Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are perfect for any occasion, combining soft and chewy textures with a delightful apple butter center. Swirled with warm spices, each cookie is rolled in cinnamon sugar, making them an irresistible treat for fall gatherings, cozy evenings, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of apple butter and spices creates a rich and comforting flavor profile.
• Perfect for Fall: These cookies capture the essence of autumn baking with their warm spices and gooey centers.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Treat: Great for sharing at parties, gifting, or enjoying at home with family.
• Unique Twist on Classics: A fun twist on traditional snickerdoodles that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming ingredients easy and efficient.
• Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy base for even baking; using multiple sheets allows you to bake more cookies at once.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accuracy in your ingredients, which is crucial for perfect cookies.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies:

For the 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
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

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

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

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

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in:
1. The egg,
2. The egg yolk,
3. The vanilla extract.
Scrape down the bowl again to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Add:
1. The all-purpose flour,
2. Baking powder,
3. Cream of tartar,
4. Sea salt.
Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a small bowl:
1. Combine the cane granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

1. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
2. Roll it until fully coated.
3. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Use the back of a round tablespoon to create an indent in the center.
5. Fill that indent with about 1/2 tablespoon of apple butter.
6. Sprinkle turbinado sugar over the top.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake your cookies spaced about 2-3 inches apart for:
8–12 minutes or until the edges are set but still soft in the center. Let cool completely on a wire cooling rack before enjoying!

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your fall baking lineup!

How to Serve Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic combination that enhances the cookie’s flavors.

Warmed with Ice Cream

• Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious dessert that is both comforting and indulgent.

At a Fall Gathering

• Present these cookies at your next fall gathering. Their warm spices and apple butter filling will surely impress your guests.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies alongside a cup of coffee or tea. The spices in the snickerdoodles complement both beverages beautifully.

Packaged as Gifts

• Create lovely gift bags filled with these cookies for friends or family. They make thoughtful and tasty gifts during the holiday season.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies on a dessert platter with other treats like brownies or mini muffins for an inviting dessert spread at parties.

How to Perfect Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

To ensure your Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances their flavor.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This allows for better incorporation and results in a smoother dough.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately. Too much flour can make cookies dry and crumbly.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.

• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Bake until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies can be enjoyed with various side dishes that complement their sweet, spiced flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses pairs well, offering savory notes that contrast beautifully with the sweet cookies.

3. Pumpkin Soup
   A warm bowl of pumpkin soup provides comforting flavors that enhance the fall theme of your dessert.

4. Spiced Nuts
   Crunchy, spiced nuts add texture and flavor depth, making them an excellent companion to soft, chewy cookies.

5. Caramel Dip
   Serve a small bowl of caramel dip alongside for drizzling on top of each cookie for an extra touch of sweetness.

6. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a light yet satisfying dish that complements the richness of the cookies.

7. Hot Chocolate
   A warm mug of hot chocolate creates a cozy pairing that’s perfect for enjoying on chilly days.

8. Apple Slices with Nut Butter
   Fresh apple slices dipped in nut butter echo the apple flavor in your cookies while providing a healthy crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking these Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies can be delightful, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter and cream cheese are at cool room temperature. Cold ingredients make it hard to achieve a fluffy texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, chewy ones.
• Incorrectly measuring flour: Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour. Scooping directly can compact it and result in dry cookies.
• Skipping chilling time: If you’re in a hurry, don’t skip chilling the dough. It helps in developing flavors and better shapes while baking.
• Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven fully before baking. This ensures even cooking and proper cookie rise.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until soft.
• Stovetop: Place cookies on a skillet over low heat for a minute or two, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies unique?

These cookies combine the classic snickerdoodle flavor with a gooey apple butter center, creating a perfect blend of sweetness and spice.

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Absolutely! Homemade apple butter adds a personal touch and allows you to control the sweetness and spices.

How do I make my Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies fluffier?

Ensure that your butter is at cool room temperature, and avoid overmixing the dough once you add the dry ingredients.

Can I customize these cookies?

Yes! You can mix in nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for added texture and flavor variations.

How should I store leftover cookie dough?

Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are an irresistible treat with their chewy texture and warm spices. The gooey apple butter center adds a delightful twist that makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or enjoy them as-is!