Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the fall season! With their soft and chewy texture, warm spices, and gooey apple butter center, they bring comfort and joy to any occasion. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday treats, or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of apple butter and cinnamon creates a warm, comforting taste that reminds you of autumn.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze even for beginners.
• Gooey Center: Each cookie features a luscious apple butter filling that makes every bite deliciously indulgent.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 27 cookies in one batch, they are great for sharing at parties or with friends and family.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as an afternoon pick-me-up or serve them as dessert at your next gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes mixing the dough easy and ensures all ingredients are well combined.
• Baking sheets: Provide a sturdy surface for baking your cookies evenly without sticking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheets, ensuring easy removal.

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 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

For Topping

• 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 3 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Butter Mixture

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 on low speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in:
1. The egg,
2. The egg yolk,
3. The vanilla extract.

Scrape down the bowl again to combine all ingredients well.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Mix in:
1. The flour,
2. The baking powder,
3. The cream of tartar,
4. The salt.

Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Prepare Cookies for Baking

In a small bowl:
1. Combine the sugar and cinnamon for rolling.

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon:
1. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
2. Roll each dough ball until completely coated.
3. Place them on the prepared baking sheet spaced 2-3 inches apart.
4. Use the back of a round tablespoon to create an indent in each cookie.
5. Fill each indent with about 1/2 tablespoon of apple butter and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about:
8-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers may look slightly soft. Let cool completely on wire racks before enjoying!

How to Serve Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are delightful and versatile, making them perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, here are some creative serving suggestions.

With Warm Beverages

• Coffee or Tea: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy with rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for a sweet indulgence.

As Dessert Platters

• Cookie Assortment: Add these cookies to a dessert platter with other favorites like brownies and bars for a delightful variety.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor for a fun twist.

At Special Events

• Birthday Parties: Serve these cookies on a festive table as part of the dessert options.
• Holiday Gatherings: Include them in your holiday cookie tray to spread seasonal cheer.

How to Perfect Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

To ensure your Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps achieve a creamy texture when mixing the butter and cream cheese.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cookies.
• Chill the Dough Slightly: If the dough is too soft, chill it for 15-30 minutes before rolling to make handling easier.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; take them out when the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies can be complemented beautifully by various side dishes. Here are some ideas that pair well together.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda to create a savory contrast against the sweet cookies.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing side that cuts through the richness of the cookies.
4. Nut Mix: Offer a selection of spiced nuts for crunch and flavor that complements the soft texture of the snickerdoodles.
5. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your cookie plate for an extra decadent touch.
6. Spiced Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider alongside these cookies for a comforting fall-inspired pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking these Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure perfect results.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense texture instead of the soft, chewy cookies you desire.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mix just until combined when adding flour and dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid packing it down. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Skipping the Chilling Step: If you find your dough too sticky, chill it for about 30 minutes before scooping. This makes it easier to handle and results in better shape while baking.
• Ignoring Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven. Baking them too long will turn them hard instead of leaving them soft and chewy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, watching closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have some questions about making Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Yes! Homemade apple butter is a great substitute for store-bought varieties and adds a personal touch to your cookies.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone or vegan cream cheese as alternatives if you’re looking for different flavor profiles or dietary options.

How do I make these cookies vegan?

Replace the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water, use dairy-free butter, and opt for plant-based cream cheese.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

How should I serve these cookies?

These delicious Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are perfect with tea or coffee, making them an excellent treat for gatherings or cozy evenings at home.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are a perfect way to embrace fall flavors with their soft texture and gooey centers. They’re versatile enough to customize with various mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, ensuring everyone will love them. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the warm, comforting taste of autumn!