Apple Butter Cookies

Apple Butter Cookies are a warm and aromatic treat, perfect for fall or any time you’re craving something sweet and spiced. With the rich, comforting flavor of apple butter and a blend of warm spices, these cookies are soft, chewy, and full of flavor. They’re simple to make and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

• 1 cup apple butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the apple butter, softened butter, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.
3. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden at the edges.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 2 dozen cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes

Variations

• Add Nuts: You can add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture of the cookies.
• Use Spiced Apple Butter: If you prefer a stronger flavor, use spiced apple butter for an extra kick of cinnamon and clove.
• Add a Glaze: Drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple powdered sugar glaze for an added touch of sweetness.
• Make it Vegan: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter in place of the unsalted butter.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To enjoy the cookies warm, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I substitute the apple butter with applesauce? While apple butter provides a rich flavor, applesauce can be used as a substitute, though the texture and taste may differ slightly.
2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by half to balance the flavor.
3. How can I make these cookies more flavorful? You can increase the spice levels by adding more cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of ginger for an extra kick.
4. Can I add dried fruit to these cookies? Yes, you can add small pieces of dried apples, raisins, or cranberries for an additional fruity texture.
5. What should I do if the dough is too sticky? If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking to make it easier to handle.
6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may be slightly different.
7. Do these cookies freeze well? Yes, these cookies freeze well. Just make sure they are completely cooled before storing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
8. Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies? Yes, adding chocolate chips would provide a nice contrast to the spices, making them even more indulgent.
9. Why are my cookies spreading too much? If the cookies spread too much, you might want to chill the dough for 10-15 minutes before baking, or check that you’re using the correct measurements for flour.
10. How do I know when the cookies are done? The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges. If they are too soft in the center, bake for a minute or two longer, but be careful not to overbake.

Conclusion

Apple Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the warm, comforting flavors of fall to your kitchen year-round. Soft and chewy, with a perfect blend of spices, these cookies are easy to make and are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or shared with friends and family, these cookies will bring a smile to everyone’s face!

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