If you are craving a cozy, irresistible treat that captures the essence of fall and a hint of sweetness that melts in your mouth, the Apple Butter Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies bring together the warm spices of cinnamon with the rich, fruity depth of apple butter to create a uniquely soft and flavorful cookie that feels like a hug in dessert form. Every bite offers a perfect balance of tender crumb, subtle spice, and a sparkle of cinnamon sugar that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just a simple indulgence, this recipe promises to become a beloved favorite in your cookie repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is straightforward, but each one plays a pivotal role in achieving the perfect texture, moisture, and taste. From the creamy butter that creates softness to the aromatic cinnamon that brings warmth, every component is essential.
- Unsalted butter (¾ cup, softened): This provides richness and a tender crumb, and softening it ensures easy mixing for fluffy dough.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and helps with the crispy edges when combined with butter.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Brings moisture and a subtle molasses flavor, enhancing the cookie’s depth.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Acts as a binder for the dough and adds structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors with its sweet, floral notes.
- Apple butter (½ cup): The heart of this recipe, giving that unmistakable fruity richness and moist texture.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups): The base that holds everything together, giving the cookies their body.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise lightly for softness.
- Cream of tartar (½ teaspoon): Helps with the stability and chewiness of the cookies.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The warming spice that ties everything into the classic apple-cinnamon sensation.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): For the cinnamon sugar coating, giving a delightful crunch and sparkle.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Mixed with sugar to create the perfect outer coating for a sweet spice kick.
- Optional toppings (extra apple butter, coarse sugar): These elevate the presentation and intensify flavor in a subtle but lovely way.
How to Make Apple Butter Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming the softened butter with both sugars until your mixture is light, fluffy, and full of promise for tender cookies. This is the foundation of your dough’s texture. Then, incorporate the egg and vanilla extract for richness before folding in the star ingredient: apple butter. Blending until smooth and evenly mixed ensures every bite bursts with that luscious apple flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Slowly add this aromatic dry mixture into your wet ingredients, being careful to mix just until combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing so your cookies stay soft and delicate instead of tough.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Let your dough chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial—chilling tightens the dough, helping it hold its shape during baking and enhancing the final texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
While waiting, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl to form the cinnamon sugar coating that will crown your cookies with sparkle and spice.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop the chilled dough into evenly sized balls, then roll each one generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place the coated balls on a lined baking sheet with some breathing room. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie—if you want to dial up the apple flavor, fill that well with a small spoonful of extra apple butter before baking.
Step 6: Bake
Pop your tray into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for edges that are set and centers that still feel soft — this guarantees a tender, chewy bite that will set perfectly as the cookies cool.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. If you want extra sparkle and a slight crunch, sprinkle them with coarse sugar while warm. Now, you have the perfect batch of Apple Butter Cinnamon Sugar Cookies ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Apple Butter Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your cookies by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce to echo their comforting flavors. A small dollop of apple butter on top is visually appealing and delicious, reinforcing the cookie’s fruity soul.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a hot cup of spiced tea or a creamy latte to complement the cinnamon’s warmth. For an indulgent touch, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a simple whipped cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these cookies into giftable treats by stacking them in a clear jar lined with rustic parchment paper, tied with a cinnamon stick or twine. For a party, arrange them on a wooden board garnished with fresh apple slices and autumn leaves to evoke the season’s charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Apple Butter Cinnamon Sugar Cookies stay soft and flavorful when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keep a slice of apple or a small piece of bread in the container to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
To enjoy these delicious cookies anytime, freeze the unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time for fresh-baked goodness. You can also freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm your cookies briefly in a microwave or oven to revive that fresh-from-the-oven glow. About 10 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes at 300°F in the oven will refresh their softness and aroma, making every bite just as delightful as the first.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought apple butter for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple butter works perfectly, just make sure it’s smooth and not too chunky to keep your cookie dough consistent. Homemade apple butter would also be fantastic if you prefer a personal touch.
What makes cream of tartar important in this recipe?
Cream of tartar stabilizes the dough’s texture and contributes to a tender chewiness. It also helps prevent sugar crystallization, which keeps your cookies soft and enjoyable.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free version?
Yes, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add some separately to help the dough hold together properly.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling is key because it firms up the dough, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in perfectly shaped, tender cookies with a delightful texture.
How do I ensure the cookies don’t become too hard?
Mixing the dough just until combined and not overbaking are your biggest secrets. Watch the baking time closely and take the cookies out when edges are set but centers still look soft; they will finish setting while cooling.
Final Thoughts
If you want a treat that feels like a warm embrace and fills your kitchen with the comforting scent of cinnamon and apples, this Apple Butter Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe is a must-try. It’s wonderfully simple, uniquely flavorful, and guaranteed to become a cookie lover’s favorite. So grab your mixing bowl, make a batch, and prepare to share smiles (and seconds) with everyone lucky enough to taste them.
Print
Apple Butter Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these soft and tender apple butter snickerdoodle cookies, perfectly coated in cinnamon sugar and filled with a luscious apple butter center. They offer a warm, spicy flavor with a hint of sweetness, making them a cozy treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup apple butter
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Topping
- Extra apple butter for the centers
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This helps create a soft cookie texture. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Gently mix in the apple butter until the dough is smooth and uniformly colored.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness in the cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape and improves texture when baking.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon thoroughly to create the coating mixture.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop the dough into evenly sized balls. Roll each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Place them spaced apart on a lined baking sheet. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each ball. Optionally, fill each indentation with a small spoonful of extra apple butter for added flavor.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers remain soft. The cookies will firm slightly as they cool.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Optionally, sprinkle with coarse sugar before serving to add a sparkling finish.
Notes
- Chilling the dough before baking is key to ensure the cookies hold their shape and have the perfect texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cookies tender.
- Adding a small dollop of apple butter in the center creates an extra moist and flavorful bite.
- Use room temperature egg for better incorporation into the dough.
- Coarse sugar sprinkled at the end adds a subtle crunch and decorative sparkle.
