Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are a delightful treat that encapsulates the essence of fall baking. With their soft and chewy texture, these cookies are infused with warm spices and feature a gooey apple butter center. Perfect for gatherings, cozy evenings, or simply indulging yourself, these cookies are a must-try for any dessert lover!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of apple butter and cinnamon creates a warm, comforting taste that’s perfect for fall.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy, making each bite enjoyable.
• Easy to Make: The straightforward instructions make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Great for Sharing: With 27 servings, they’re ideal for parties, potlucks, or simply sharing with friends and family.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or even with your morning coffee.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures smooth preparation and baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless and leads to well-blended ingredients.
• Baking sheets: Ensure even baking; using multiple sheets allows you to bake several batches at once.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.

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

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)

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) and line three baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Mixture

In a large bowl of a stand mixer or with 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 egg yolk,
3. The vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Scrape down the bowl again.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in:
1. All-purpose flour,
2. Baking powder,
3. Cream of tartar,
4. Fine sea salt until just combined.

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 cinnamon-sugar mixture and roll until coated.
3. Place on prepared baking sheets spaced 2-3 inches apart.
4. Use the back of a round tablespoon to create an indent in each cookie’s center.
5. Fill each indent with 1/2 tablespoon of apple butter and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for 8-12 minutes or until edges are set. Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on wire cooling racks before enjoying!

How to Serve Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Apple butter snickerdoodle cookies are perfect for sharing and enjoying with friends and family. Their warm spices and gooey centers make them a delightful treat for any occasion. Here are some great ways to serve these delicious cookies.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic combination that enhances their flavor and texture.

As Dessert Bars

• Stack several cookies on a plate and serve them as dessert bars at your next gathering, making it easy for guests to enjoy.

On a Cozy Dessert Platter

• Create a dessert platter with apple butter snickerdoodles, fresh fruit, and cheese. This adds variety and makes for an inviting presentation.

Alongside Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. The spices in the cookies complement the warmth of your drink perfectly.

At Fall Gatherings

• Serve these cookies at fall gatherings or Thanksgiving celebrations as they capture the essence of the season beautifully.

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How to Perfect Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

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

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing butter, cream cheese, and eggs to room temperature allows for better mixing, creating a smoother dough.
• Don’t overmix: Combine your ingredients until just blended to avoid tough cookies; overmixing can lead to dense results.
• Measure flour accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid adding too much, which can affect the texture of your cookies.
• Pay attention to baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when done.
• Cool completely before storing: Letting the cookies cool fully on a wire rack ensures they maintain their chewy texture and don’t become soggy in storage.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Apple butter snickerdoodle cookies pair well with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some delicious options you might consider serving alongside them.

1. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses like aged cheddar or brie can add a rich contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Fruit Salad
   Fresh fruits such as apples, pears, and berries provide a refreshing balance that enhances the overall experience.

3. Pumpkin Spice Latte
   This popular fall drink pairs beautifully with spiced desserts and adds an extra layer of flavor enjoyment.

4. Cinnamon Rolls
   These warm pastries echo the cinnamon notes in snickerdoodles and create a cozy breakfast option.

5. Hot Chocolate
   A rich and creamy hot chocolate complements the spice flavors of the cookies perfectly for chilly days.

6. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and sliced fruits for a healthy side that contrasts nicely with sweet treats.

7. Caramel Dip
   Serve caramel dip alongside apple slices for dipping, keeping with the apple theme while providing extra sweetness.

8. Chai Tea
   This spiced tea is another excellent beverage choice that harmonizes well with apple butter flavors in your cookie selection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies, even small mistakes can affect your results. Here are some common pitfalls and how to sidestep them.

• Using cold ingredients – Cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always use ingredients at room temperature for a smoother dough.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too much can make cookies tough. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated to keep them soft.
• Not measuring flour correctly – Too much flour can create dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Skipping the chilling step – If you skip chilling the dough, cookies may spread too much while baking. Chilling helps them hold their shape better.
• Underbaking or overbaking – Cookies should be slightly underbaked for a chewy center. Keep an eye on them in the oven; they will continue to cook on the tray after being removed.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes for a warm cookie experience.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies that might help you out.

Can I use homemade apple butter in this recipe?

Yes, homemade apple butter works well! Just ensure it’s smooth and not too watery.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can substitute with mascarpone cheese or vegan cream cheese if you’re looking for dairy-free options.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Look for edges that are set and lightly golden brown, while the center should look slightly underbaked.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies by folding in nuts or chocolate chips before baking.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are not just a treat; they offer warmth and comfort perfect for fall gatherings. You can easily customize them by adding your favorite spices or mix-ins. Try making them today and share this delightful experience with friends and family!