Description
These Apple Butter Cookies are soft, spiced treats bursting with the warm flavors of apple butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and a tender crumb, they make a delightful snack or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the apple butter, then add the egg and vanilla extract, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Form Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden, but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and prevents breakage.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
- Do not overbake; cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Apple butter adds moisture and flavor – do not substitute with other butters or jams.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extra flair, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
