Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are perfect for any fall gathering or cozy night in. With their soft, chewy texture and delightful apple butter center, these cookies offer a unique twist on the classic snickerdoodle. The combination of warm spices and a cinnamon sugar coating makes them utterly irresistible. Celebrate the season with these delicious treats that are sure to impress family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of apple butter and warm spices creates a rich flavor that stands out.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up a batch without hassle.
• Perfect for Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or an afternoon snack, these cookies fit any event beautifully.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Enjoy the delightful contrast of a gooey center surrounded by a tender cookie.
• Versatile Treat: Great for sharing or savoring alone, these cookies can be enjoyed anytime.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make your experience enjoyable.

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: This tool saves you time and effort when creaming ingredients together, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• Parchment paper: It prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup easier.
• Cookie scoop: Achieve uniform cookie sizes for even baking and a professional look.

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 the Cookies

• 1/3 cup cane granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for rolling)

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). Line three baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and molasses using either a stand mixer or hand mixer on low speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well blended.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides again!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

In a small bowl, combine cane granulated sugar with ground cinnamon. Scoop out about two tablespoons of cookie dough and roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Place each dough ball on the prepared baking sheet about 2-3 inches apart. Use the back of a round tablespoon to create an indent in each ball.

Step 6: Fill with Apple Butter

Fill each indent with half a tablespoon of Musselman’s Apple Butter. Sprinkle turbinado sugar over each filled center.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes or until edges are set. Allow them to cool completely on wire racks before enjoying!

How to Serve Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. Their soft texture and warm spices make them an excellent companion for various beverages and desserts.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweet apple butter and cinnamon.
• Tea: A warm cup of chai or herbal tea enhances the cozy experience of these cookies.
• Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a chocolatey drink for a comforting pairing during chilly days.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites provide a creamy contrast to the chewy cookies.
• Brownies: Rich, fudgy brownies add variety to your dessert spread.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad balances the sweetness with its refreshing tang.

For Special Occasions

• Holiday Gatherings: These cookies are perfect for sharing during festive events.
• Birthday Parties: Add them to dessert tables for a unique twist on traditional treats.

How to Perfect Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Achieving the perfect Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies is easy with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cookies turn out delightful every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter that incorporates air effectively.
• Don’t Overmix Dough: Mix until just combined to maintain a tender texture; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill Cookie Dough: If time allows, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing flour, which can affect cookie density.
• Check Baking Time Closely: Ovens vary, so start checking your cookies around 8 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Let Cookies Cool on the Rack: Allowing them to cool completely helps set their shape and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies enhances the overall tasting experience. Here are some delightful options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds richness that contrasts beautifully with spiced cookies.
2. Cinnamon Roll Casserole: This warm dish mirrors the flavors in your cookies, creating a cozy breakfast option.
3. Pumpkin Spice Muffins: Seasonal muffins can make an excellent addition, providing autumnal flavors that complement apple butter.
4. Maple Pecan Granola: Crunchy granola offers texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the cookies.
5. Coconut Milk Yogurt Parfait: Layered with fruits and granola, this light dish balances sweetness while adding freshness.
6. Sweet Potato Fries: For an unexpected twist, serve sweet potato fries sprinkled with cinnamon for savory contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making apple butter snickerdoodle cookies, it’s easy to make small mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not using room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to a dense cookie. Be sure to let your butter and eggs sit out until they reach room temperature for a lighter texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for soft and chewy snickerdoodles.
• Using too much flour: Measuring flour incorrectly can make your cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking. If time allows, chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Baking at a lower temperature can result in undercooked cookies. Ensure your oven is preheated properly to achieve the perfect texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

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

Reheating Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds; watch closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about apple butter snickerdoodle cookies:

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Yes, homemade apple butter works great in this recipe! Just ensure it has a similar consistency.

How do I make my cookies more cinnamon-flavored?

You can increase the amount of cinnamon in the rolling sugar if you prefer a stronger flavor.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can substitute with an equal amount of mascarpone cheese or omit it entirely, though this may change the texture slightly.

Can I customize these Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies?

Absolutely! Consider adding nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These apple butter snickerdoodle cookies are not only delicious but also versatile for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or stored away for later, they offer a cozy taste of fall. Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins like nuts or spices. Try this recipe today!

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Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these delightful Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies. These cookies combine the classic soft and chewy texture of traditional snickerdoodles with a gooey apple butter center, creating a uniquely satisfying treat. Enhanced by warm spices and rolled in cinnamon sugar, they are perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in. Easy to make, even novice bakers will find joy in whipping up this recipe. Share them with friends and family or savor them yourself; either way, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 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
• 4 tablespoons turbinado sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and molasses until fluffy.
3. Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
4. Gradually incorporate flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt until just blended.
5. Roll cookie dough balls in a mixture of cane sugar and cinnamon, then place on baking sheets with an indent made in each ball.
6. Fill each indent with apple butter and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
7. Bake for 8-12 minutes or until edges are set; cool on wire racks.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg