slightly warm, drizzle the apple butter glaze over the cookies using a spoon or a piping bag for a pretty touch.
10. Let It Set:
Allow the drizzle to set before digging in. This will only take a few minutes. After that, you’re ready to enjoy your delicious apple butter cookies!
These cookies are perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of fall, anytime!
Can I Substitute Other Types of Butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted—just slightly reduce the added salt in the recipe. Coconut oil or margarine can also be used, but may alter the texture slightly.
Can I Use Other Sweeteners?
Absolutely! Brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor and extra moisture. You can also try coconut sugar as a healthier alternative, but keep in mind it may change the color and texture of your cookies.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best results. The cookie texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious!
