These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are a delightful treat for any fall occasion. With their soft and chewy texture, warm spices, and a gooey apple butter center, these cookies take the classic snickerdoodle to a whole new level. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee, these cookies are sure to impress everyone who tries them. The irresistible combination of flavors makes them a must-bake for anyone who loves cozy fall desserts.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Soft and Chewy: These cookies have the ideal texture that melts in your mouth.
Gooey Apple Butter Center: Each bite is filled with rich apple butter, adding a unique twist.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, baking is a breeze.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just an afternoon snack, they fit right in.
Deliciously Spiced: The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg brings warmth to every cookie.

Tools and Preparation

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

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: This tool makes creaming the butter and sugar easy, ensuring a light texture.
Baking sheets: Using quality baking sheets ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
Wire cooling rack: Cooling your cookies on a rack helps maintain their soft texture by allowing air circulation.

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 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 (for rolling)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for rolling)

For 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). Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper. This preparation step is crucial for even baking.

Step 2: Cream Together Ingredients

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 unsulphured 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 mixed.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in:
1. The large egg,
2. The egg yolk,
3. The vanilla extract.
Scrape down the bowl again to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Mix in:
1. The all-purpose flour,
2. Baking powder,
3. Cream of tartar,
4. Fine sea salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a small bowl:
1. Combine cane granulated sugar with ground cinnamon.
Scoop out 2 tablespoons of cookie dough into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, rolling it around until fully coated.

Step 6: Shape and Fill Cookies

Place each rolled dough ball on the prepared baking sheet:
1. Use the back of a round tablespoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie.
2. Fill this indentation with about 1/2 tablespoon of apple butter.
3. Sprinkle turbinado sugar over the filled center.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake your cookies spaced about 2-3 inches apart for approximately 8-12 minutes or until the edges are set but not browned. Allow them to cool completely on a wire cooling rack before enjoying!

How to Serve Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These delicious apple butter snickerdoodle cookies are perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re enjoying them with a warm beverage or sharing them at a gathering, here are some fun serving suggestions.

Pair with Warm Beverages

Hot Apple Cider – The sweet and spicy flavors of hot apple cider complement the cookies beautifully.
Pumpkin Spice Latte – This seasonal favorite enhances the cozy vibe of fall baking.
Chai Tea – The aromatic spices in chai tea create a perfect match with the cinnamon in the cookies.

Cookie Sandwiches

With Cream Cheese Frosting – Spread cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an extra indulgent treat.
Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches – Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a delightful dessert.

Garnish with Whipped Cream

Whipped Cream Topping – A dollop of whipped cream on top adds an airy texture and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

Enjoy with Fresh Fruit

Sliced Apples – Fresh apple slices provide a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft cookies.
Cinnamon Pears – Serve alongside cinnamon-poached pears to enhance the flavor profile.

How to Perfect Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

To ensure your apple butter snickerdoodle cookies come out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature helps achieve better mixing and texture.
Measure Flour Accurately – Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies.
Chill Dough If Needed – If your dough is too sticky, chilling it for 30 minutes can make it easier to handle.
Watch Baking Time Closely – Oven temperatures can vary; keep an eye on your cookies as they bake to prevent over-baking.
Experiment with Spices – Feel free to add extra spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
Store Properly – Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These apple butter snickerdoodle cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Try these options for an even more enjoyable experience!

Cheese Platter – A selection of sharp cheeses balances the sweetness of the cookies. Include crackers for added crunch.
Fruit Salad – A colorful mix of fresh fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
Spiced Nuts – Roasted spiced nuts offer a crunchy texture that complements the soft cookies well.
Pumpkin Soup – A warm bowl of pumpkin soup is a comforting side that enhances fall flavors.
Caramel Sauce Dipping Bowl – Serve caramel sauce on the side for dipping, adding an extra layer of sweetness.
Chocolate Fondue – A small pot of chocolate fondue allows guests to dip cookie pieces for a decadent treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some essential details. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and cream cheese. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense texture.
Overmixing the dough: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in tough cookies.
Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements. Too much flour can make your cookies dry.
Skipping the chilling step: Allow the cookie dough to chill if possible. This helps the flavors meld and keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Ignoring oven temperatures: Ovens can vary in temperature. Always check with an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking conditions.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies.

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Yes! Homemade apple butter works wonderfully in this recipe and adds a personal touch.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading?

Chill your dough before baking. This helps maintain their shape during baking.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

You can substitute it with an equal amount of baking powder or simply omit it if needed.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts or chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies.

Final Thoughts

Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for fall. Their soft, chewy texture combined with warm spices makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize with nuts or chocolate chips for a unique twist on this classic recipe. Try them today and enjoy the cozy flavors of autumn!

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Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are the ultimate fall treat, combining the classic soft and chewy texture of snickerdoodles with a gooey apple butter center. These cookies are infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, making them perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire.

Ingredients

Scale

7 tablespoons unsalted butter
3.5 ounces cold full-fat cream cheese
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup Musselman's apple butter
⅓ cup cane granulated sugar (for rolling)
Cinnamon and nutmeg for spice

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream together butter, cream cheese, sugars, and molasses until light.
Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
Stir in flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt.
Roll dough in cinnamon-sugar mixture; create an indentation for apple butter filling.
Fill indentation with apple butter; sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
Bake for 8-12 minutes until edges are set; cool on wire rack.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American