Apple Butter Cookies are soft, warmly spiced cookies that capture the cozy flavors of fall in every bite. Made with rich apple butter, cinnamon, and butter, these cookies are tender, slightly chewy, and perfectly balanced between sweetness and spice. They are ideal for autumn baking, holiday cookie trays, or anytime you crave a comforting homemade treat.
Unlike regular apple cookies, apple butter cookies use concentrated apple butter instead of fresh apples or applesauce. This gives them a deeper apple flavor without adding excess moisture, resulting in cookies that bake evenly and stay soft for days.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Butter Cookies
These cookies are incredibly flavorful thanks to the apple butter, which adds natural sweetness and warm spice notes. The dough is easy to work with, and the cookies bake up thick and soft with lightly crisp edges. Rolling them in cinnamon sugar before baking adds an extra layer of texture and aroma, making them irresistible straight from the oven.
They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or warm cider and make a wonderful homemade gift during the fall and winter seasons.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup apple butter
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Topping
- Extra apple butter for the centers
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is important for creating a soft cookie texture.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Then gently mix in the apple butter until the dough looks smooth and evenly colored.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
3. Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and improves the texture during baking.
4. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together until well combined.
5. Shape the Cookies
Scoop the dough into evenly sized balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press a small indentation into the center of each cookie. If desired, add a small spoonful of apple butter into the center for extra flavor.
6. Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. The cookies will continue to firm up slightly as they cool.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Sprinkle lightly with coarse sugar if desired.
Texture and Flavor Notes
These apple butter cookies are soft in the center with lightly crisp edges. The apple butter provides a subtle fruity sweetness, while cinnamon and brown sugar give warmth and depth. The optional apple butter center adds a gooey surprise that makes the cookies even more special.
Storage Tips
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They can also be frozen for longer storage and thawed at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Apple Butter Cookies are the perfect blend of classic comfort and seasonal flavor. Simple to make yet rich in taste, they are a wonderful addition to fall baking and a cozy treat you’ll want to make again and again. Whether served warm or enjoyed later, these cookies bring the comforting taste of apples and spice to every bite.