Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With their soft, chewy texture and gooey apple butter center, they capture the essence of fall baking. The warm spices and cinnamon sugar coating make these cookies irresistible, whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying them with a cozy cup of tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of apple butter and spices creates a warm, comforting taste that will remind you of home.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious cookies without stress.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or an afternoon snack, these cookies fit right in.
• Gooey Center: Each cookie features a luscious apple butter center that adds a unique twist to the classic snickerdoodle.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for sharing but also perfect for keeping all to yourself.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process. Here’s what you’ll need:

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: This tool helps to cream ingredients quickly and evenly, resulting in a light and fluffy cookie dough.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows for organized ingredient preparation, making the cooking process more efficient.
• Baking sheets: A good quality baking sheet ensures even heat distribution, leading to perfectly baked cookies.

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 and Filling

• 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

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 to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Ingredients

In a large bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand mixer:
1. Cream together the butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and molasses.
2. Beat on low speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Scrape down the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

1. Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract.
2. Again, scrape down the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add in the following dry ingredients:
– All-purpose flour
– Baking powder
– Cream of tartar
– 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 with the ground cinnamon.

Step 6: Form Cookies

1. Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie.
2. Roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
3. Place on the baking sheet; use the back of a round tablespoon to indent each cookie’s center.
4. Fill each indentation with about ½ tablespoon of apple butter.
5. Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top of each filled cookie.

Step 7: Bake

Bake cookies spaced about 2-3 inches apart for 8-12 minutes or until edges are set. Let cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying!

How to Serve Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are perfect for any occasion, bringing warmth and sweetness to your gatherings. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a comforting afternoon treat.
• Tea: Enjoy with herbal or spiced tea for a cozy evening snack.
• Cider: Warm apple cider complements the apple flavors in the cookies beautifully.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Cheesecake Bites: Add mini cheesecake bites to create a rich dessert spread.
• Brownies: Include fudgy brownies for a chocolatey contrast to the spiced cookies.
• Fruit Tartlets: Fresh fruit tartlets offer a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the snickerdoodles.

For Special Occasions

• Birthday Celebrations: Make them part of your dessert table at birthday parties.
• Holiday Gatherings: Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas festivities, these cookies will impress your guests.

How to Perfect Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Achieving the perfect Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies is easy with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for outstanding results.

• Bold Creaming Technique: Ensure butter and cream cheese are well-creamed together until fluffy; this adds airiness to the cookies.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for better emulsification, leading to a smoother dough.
• Chill Dough if Necessary: If your dough feels too soft, chill it briefly in the refrigerator before baking for firmer cookies.
• Accurate Measurements: Measure flour properly by spooning it into the cup then leveling it off to avoid dense cookies.
• Use Parchment Paper: Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal and even baking.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their flavor profile. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances out the spices in the cookies perfectly.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and contrasts with the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a delicious breakfast or snack that goes well with snickerdoodles.
4. Cheese Board: Add assorted cheeses and nuts to elevate your dessert experience, offering savory notes alongside sweet treats.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent twist.
6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce on top or serve as a dip for added sweetness that pairs well with apple flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when it comes to cookies. Here are some common mistakes to avoid while making Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies.

• Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold ingredients can lead to dense cookies. Always let your butter and cream cheese sit out for a bit before starting.
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon and level method for accurate measurements.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long after adding flour can toughen your cookies. Mix until just combined for soft, chewy results.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
• Neglecting Cooling Time: Letting cookies cool on the baking sheet leads to overcooking. Transfer them to a wire rack after a few minutes for perfect texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months; just roll them in cinnamon sugar before baking.
• Baked cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat and cover until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies that you might find helpful.

How do I make Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies vegan?

To make these cookies vegan, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a flax egg instead of regular eggs.

What can I substitute for apple butter?

If you don’t have apple butter on hand, you can use homemade applesauce mixed with brown sugar and spices for a similar flavor.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the cookie dough before baking for added texture and flavor.

How should I store leftover Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer them chilled.

Final Thoughts

These delightful Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are perfect for fall baking and beyond. Their soft, chewy texture combined with the warm spices makes each bite irresistible. Feel free to customize your cookies by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!