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.
