Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe

If you’re ready to discover a cookie that perfectly blends cozy fall flavors with a soft, chewy bite, look no further than this Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe. These delightful treats take the classic snickerdoodle to a new level by infusing every bite with the rich, spiced sweetness of apple butter, creating a warm and comforting cookie experience that’s impossible to resist. The cinnamon sugar coating adds just the right amount of crunch and spice, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether for afternoon tea or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe so charming is how simple the ingredients are, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor balance. From creamy butter to fragrant cinnamon, every element adds something special.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich and tender base for the cookie dough, ensuring a soft texture.
• 1/2 cup apple butter: Brings that signature fruity-spiced sweetness that makes these snickerdoodles unique.
• 3/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create the light, fluffy texture.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture for perfect chewiness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm vanilla note.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving structure to the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft bite.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds that classic snickerdoodle spicy warmth, paired perfectly with the apple butter.
• 1/4 cup sugar (for rolling): Coats the cookie dough balls, giving a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior with every bite.

How to Make Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat—this will prevent your cookies from sticking and help them bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Apple Butter, and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, apple butter, and 3/4 cup sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This usually takes about two minutes and is the secret to getting tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. This step ensures your dough is smooth and flavorful throughout.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening and spices evenly.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn tough.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Combine 1/4 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will coat the dough balls, providing that classic crunchy, flavorful crust.

Step 7: Shape and Roll the Dough Balls

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then generously roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Giving each ball an even coating ensures every cookie has that signature snickerdoodle crunch on the outside.

Step 8: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place your coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each to give them room to spread as they bake.

Step 9: Bake and Cool

Bake for about 8-10 minutes until the edges turn golden brown—the smell alone will make your kitchen feel like fall! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm, try sprinkling a little powdered sugar on top or adding a dollop of whipped cream tinted with cinnamon. You could also drizzle a light caramel sauce for that indulgent finish.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea, freshly brewed coffee, or even spiced apple cider. Serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a tempting dessert that’s sure to impress.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Apple Butter Snickerdoodles on a rustic wooden board alongside dried apple slices and cinnamon sticks for an inviting autumnal display. Wrapping a few in parchment and tying with twine also makes a lovely homemade gift idea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your baked Apple Butter Snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They remain soft and flavorful, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later, freeze the unbaked dough balls arranged on a tray first, then transfer them to a sealed container or freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from the freezer—just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To refresh your cookies after storage, warm them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to regain that freshly baked softness and aroma.

FAQs

Can I substitute apple butter with something else?

Apple butter is key to the unique flavor of this Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe, but you can try pear butter or pumpkin butter for a different twist. Just note that it will change the flavor profile slightly.

Why do we roll the cookie dough in cinnamon sugar?

Rolling the dough in cinnamon sugar creates a delicious, slightly crunchy outer layer that perfectly complements the soft interior and enhances the warm, spiced flavors.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Using salted butter is fine—you may want to skip or reduce the added salt to keep the flavors balanced and avoid over-salting.

How thick are the cookies supposed to be after baking?

Apple Butter Snickerdoodles should be soft and a bit puffy, spreading just enough to be about 1/3 inch thick, with golden edges and a tender center.

Are these cookies kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet apple butter and gentle cinnamon spice make these cookies a hit among kids, perfect for school snacks or family gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe is one of those delightful finds that brings warmth and a touch of nostalgia with every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a loved one or treating yourself, they’re sure to become a beloved staple in your cookie rotation. Don’t wait to whip up a batch—you’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodles are soft, chewy cookies infused with cinnamon and a subtle apple butter flavor, rolled in a cinnamon-sugar coating for the perfect sweet and spiced treat. Ideal for fall or any time you want a cozy cookie with a fruity twist.

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Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup apple butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, apple butter, and 3/4 cup sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring the batter is smooth and homogenous.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spice.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients bowl, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookie dough.
6. Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Mix: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to create the coating for the cookie dough balls.
7. Form and Coat Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and then roll each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated for maximum flavor and texture.
8. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
9. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn a golden brown shade, which indicates they are properly cooked but still soft inside.
10. Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for several minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• For softer cookies, do not overbake; remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden brown.
• Ensure the butter is properly softened to cream it well with the sugars for the best texture.
• Apple butter adds natural moisture and flavor, but you can substitute with pumpkin butter for a fall variation.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
• If you prefer a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the rolling sugar mixture by 1/2 teaspoon.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American