Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any fall gathering or cozy afternoon at home. With their soft and chewy texture, they feature a warm cinnamon sugar coating and a gooey apple butter center that will make them your new favorite cookie. Whether you’re sharing them at a party or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of apple butter and warm spices creates a unique flavor profile that stands out.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these cookies with ease.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as is or pair them with ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Batch Friendly: This recipe yields 27 cookies, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies, gather the essential tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Ensures thorough mixing of ingredients for a consistent dough texture.
• Baking sheets: Provides the surface area needed for baking multiple cookies at once.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier.

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
• 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 three baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Ingredients

In a large bowl using a stand mixer or 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 everything is well combined.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in:
1. The large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
2. Again, scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gently mix in:
1. The all-purpose flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and fine sea salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

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

Step 6: Form Cookies

For each cookie:
1. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, rolling it until fully coated.
2. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Use the back of a round tablespoon to create an indent in the center.
4. Fill this indent with half a tablespoon of apple butter and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake cookies in your preheated oven:
1. Space them about 2-3 inches apart on the baking sheets.
2. Bake for 8-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft.

Once baked, let the trays cool completely on wire racks before enjoying these delicious treats!

How to Serve Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night at home. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Serve these cookies warm alongside a cold glass of milk for a classic and comforting duo.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches. Choose your favorite flavor for an indulgent treat.

Coffee Pairing

• Enjoy these cookies with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, as the spices complement the flavors perfectly.

Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a dessert platter with other baked goods such as brownies or bars for an inviting display at parties.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie for an extra touch of sweetness and creaminess.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside slices of fresh apple or pear to highlight the fruity notes in the apple butter.

How to Perfect Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

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

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies tender; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps them maintain their shape.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup without packing it down to avoid dry cookies.
• Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies. They should be set around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
• Cool Completely: Let cookies cool on a wire rack completely before storing or serving so they maintain their chewy texture.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Pair these delightful cookies with some tasty side dishes for an even more enjoyable treat experience. Here are some great options:

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

2. Cheese Platter
   Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which provide a creamy contrast to the spiced cookies.

3. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit; it makes for a refreshing side that complements the dessert.

4. Hot Chocolate
   A rich cup of hot chocolate pairs beautifully with these cookies, enhancing their warmth and spice.

5. Pumpkin Spice Latte
   The seasonal flavors in this drink harmonize well with the apple butter notes in your snickerdoodle cookies.

6. Caramel Sauce Dip
   Offer caramel sauce as a dip; its sweetness will delight those who crave more indulgence with their treats.

7. Nut Mix
   A bowl of mixed nuts provides a crunchy contrast and adds protein to balance out the sweetness of the cookies.

8. Cinnamon Applesauce
   Serve alongside homemade cinnamon applesauce for an additional fruity element that complements each bite perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies can be a joy, but there are some common mistakes you should avoid to ensure perfect results.

• Using cold ingredients: Always make sure your butter and cream cheese are at cool room temperature. This helps in creating that light and fluffy texture.
• Overmixing the dough: When combining the flour and other dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Skipping the chilling time: If you’re working with a warm kitchen, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain shape and texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid using too much, which can make your cookies dense.
• Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them from the oven when just set around the edges to maintain a soft center.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm, but be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies that may help clarify some common concerns.

Can I use homemade apple butter for Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies?

Absolutely! Homemade apple butter adds a personal touch and flavor that enhances these cookies beautifully.

What is the best way to store Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies?

Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I make Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure it’s one that measures cup-for-cup.

How do I know when my Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are done?

Look for set edges and a slightly soft center; they will continue cooking as they cool on the baking sheet.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their soft and chewy texture, combined with the warm spices and gooey apple butter center, makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or incorporating different spices like nutmeg. Enjoy baking these delightful treats!