If you love warm, cozy flavors and soft, chewy cookies, these Apple Butter Cookies will be your new favorite treat! Made with rich apple butter, warm spices, and brown sugar, these cookies are bursting with fall-inspired flavors in every bite.
They have soft centers, slightly crisp edges, and a hint of cinnamon, making them perfect for pairing with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a family gathering, or just because—you’ll love how easy and delicious these cookies are!
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Why You’ll Love These Apple Butter Cookies
- Soft, chewy, and full of warm fall flavors! 🍏🍂
- Made with simple pantry ingredients—no fancy tools needed.
- A great way to use up apple butter (homemade or store-bought!).
- Perfect for holiday baking, gift-giving, or an everyday treat.
- Easy to customize—add nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of icing!
What Do Apple Butter Cookies Taste Like?
These cookies are sweet, buttery, and infused with apple cinnamon goodness. The apple butter gives them a deep, caramel-like richness, while the brown sugar keeps them soft and chewy. Each bite has warm hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, making them taste like a cross between apple pie and a snickerdoodle!
Ingredients for Apple Butter Cookies
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120g) apple butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- ½ cup white chocolate or cinnamon chips for extra sweetness
- A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top for a bakery-style finish
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop (for even-sized cookies)
- Wire rack for cooling
How to Make Apple Butter Cookies
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
4. Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the apple butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine & Chill
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes—this helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavors!
6. Scoop & Bake
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool & Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
What to Serve with Apple Butter Cookies
- A warm cup of chai, coffee, or apple cider for the ultimate cozy treat.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
- A drizzle of caramel or cinnamon glaze for extra sweetness.
- Crumble them over Greek yogurt for a fun breakfast twist.
Tips for the Best Apple Butter Cookies
- Use high-quality apple butter for the best flavor—homemade or store-bought!
- Chill the dough to prevent spreading and enhance the flavors.
- Don’t overbake! The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- For extra chewiness, replace half of the granulated sugar with more brown sugar.
- Make them festive! Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking.
How to Store & Freeze Apple Butter Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to 7 days for extra freshness.
- Freeze the Dough: Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen (add 1-2 minutes to baking time).
- Freeze Baked Cookies: Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade apple butter?
Yes! Homemade apple butter adds an extra depth of flavor, but store-bought works great too.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling is optional, but it helps the cookies hold their shape and develop a deeper flavor.
Can I make these into cookie bars?
Yes! Press the dough into a 9×9-inch pan and bake for 18-22 minutes until golden.
Try These Apple Butter Cookies Today!
These Apple Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with cozy fall flavors—perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cozy afternoon treat, or just because, they’re guaranteed to fill your kitchen with warm, spiced aromas and keep everyone coming back for more.
If you make this recipe, let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest so you can make it again. Happy baking! 🍏🍪✨