Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies
These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the essence of fall right into your kitchen. With their soft and chewy texture, these cookies feature a gooey apple butter center swirled with warm spices, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply enjoying a quiet night at home, these cookies will surely impress. The unique combination of flavors and the cinnamon sugar coating makes them irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The blend of apple butter and warm spices creates a comforting flavor profile that’s perfect for fall.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and quick, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 27 servings, these cookies are ideal for parties, gatherings, or just to share with friends and family.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Great as an everyday snack or a festive dessert for holidays like Thanksgiving.
- Gooey Center: The apple butter filling adds a delightful twist that sets these cookies apart from traditional snickerdoodles.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process in your kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools make it easy to cream ingredients together quickly and efficiently, ensuring a light cookie texture.
- Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier after baking.
- Wire cooling rack: This allows cookies to cool evenly, maintaining their ideal texture.
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
For the Dry Ingredients
- 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 the Cookies
- 1/3 cup cane granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Filling
- 3/4 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter
Topping
- 4 tablespoons turbinado sugar
How to Make Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line three baking sheets with parchment paper.
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, cold cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and molasses on low speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in:
1. The whole egg,
2. The egg yolk,
3. Vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Scrape down the bowl again.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in:
1. The all-purpose flour,
2. Baking powder,
3. Cream of tartar,
4. Fine sea salt until just combined.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
In a small bowl, combine:
– Cane granulated sugar with ground cinnamon.
Then:
1. Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough,
2. Roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
3. Place it on the prepared baking sheet and indent the center using a round tablespoon.
4. Fill each indentation with 1/2 tablespoon of apple butter.
5. Sprinkle turbinado sugar over each filled center.
Step 6: Bake
Bake cookies spaced 2-3 inches apart for about 8-12 minutes or until edges are set. Allow them to cool completely on a wire cooling rack before serving!
How to Serve Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies
Apple butter snickerdoodle cookies are delightful on their own, but you can enhance your serving experience with a few creative ideas. Here are some suggestions to enjoy these warm, spiced cookies.
With a Glass of Milk
- Enjoy the classic pairing of apple butter snickerdoodle cookies with a cold glass of milk. The creaminess complements the spices beautifully.
A Scoop of Ice Cream
- Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on top. The melting ice cream creates a delicious contrast to the chewy cookie.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the cookies for an extra layer of sweetness. This is perfect for those who love rich flavors.
Festive Platter Arrangement
- Arrange the cookies on a festive platter for holiday gatherings. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices for an appealing presentation.
Pairing with Hot Beverages
- These cookies are fantastic when paired with hot beverages like spiced cider or chai tea. The warmth of the drinks enhances the cookie’s flavors.
How to Perfect Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies
To ensure your apple butter snickerdoodle cookies come out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and better texture.
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Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Chill the Dough: If time allows, refrigerate your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld and improves cookie shape.
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Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be set at the edges but still soft in the center when you pull them from the oven.
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Use Fresh Spices: For maximum flavor, use fresh ground cinnamon and high-quality apple butter. This will elevate your cookie’s taste significantly.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies
While apple butter snickerdoodle cookies are scrumptious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can make for a delightful dessert spread. Here are some options:
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite pairs perfectly with snickerdoodles, balancing sweet and spice beautifully.
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Caramelized Apples: Sweet caramelized apples add a fruity touch that matches well with the flavors in your cookies.
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Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer a creamy contrast to the chewy texture of snickerdoodles.
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Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced nuts provides a crunchy contrast and adds another layer of flavor complexity.
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Pecan Pie Bars: These bars bring in nutty sweetness that pairs delightfully with apple butter flavors.
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Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip their cookies into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of rich and spicy cookies.
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Hot Apple Cider: Serve warm apple cider alongside your cookies to enhance their fall-inspired flavors even more.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking apple butter snickerdoodle cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final product.
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at cool room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures proper mixing.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Always spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Too much flour can make your cookies dry.
- Overmixing the dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Skipping the chilling time: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading while baking.
- Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when the edges are set for a chewy texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Keep layers of cookies separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat; cover and warm for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about apple butter snickerdoodle cookies.
What makes apple butter snickerdoodle cookies special?
Apple butter adds moisture and flavor, making these cookies soft and chewy with a delightful spiced taste.
Can I substitute apple butter?
Yes! You can use homemade apple butter or even pumpkin puree for a different flavor twist.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Look for set edges; they should be firm but still soft in the center. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
Final Thoughts
These apple butter snickerdoodle cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. Their unique flavors make them versatile enough for any occasion. Enjoy customizing them by adding nuts or using different spices. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try!
Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 27 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with these delightful Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies. Soft, chewy, and featuring a gooey apple butter center swirled with comforting spices, these cookies are perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. Coated in cinnamon sugar, they offer an irresistible twist on traditional snickerdoodles. With easy-to-follow instructions and a handful of ingredients, even novice bakers can create this delicious treat. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or paired with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special dessert experience.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/3 cup cane granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for rolling)
- 3/4 cup Musselman's Apple Butter (for filling)
- 4 tablespoons turbinado sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixer, cream together butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and molasses until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix until combined.
- Gradually incorporate flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt until just mixed.
- Roll dough into balls coated in cinnamon-sugar; indent centers and fill with apple butter.
- Bake for 8-12 minutes until edges are set; cool on a wire rack before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
