Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are the perfect fall treat! With their soft and chewy texture, they bring the cozy flavors of autumn right into your kitchen. The gooey apple butter center and cinnamon sugar coating make these cookies a delightful indulgence. They’re great for gatherings, family events, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea. Experience the warmth and comfort of fall baking with each delicious bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of apple butter and warm spices creates a unique and delicious cookie.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual afternoon snack, these cookies fit right in.
• Chewy Texture: Each cookie has a soft and chewy consistency that keeps you coming back for more.
• A Fun Twist on Tradition: These snickerdoodles put an exciting spin on the classic recipe with a fruity filling.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

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: Makes creaming ingredients together easier and ensures a light, fluffy texture.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheets, making cleanup effortless.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect cookie consistency.

Ingredients

To create these delightful Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies, you’ll 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

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 Coating & 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 prepare for baking.

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. Mix on low speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in:
1. The egg,
2. The egg yolk,
3. The vanilla extract.
4. Mix until fully combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in:
1. The flour,
2. The baking powder,
3. The cream of tartar,
4. The fine sea salt.
5. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Shape and Fill Cookies

In a small bowl:
1. Combine the remaining sugar with the cinnamon.
2. Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough, roll it in cinnamon sugar until coated.
3. Place it on prepared baking sheets; use the back of a tablespoon to create an indent in each dough ball.
4. Fill each indent with 1/2 tablespoon of apple butter and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake:
– Place cookies spaced 2-3 inches apart in the oven for 8-12 minutes or until edges are set.
– Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire cooling rack before enjoying!

How to Serve Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy fall gathering or a festive holiday party. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Warm Beverage

• Pair with hot apple cider for a comforting autumn treat.
• Enjoy alongside a cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness of the cookies.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a dessert platter with other seasonal treats like pumpkin spice muffins and caramel popcorn.
• Add fresh apple slices and nuts for an appealing and delicious display.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create ice cream sandwiches by placing your favorite vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

Gift-Wrapped Goodies

• Package cookies in decorative boxes or bags as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
• Include a handwritten recipe card to share the joy of baking.

How to Perfect Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies is key. Follow these tips to ensure every batch turns out just right.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for optimal creaming and mixing.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents overpacking.
• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them maintain their shape.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Remove them when the edges are set but the centers are still soft for chewy results.
• Store Properly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and softness.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies can be complemented with various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Consider these delicious pairings:

1. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses like brie or cheddar pairs nicely with sweet cookies. Add fruits and nuts for variety.
2. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit salad adds a light, refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
3. Caramel Dip: Serve with a creamy caramel dip for those who enjoy an extra sweet treat.
4. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup balances the sweetness of the cookies, making it ideal for fall gatherings.
5. Chai Latte: The spiced notes of chai tea complement the cinnamon in snickerdoodles beautifully.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie halves into chocolate fondue for an indulgent dessert experience.
7. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can enhance each bite, especially when served alongside warm cookies.
8. Nut Mix: A crunchy nut mix offers texture and savory notes that contrast well with sweet flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, but avoiding common mistakes will help you create perfect Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies every time.

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at cool room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly and create a fluffy texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately. This prevents cookies from being too dry or crumbly.
• Skipping the chilling step: If your dough feels too soft, chill it for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape.
• Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when the edges are set, even if they look slightly underbaked in the center.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies 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 cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for about 1 minute on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies?

Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are soft, chewy cookies filled with apple butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar, perfect for fall baking.

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Yes! Homemade apple butter works wonderfully in this recipe and adds a personal touch.

How can I customize Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies?

You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts, or mix in chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.

Are these cookies suitable for gifts?

Absolutely! Pack them in a decorative box or tin for a delightful homemade gift.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough to customize. With their soft texture and warm spices, they’re perfect for any occasion. Try them today and enjoy the delightful flavors of fall!