These soft and chewy apple butter cookies have swirls of apple butter running throughout, making them extremely flavorful. The apple butter adds deep fruity notes similar to those in apple pie, with caramelized apples and warm spices like cinnamon.
When baking, the apple butter keeps the cookies moist inside. They emerge having a lovely balance – chewy within but slightly crispy around the edges. Meanwhile, a topping of more apple butter icing brings bold flavor to each bite.
Using store-bought or homemade apple butter, the ingredients couldn’t be simpler. Just basic pantry items like butter, sugar and flour come together in no time.
As the weather grows cooler, these cookies embody all things comforting about fall. Their cozy flavor reminds me of warm cider and bonfires under starry skies.
Hands down, they make the perfect seasonal treat. Whether casually made or given as a gift, friends and family alike always savor their blend of textures and tastes. In short, apple butter cookies are a true delight!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- Apple butter
- Light brown sugar
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Rolled oats
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Cinnamon
- Salt
For the Apple Butter Icing:
- Powdered sugar
- Apple butter
- Heavy whipping cream
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How to Make Apple Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine apple butter, light brown sugar, and melted butter. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Combine and Chill the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and improving the texture of the baked cookies.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, scoop small portions (about 1 ½ tablespoons) and roll them into balls.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 6: Prepare the Icing
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, apple butter, and heavy whipping cream until smooth and pourable.
Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle or spread the icing over each cookie.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a thicker, chewier texture.
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensures even mixing and prevents lumps in the dough.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies as soon as the edges are golden. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Customize the Icing: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the icing for an extra layer of warmth.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutes
- Apple Butter: If unavailable, substitute with thick applesauce and a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Light Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar can be used for a richer molasses flavor.
- Butter: Substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Rolled Oats: Quick oats can be used, but the texture will be slightly less chewy.
- Heavy Cream: Milk or a non-dairy creamer can be used, but adjust the quantity to achieve the desired consistency.
Variations
- Add-Ins: Fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
- Spiced Apple Butter Cookies: Add ¼ teaspoon each of nutmeg and allspice for a deeper, spiced profile.
- Chocolate Apple Butter Cookies: Mix in white or dark chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I skip chilling the dough?
Chilling is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much and for enhancing their flavor. Skipping this step may result in flatter, less chewy cookies.
2. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies.
3. Can I make the icing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the icing and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature before using.
4. Are these cookies gluten-free?
No, but you can make them gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend.
5. What’s the difference between apple butter and applesauce?
Apple butter is thicker, richer, and more concentrated in flavor compared to applesauce, making it ideal for this recipe.
More Recipes
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- 3 Ingredients No Bake Apple Pie
- Apple Pie Overnight Oats
- Caramel Apple Cookies
Apple Butter Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup apple butter
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 ¼ cups rolled oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Apple Butter Icing:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple butter
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine apple butter, light brown sugar, and melted butter. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Combine and Chill the Dough
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and improving the texture of the baked cookies.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
- While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Once the dough is chilled, scoop small portions (about 1 ½ tablespoons) and roll them into balls.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 6: Prepare the Icing
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, apple butter, and heavy whipping cream until smooth and pourable.
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle or spread the icing over each cookie.
Notes
- Chill the Dough: Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a thicker, chewier texture.
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensures even mixing and prevents lumps in the dough.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies as soon as the edges are golden. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Customize the Icing: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the icing for an extra layer of warmth.