Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are the perfect treat for those cozy fall days. With their soft and chewy texture, these cookies are swirled with warm spices that evoke the spirit of the season. Each cookie features a gooey apple butter center, enveloped in a delightful cinnamon sugar coating. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just want to indulge in a sweet snack, these cookies will surely impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apple butter and cinnamon creates a unique taste that is both comforting and festive.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these cookies without hassle.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a rainy day, these cookies fit right in.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Enjoy cookies that are not only visually appealing but also have the perfect bite.
• Gooey Center Surprise: The hidden apple butter center makes each cookie a delightful surprise.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and enhance your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools make creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a fluffy cookie dough.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to mix ingredients separately before combining them for better consistency.
• Baking sheets: Using quality baking sheets promotes even baking and prevents sticking.

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!

• 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
• 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) and line three baking sheets with parchment paper.

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 three minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Add Egg Mixture

Mix in:
1. The whole egg,
2. The additional yolk,
3. The vanilla extract.
Scrape down the bowl again to ensure everything is mixed well.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add:
1. The flour,
2. The baking powder,
3. The cream of tartar,
4. The fine sea salt.
Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

In a small bowl, combine:
1. The remaining sugar,
2. The ground cinnamon.

Then:
1. Scoop out two tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough.
2. Roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until thoroughly coated.
3. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two to three inches apart.
4. Use the back of a round tablespoon to create an indent in each ball.
5. Fill each indent with half a tablespoon of apple butter and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Bake your cookies for:
8–12 minutes or until edges are set.
Allow them to cool completely on wire racks before enjoying!

How to Serve Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are perfect for any occasion, and serving them right can enhance their deliciousness. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cookies can be paired with delightful accompaniments.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing, the creaminess of milk complements the sweet and spicy flavors of the cookies perfectly.

Warmed with Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve these cookies warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream enhances the gooey apple butter center, creating a heavenly dessert experience.

At a Fall Gathering

• Arrange these cookies on a festive platter for your next fall party. Their beautiful appearance and delicious aroma will surely impress your guests.

Accompanied by Hot Apple Cider

• Pairing these cookies with hot apple cider creates a warm and inviting flavor combination that is perfect for chilly days.

As Part of a Cookie Platter

• Include Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies in a cookie assortment. They add variety and an inviting spice to any dessert table.

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How to Perfect Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

To make your Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips to enhance their texture and flavor.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your butter, cream cheese, egg, and egg yolk are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter that blends easily.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.

• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.

• Check for doneness: Bake until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue cooking on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon sugar coating for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

These cookies shine on their own but can be even better when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some options that go well alongside your Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies:

1. Spiced Chai Tea
   This aromatic beverage pairs beautifully with the cinnamon notes in the cookies, enhancing their flavors.

2. Pumpkin Spice Latte
   A seasonal favorite, this latte adds creamy richness that balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

3. Cheese Board
   Include sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or creamy brie; they provide contrast to the sweet apple butter filling.

4. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of crisp apples, pears, and grapes offers a refreshing bite that complements the warm spices in the cookies.

5. Caramel Sauce Dip
   Serve alongside caramel sauce for dipping; its rich sweetness elevates each bite of cookie enjoyment.

6. Roasted Nuts
   A selection of spiced or candied nuts adds crunch and savory depth that pairs well with sweet desserts like these cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precision. Measuring by volume can lead to inconsistent cookie texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix until just combined to keep cookies tender. Overmixing can create tough cookies that lose their soft chewiness.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking. If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Using stale spices: Fresh spices give the best flavor. Check your spices for freshness before using them in your cookie recipe.
• Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve the right texture for your cookies.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months; wrap them well in plastic wrap.
• Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

Reheating Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on high for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies.

Can I use homemade apple butter?

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

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Cookies are done when the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue cooking as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I substitute other spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg or ginger for added warmth alongside cinnamon in your Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies.

What can I serve with these cookies?

These cookies pair excellently with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations!

Final Thoughts

Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are a delightful treat that combines warmth and sweetness, making them ideal for fall baking. Their chewy texture, infused with apple butter and spices, brings comfort and joy to any occasion. Feel free to customize these cookies with nuts or dried fruits for an extra twist!