These apple butter cookies are sweet and soft, packed with yummy apple flavor! They’re perfect for a cozy treat any time of the day.
I love making these cookies in the fall when apples are fresh. They make the house smell amazing, and they’re great with a cup of tea. Who can resist a warm cookie? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Butter: This is the star of the show! If you don’t have apple butter, you can make a quick substitute by cooking down applesauce with some sugar and spices until thick. This adds a lovely flavor, but apple butter gives a deeper taste.
Unsalted Butter: You can use margarine or coconut oil if you prefer a dairy-free option. Just make sure the coconut oil is softened so it mixes well!
Granulated & Brown Sugar: Both types of sugar create a lovely sweetness. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using less or substituting with coconut sugar or maple sugar for a different flavor.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but they may make the cookies a bit softer. Instant oats aren’t recommended as they can change the texture too much.
Nuts and Dried Fruit: Feel free to skip the nuts if allergies are a concern! You can also replace dried fruit with chocolate chips for a nice twist.
How Do You Achieve Chewy Cookies Every Time?
The key to making sure your cookies turn out chewy is in the mixing and baking time. When you cream the butter and sugars, air gets in, which makes the cookies rise. However, don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients—just mix until everything is incorporated.
- Cook them until just lightly golden; they’ll continue to set as they cool.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet first, as they firm up slightly during this time.
By keeping these tips in mind, we can create delicious cookies that are soft and chewy, perfect for sharing or enjoying alone with a warm drink. Happy baking!
How to Make Apple Butter Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins or chopped dried cranberries (optional)
For The Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons apple butter (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 10-12 minutes for baking. You’ll want to let the cookies cool for a bit before adding the glaze. In total, you should plan for about 40-50 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line your baking sheets with parchment paper so that the cookies don’t stick.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, apple butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream everything together until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth, ensuring everything is well blended.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and spices throughout the flour.
5. Combine Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies could be tough!
6. Add Oats and Optional Items:
Gently fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats, along with any optional ingredients like chopped nuts or dried fruit.
7. Shape the Cookies:
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. You can flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers for a nice shape.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. This will lead to chewy deliciousness!
9. Cool and Prepare the Glaze:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Drizzle the Glaze:
To prepare the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of apple butter until smooth. Once the cookies are cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then dive in! These cookies are perfect for any occasion or just a cozy evening at home.
With their delicious chewy texture, warm flavors of apple, cinnamon, and nuts complemented by a light glaze, these apple butter cookies are bound to be a favorite!
Can I Use Homemade Apple Butter for These Cookies?
Absolutely! Homemade apple butter can add a personal touch and unique flavor to your cookies. Just ensure it’s smooth and not too watery for the best results!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them if you prefer them chilled, but they might lose some of their chewiness.
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked cookie dough. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag once frozen. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Substitute for Eggs in This Recipe?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for a few minutes to gel). This will help bind the ingredients together while keeping the flavor delicious!