Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are the perfect treat for fall baking! With a soft, chewy texture and warm spices, these cookies feature a gooey apple butter center that brings out the best of autumn flavors. Whether for a cozy gathering, holiday celebration, or just a sweet snack at home, these cookies will surely delight everyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of apple butter and warm spices creates a delicious taste that evokes the essence of fall.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Gooey Center: The apple butter filling adds a delightful surprise in each bite, setting these snickerdoodles apart from traditional recipes.
• Perfectly Soft Texture: Each cookie boasts a soft and chewy consistency that keeps you coming back for more.

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results when making your Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies, having the right tools is essential. 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
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and cream cheese effortless, ensuring light and fluffy dough.
• Mixing bowls: Various sizes help manage ingredients effectively during preparation.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to baking sheets, allowing for easy removal after baking.

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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

For the Dry Ingredients

• 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 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

Begin by lining 3 baking sheets with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

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 molasses on low speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in:
1. The large egg,
2. The egg yolk,
3. The vanilla extract.
4. Scrape down the bowl again to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add:
1. The all-purpose flour,
2. Baking powder,
3. Cream of tartar,
4. Fine sea salt.

Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 5: Prepare Cookies for Baking

In a small bowl:
1. Combine cane granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
2. Scoop out 2 tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough into the bowl of cinnamon sugar.
3. Roll until fully coated.
4. Place on prepared baking sheets and use the back of a round tablespoon to create an indent in each ball.

Step 6: Add Apple Butter Filling

Fill each indent with 1/2 tablespoon of apple butter, then sprinkle with turbinado sugar.

Step 7: Bake

Bake cookies spaced 2-3 inches apart for about 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 delicious apple butter snickerdoodle cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that complements their soft texture and warm spices.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Create a dessert platter with an assortment of treats, including brownies and fruit tarts, to offer variety and color at gatherings.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert that melts in your mouth.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on each cookie for a creamy contrast that elevates their deliciousness.

With Fresh Fruit

• Enjoy these cookies alongside slices of fresh apples or pears for a refreshing balance to the sweet flavors.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Serve with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea to enhance the cozy, fall-inspired flavors of the cookies.

How to Perfect Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Follow these tips to ensure your apple butter snickerdoodle cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter and better texture in the final cookie.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately. This prevents dense cookies that result from packing too much flour into the measuring cup.
• Chill the Dough: If possible, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and results in thicker, chewier cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. Remove them when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked for optimal softness.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add extra spices like nutmeg or ginger to customize the flavor profile according to your taste preferences.
• Store Properly: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, ensuring they remain soft and fresh.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These apple butter snickerdoodle cookies pair beautifully with various side dishes. Consider serving them alongside these options:

1. Chai-Spiced Nuts
   Roasted nuts seasoned with chai spices provide crunch and warmth that complement the cookie’s flavors.

2. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses—like brie and cheddar—adds savory notes that balance the sweetness of the cookies.

3. Caramel Sauce
   Drizzling a bit of warm caramel sauce over each cookie can enhance their decadence and appeal.

4. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits brings freshness and brightness, creating a perfect contrast to rich cookies.

5. Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn
   Sweet popcorn coated in cinnamon sugar offers a fun snack that echoes the flavors found in snickerdoodles.

6. Pumpkin Soup
   A bowl of creamy pumpkin soup serves as a warm starter that pairs nicely with sweet desserts like these cookies.

7. Vanilla Pudding
   Silky vanilla pudding is a comforting side dish that harmonizes well with spiced flavors from the snickerdoodles.

8. Apple Cider Donuts
   For an extra apple twist, serve alongside mini apple cider donuts that bring additional seasonal flavor to your dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking these Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies can be fun, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Using Cold Ingredients: If your butter or cream cheese is too cold, it won’t cream properly. Make sure they are at cool room temperature for best results.
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping it directly. This prevents packed flour, which can make cookies dense.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Every oven is different. Always preheat and consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
• Skipping the Cooling Period: Allowing cookies to cool on a wire rack is crucial. This helps them set properly and enhances their texture.

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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 in an airtight container.
• Wrap baked cookies in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a skillet on low heat and warm the cookie for about 1-2 minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make apple butter from scratch?

You can make apple butter by cooking down apples with spices and sweeteners until they become thick and spreadable. Use a slow cooker or stovetop method.

Can I substitute apple butter with other ingredients?

Yes, you can use pumpkin puree or other fruit butters if you want a different flavor profile while keeping the same texture.

Are Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it isn’t gluten-free. You can replace it with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.

How long do these cookies last?

Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies last about a week when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I customize these cookies?

Absolutely! Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or different spices like nutmeg for added flavor variations.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. Their soft texture and gooey centers make them perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. Don’t hesitate to customize the recipe with your favorite flavors or mix-ins!