Apple Butter Cookies

Warm, spiced, and irresistibly chewy, Apple Butter Cookies are the epitome of fall comfort wrapped in a bite-sized treat. Each cookie is bursting with rich apple butter flavor, complemented by the subtle crunch of chopped nuts or white chocolate chips, and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. They taste like a cozy autumn afternoon—sweet, spiced, and nostalgic.

What makes these cookies stand out is their perfectly soft texture, balanced sweetness, and the way apple butter infuses them with natural fruit flavor without being overpowering. Whether you’re baking for a fall gathering, a holiday tray, or just a comforting snack with your coffee, these cookies check all the boxes.

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Ingredients for Apple Butter Cookies

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup apple butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup chopped white chocolate or nuts (optional)
• Extra apple chunks or chips for topping (optional, as seen in image)

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Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and light in color—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.

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Step 2: Add Apple Butter, Egg, and Vanilla

To the creamed butter mixture, add the apple butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated. The batter will take on a slightly caramel-like aroma and a rich golden hue.

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Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These warm spices are key to giving the cookies their cozy, seasonal flavor.

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Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the cookies soft and tender.

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Step 5: Fold in Extras

If you’re using chopped white chocolate or nuts, gently fold them into the dough. This step is optional but adds great texture and richness to the cookies.

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Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading and deepens the flavor.

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Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For extra visual appeal, press a few apple chunks or chips on top of each dough ball before baking.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooled, serve your apple butter cookies with a warm drink, or store them for later (see Part 3!). They’re even better the next day when the flavors have settled in.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Apple Butter Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy them for longer, refrigerate them for up to 10 days—just bring them back to room temp before serving for the best texture.

For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie – Approximate)

• Calories: 160
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Sugar: 14g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 90mg

These values can vary depending on your exact ingredients and portion size.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does apple butter do in cookies?

Apple butter adds rich apple flavor, natural sweetness, and moisture, resulting in soft, chewy cookies with a hint of spice.

Can I use applesauce instead of apple butter?

Applesauce has more water content and less intensity in flavor. You can use it, but the texture will be softer and the taste more subtle.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for similar results.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling helps reduce spreading and enhances the flavor, but the recipe still works well if you’re in a hurry and skip that step.

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely. Portion the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

Are these cookies overly sweet?

Not at all. The apple butter adds sweetness without making them sugary. If using white chocolate, the balance is just right.

What type of apple butter works best?

Use a thick, unsweetened or lightly sweetened apple butter for best results. Homemade or store-bought both work well.

Can I add oats or raisins?

Definitely! Add 1/2 cup of rolled oats or raisins for a heartier, more textured version of the cookie.

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