Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are the perfect treat for fall baking! Soft and chewy, they feature a gooey apple butter center swirled with warm spices. Ideal for cozy gatherings or casual snacking, these cookies are sure to impress your friends and family with their unique flavor and delightful texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of apple butter and cinnamon creates a warm, comforting taste that everyone loves.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and easily accessible ingredients, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a weekday treat, these cookies fit every occasion.
• Gooey Center: The apple butter filling adds a delicious surprise that elevates traditional snickerdoodles into something special.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a dessert or snack; they pair beautifully with coffee or tea.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugars easy, ensuring a fluffy texture for your cookies.
• Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy base for baking multiple trays of cookies at once without them spreading too much.

Ingredients

These apple butter snickerdoodles are fall baking at its best: soft, chewy, and swirled with warm spices. Each cookie has a gooey apple butter center and a cinnamon sugar coating that makes them irresistible!

For the Cookie Dough

• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter (cool room temperature)
• 3.5 ounces cold full-fat cream cheese
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (see notes below for measuring)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

For Rolling

• 1/3 cup cane granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for rolling)

For the Filling

• 3/4 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter
• 4 tablespoons turbinado sugar

How to Make Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by lining three baking sheets with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

Step 2: Cream the Butter Mixture

In a large bowl of a stand mixer or using a hand mixer:
1. Cream together the unsalted butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and molasses.
2. Mix on low speed for about three minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Incorporate the wet ingredients:
1. Mix in the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract.
2. Scrape down the bowl again to ensure even mixing.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients:
1. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and sea salt.
2. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Shape Your Cookies

Prepare to add flavor:
1. In a small bowl, combine the remaining cane sugar with the ground cinnamon.
2. Scoop out two-tablespoon-sized balls of dough.
3. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
4. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2-3 inches apart.
5. Use the back of a round tablespoon to create an indent in each cookie’s center.
6. Fill each indent with half a tablespoon of apple butter, then sprinkle turbinado sugar on top.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Bake your cookies:
1. Place them in your preheated oven for about 8-12 minutes or until edges set.
2. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying!

These delightful Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies will surely become a favorite in your fall baking repertoire!

How to Serve Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These delicious Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. They pair wonderfully with various drinks and snacks, enhancing their warm flavors.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee – A cup of freshly brewed coffee complements the spices in the cookies.
• Tea – Pair with a soothing herbal or chai tea for a cozy experience.
• Hot Chocolate – Enjoy with rich hot chocolate for a sweet treat on chilly days.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecake bites add a creamy contrast to the soft cookies.
• Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cookies.
• Ice Cream – Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

For Special Occasions

• Holiday Treats – Include in your holiday cookie tray for festive gatherings.
• Potluck Desserts – These cookies are easy to transport and always a hit at potlucks.

How to Perfect Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough – Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes to enhance texture and prevent spreading.
• Use Fresh Spices – Opt for fresh ground cinnamon and other spices for the best flavor.
• Measure Flour Properly – Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level off to avoid dense cookies.
• Don’t Overbake – Remove cookies from the oven when they are lightly golden; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Experiment with Fillings – Try different fruit butters or preserves for unique flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These side dishes complement the flavors of your Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies beautifully, making them an even more delightful treat.

1. Cinnamon Roll Casserole – A warm, gooey casserole that echoes the cinnamon flavor in the cookies.
2. Pumpkin Spice Muffins – Soft muffins that bring fall aromas to your table, pairing well with apple flavors.
3. Caramel Sauce Dip – A sweet dip that adds richness and enhances the cookie experience.
4. Maple Glazed Nuts – Crunchy nuts coated in maple syrup offer a delightful contrast in texture and taste.
5. Chocolate Fondue – Melted chocolate perfect for dipping cookie bites creates a decadent dessert option.
6. Spiced Applesauce – Serve chilled or warm; this spiced applesauce highlights the apple butter’s sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially with recipes like apple butter snickerdoodle cookies. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to dense cookies. Always ensure your butter is at cool room temperature and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.
• Overmixing the dough: This can make your cookies tough. Mix the ingredients until just combined for soft and chewy results.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents adding too much flour, which can affect cookie texture.
• Skipping the chill time: If you skip chilling the dough, your cookies may spread too much while baking. Allowing it to chill helps maintain their shape.
• Underbaking or overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven! They should be set around the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cookies in an airtight container.
• They will keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; just label them with the date.

Reheating Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C) and bake for about 5 minutes. This revives their soft texture.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie for about 10-15 seconds. This makes them warm and gooey!
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about apple butter snickerdoodle cookies.

What are Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies?

Apple butter snickerdoodle cookies are soft, spiced cookies filled with sweet apple butter, coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for fall baking.

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Yes! Homemade apple butter works wonderfully in this recipe. Just ensure it’s smooth for easy filling.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

The edges should be set and slightly golden while the center remains soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I customize these cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts or swap out spices based on your preference to create unique variations of apple butter snickerdoodle cookies.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to 5 days at room temperature or longer if refrigerated or frozen.

Final Thoughts

These apple butter snickerdoodle cookies are a delightful treat that combines softness with warm spices. Their gooey apple butter center adds a unique twist that makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or varying spices to suit your taste!