Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are the perfect treat for fall baking. Soft and chewy, they feature a delicious gooey apple butter center and a cinnamon sugar coating. Whether for a cozy family gathering or as a sweet surprise for friends, these cookies bring warmth and flavor to any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of apple butter and warm spices creates a unique taste that’s perfect for autumn.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Each cookie has a delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious cookies effortlessly.
• Versatile Treat: Great for parties, potlucks, or just an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Baking these cookies is a wonderful activity to do with children, making it a fun family project.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth, gather the essential tools before you start. Having the right equipment will help ensure your Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies turn out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming ingredients easy and ensures a light texture in your cookies.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Baking sheets: Provide a sturdy surface for baking multiple trays of cookies at once.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Ingredients

To create these delightful Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

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 (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 three baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for the cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream together the unsalted butter, cold cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and molasses on low speed. Mix for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in one large egg, one egg yolk, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Scrape down the bowl again to ensure everything is well mixed.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add in two cups of all-purpose flour, two teaspoons of baking powder, half a teaspoon of cream of tartar, and half a teaspoon of fine sea salt. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 5: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine one-third cup of cane granulated sugar with two teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Scoop about two tablespoons of dough into this mixture, rolling it around until fully coated. Place it on the prepared baking sheet and use the back of a round tablespoon to make an indent in the center.

Step 6: Fill with Apple Butter

Fill each indent with half a tablespoon of Musselman’s apple butter. Sprinkle some turbinado sugar on top before baking.

Step 7: Bake

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

How to Serve Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These delightful Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of their delicious flavors.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that enhances the cookie’s sweetness and soft texture. Whole, almond, or oat milk works beautifully.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies on a dessert platter alongside fresh fruit and nuts for an appealing and diverse treat selection.

Warm from the Oven

• Serve them warm straight from the oven for a gooey center. Just be careful, as they will be hot!

With Ice Cream

• Top these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

For Coffee Breaks

• Enjoy them with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. The warm spices complement both beverages perfectly.

How to Perfect Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Achieving the perfect Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Allow butter, cream cheese, and eggs to come to room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Measure flour accurately – Use the spoon-and-level method or a kitchen scale to avoid dense cookies caused by excess flour.

• Chill the dough if needed – If your dough is too soft, chilling it for 30 minutes can help shape the cookies better before baking.

• Keep an eye on baking time – Start checking your cookies at the 8-minute mark to prevent overbaking; edges should be set but centers may appear soft.

• Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust or add spices like nutmeg or ginger for different flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies can enhance your overall dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A medley of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness that complements the rich cookies.

2. Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda, which can balance out the sweetness of the cookies.

3. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and apples for a healthy yet indulgent side that contrasts nicely.

4. Spiced Nuts – Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy texture that pairs well with the soft cookies.

5. Pumpkin Soup – A warm bowl of pumpkin soup offers comforting flavors that resonate with fall baking themes.

6. Chocolate Fondue – For a fun twist, dip pieces of cookie into chocolate fondue for an extra sweet treat!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when making Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Incorrect butter temperature: Using melted butter instead of room temperature can lead to dense cookies. Ensure your butter is cool and soft for the perfect texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding flour can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a soft, chewy cookie.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for better shape.
• Using stale spices: Old spices can dull the flavors of your cookies. Always use fresh ground cinnamon and other spices to enhance the taste.
• Not measuring flour properly: Too much flour can result in dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for accurate measurements.
• Ignoring baking time: Overbaking can make your cookies hard. Keep an eye on them; they should be set at the edges but still soft in the middle.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag; they can last up to three months.

Reheating Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place the cookie in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies:

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Yes, homemade apple butter works great! Just ensure it’s thick enough to fill without making the cookies soggy.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend, adjusting as necessary for consistency.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with additional unsalted butter or use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if desired.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store leftover Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them by adding nuts or using different types of sugar. The combination of warm spices and gooey apple butter makes every bite special. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall!