Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat, perfect for fall baking. With a soft and chewy texture, these cookies feature a gooey apple butter center and are rolled in cinnamon sugar, making them irresistible! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking to enjoy something sweet at home, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warm spices and apple butter creates a unique taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Versatile Dessert: Great for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family night or a festive gathering, these cookies fit right in.
• Gooey Center: The apple butter filling adds an unexpected but delicious surprise with every bite.
• Perfectly Spiced: The cinnamon sugar coating perfectly complements the apple flavor, making each cookie feel like a warm hug.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delectable cookies, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugars easy and ensures a light, fluffy texture in your dough.
• Baking sheets: Provide the perfect surface for even baking of your cookies.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows your cookies to cool down properly after baking, preventing sogginess.

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 the Cookies

• 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

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 using a hand mixer:
1. Cream together the unsalted butter, cold cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and molasses on low speed for about 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 large egg yolk,
3. The vanilla extract,
Scraping 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.

Step 5: Prepare Cookies for Baking

In a small bowl:
1. Combine cane granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
Then:
1. Scoop out a 2-tablespoon-sized ball of cookie dough into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
2. Roll it around until completely coated.
3. Place on the baking sheet.
4. Use the back of a round tablespoon to indent the center of each ball.
5. Fill each indent with 1/2 tablespoon of apple butter and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Bake:
– Space cookies 2-3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets for about 8-12 minutes or until edges are set.
Let cool on wire racks before enjoying!

How to Serve Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Their soft texture and cinnamon-sugar coating make them a comforting treat any time of year, especially in the fall.

With a Cup of Hot Beverage

• Coffee – The rich flavors of coffee pair wonderfully with the warm spices in the cookies.
• Tea – A soothing cup of herbal tea complements the sweetness and adds to the cozy experience.
• Hot Chocolate – For a decadent treat, serve alongside a mug of creamy hot chocolate.

At a Gathering

• Dessert Table – Arrange them on a dessert table for parties or gatherings; they are sure to be a hit!
• Gift Boxes – Package them in festive boxes for friends or family as a homemade gift.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream – Place a warm cookie atop a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream – Enhance the cinnamon flavor by serving with cinnamon ice cream.

How to Perfect Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

To ensure your apple butter snickerdoodle cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough – Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Bring butter and eggs to room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness.
• Measure Flour Accurately – Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour, preventing dense cookies.
• Don’t Overbake – Remove cookies from the oven when edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked for that chewy texture.
• Experiment with Apple Butter Brands – Different brands can offer varying flavors; choose one that suits your taste.
• Store Properly – Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your apple butter snickerdoodle cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses like brie and aged cheddar pairs well with sweet cookies, balancing flavors nicely.
2. Fruit Salad – A mix of fresh fruits adds brightness and freshness, complementing the spices in the cookies.
3. Nut Mix – Roasted nuts provide crunch and savory flavors that contrast beautifully with sweet cookies.
4. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing side that balances sweetness.
5. Cinnamon-Spiced Apples – Serve warm spiced apples as a side dish that echoes the apple flavor in the cookies.
6. Pumpkin Soup – A small cup of creamy pumpkin soup offers warmth and richness, perfect for fall gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking these Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are a few tips to help you achieve perfect cookies every time.

• Incorrect butter temperature: Using melted butter instead of cool room temperature butter can change the texture of your cookies. Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best results.

• Not measuring flour accurately: Overpacking flour can lead to dense cookies. Use a spoon to fluff the flour, then scoop and level it off with a straight edge for precise measurement.

• Skipping chilling the dough: Chilling the cookie dough helps prevent spreading during baking. If time allows, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.

• Overbaking the cookies: Baking too long can result in dry cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

• Ignoring cooling time: Letting cookies cool on a wire rack is crucial for achieving the right texture. Allow them to cool completely to enhance their flavor and consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• For optimal freshness, freeze unbaked cookie dough balls and bake straight from frozen!

Reheating Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds; be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat with a lid for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies that might help you in your baking journey.

How long do Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies last?

These cookies can last up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Yes! Homemade apple butter works beautifully and adds a personal touch to your Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with an equal amount of softened mascarpone cheese or leave it out entirely for a different texture.

How do I make my cookies more chewy?

To achieve chewier cookies, try adding an extra egg yolk or reducing the baking time slightly so they remain soft inside.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies by adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them by adding mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. With their gooey apple butter center and delightful cinnamon sugar coating, they are sure to become a favorite treat this fall season. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these irresistible cookies!