Miley This easy non-fussy Apple Butter Cookie recipe is a must for celebrations all season long. Made with apple butter, soft brown sugar, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla.
Unlike many other cookie recipes out there, this one is more sophisticated than just mixing sugar and flour together. This Apple Butter Cookie starts with creamed butter and sugar mixed with spices and apple butter to create a rich dough, then baked with cinnamon sugar for just the right amount of sweetness and spice. It’s balanced, flavorful, and not overly heavy.
Serve this soft Apple Butter Cookie recipe at parties and gatherings big or small! It’s easy to make ahead, and you can always add nuts if you’d like!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies bring warmth, softness, and familiar flavor in every bite.
Soft and tender texture: Each cookie stays plush in the center with lightly crisp edges.
Rich apple flavor: Apple butter adds depth without overpowering sweetness.
Easy pantry ingredients: Nothing fancy, just simple baking staples.
Perfect seasonal treat: Great for fall, holidays, or any cozy day at home
Freezer friendly: Dough and baked cookies store well for later cravings.
Crowd friendly: These cookies disappear fast at gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup apple butter
Optional Add Ins:
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Raisins or dried cranberries
- Extra cinnamon sugar for rolling
Step by Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Begin by adding flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt to a medium bowl. Stir everything together until the spices spread evenly. This step matters because even mixing helps every cookie taste balanced. Set the bowl aside so it stays ready when the dough comes together.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, add the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture looks light and smooth. This step helps create soft cookies, so take a moment to fully blend everything. The mixture should feel creamy and slightly fluffy before moving on.
3. Add Egg, Vanilla, and Apple Butter
Crack the egg into the bowl and mix it in completely. Pour in the vanilla extract and apple butter next. Stir until the dough looks smooth and evenly colored. The apple butter adds moisture and deep flavor, so make sure it blends fully with the butter mixture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently just until no dry spots remain. Overmixing can make cookies dense, so stop as soon as the dough holds together. At this point, fold in nuts or dried fruit if using.
5. Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape and improves flavor. The dough will firm up slightly, making it easier to scoop later.
6. Bake the Cookies
Heat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop dough into rounded tablespoons and space them apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges look set and the centers stay soft. Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes before moving them.
Tips & Variations
Small changes can shape the flavor while keeping the cookies soft and cozy.
- Add a pinch of ginger or allspice.
- Slightly underbake and cool on the pan.
- Mix in chopped nuts for texture.
- Roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking.
- Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to five days.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Butter Cookies fit perfectly into relaxed moments and special gatherings. Serve them warm with coffee or tea for an afternoon break. They pair nicely with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for dessert.
When guests visit, I like stacking these cookies on a plate with other fall treats. The soft texture and spiced aroma always draw people back for seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade apple butter?
Yes, homemade apple butter works well as long as it stays thick and smooth.
Do these cookies spread a lot?
They spread gently. Chilling the dough helps control shape.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, scoop dough balls and freeze them. Bake straight from frozen with a minute added.
Can I make them gluten free?
A one to one gluten free flour blend works well here.
How long do baked cookies stay fresh?
They keep well for about five days when stored properly.
Final Thoughts
Apple Butter Cookies bring together simple ingredients and deep comfort. The soft texture and gentle spice make them easy to love and hard to stop eating.
Apple Butter Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup apple butter
Optional Add Ins:
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Raisins or dried cranberries
- Extra cinnamon sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Begin by adding flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt to a medium bowl. Stir everything together until the spices spread evenly. This step matters because even mixing helps every cookie taste balanced. Set the bowl aside so it stays ready when the dough comes together.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, add the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture looks light and smooth. This step helps create soft cookies, so take a moment to fully blend everything. The mixture should feel creamy and slightly fluffy before moving on.
- Add Egg, Vanilla, and Apple Butter: Crack the egg into the bowl and mix it in completely. Pour in the vanilla extract and apple butter next. Stir until the dough looks smooth and evenly colored. The apple butter adds moisture and deep flavor, so make sure it blends fully with the butter mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently just until no dry spots remain. Overmixing can make cookies dense, so stop as soon as the dough holds together. At this point, fold in nuts or dried fruit if using.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape and improves flavor. The dough will firm up slightly, making it easier to scoop later.
- Bake the Cookies: Heat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop dough into rounded tablespoons and space them apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges look set and the centers stay soft. Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes before moving them.
