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Apple Butter Cookies

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. 
Print Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Cookies
Cuisine American
Servings 20 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.
Keyword Apple Butter Dessert, Apple Cookie Recipe, Autumn Treats, Holiday Cookies, Soft Cookies