If you love classic snickerdoodles but want to elevate them with a cozy, autumnal twist, this Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe is the one to bookmark. Imagine soft, chewy cookies infused with the warm essence of apple butter and rolled in that irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating you know and adore. They strike the perfect balance of comforting spice and subtle fruitiness, making them a standout treat whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a little self-care moment. This recipe turns a simple cookie into a memorable flavor experience that’s as inviting as a crisp fall afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and visual appeal of these Apple Butter Snickerdoodles. From the creamy butter providing richness to the cinnamon adding that signature warmth, every bite will please your senses.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives your cookies a tender, buttery base that’s simply divine.
- 1/2 cup apple butter: Infuses the dough with deep apple flavor and moistness.
- 3/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the cookies while helping achieve a soft yet slightly crisp texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds a bit of chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with subtle warmth.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of your cookies, giving them that perfect crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Key for that classic snickerdoodle spice and aroma.
- 1/4 cup sugar (for rolling): Creates the iconic crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating.
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). Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze and keeping those snickerdoodles perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Apple Butter, and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, apple butter, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies a wonderfully soft texture with just the right amount of moisture from the apple butter.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined, ensuring the dough is smooth and ready to embrace the dry ingredients. The vanilla adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the apple butter beautifully.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This blend not only provides structure but also evenly distributes the cinnamon that defines your snickerdoodle’s signature flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as you want to keep the cookies tender and soft rather than dense or tough.
Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar for Rolling
In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This blend will coat your cookie dough balls and give them their beautiful, crackly crust and irresistible aroma once baked.
Step 7: Shape and Coat the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This extra step is what makes these Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe cookies stand out visually and flavor-wise.
Step 8: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the cinnamon-sugar coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have enough room to spread without sticking together.
Step 9: Bake and Cool
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly without losing their chewy texture.
How to Serve Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce can add a beautiful finishing touch to your Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe. For a festive twist, sprinkle a few finely chopped toasted walnuts on top for crunch and nutty flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea, pumpkin spice latte, or simply a glass of cold milk. If you’re serving them as part of a larger dessert spread, consider adding spiced apple cider or a bowl of vanilla bean ice cream to elevate the cozy vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming gift or party treat, stack a few Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe cookies tied with a rustic twine ribbon and include a homemade apple butter jar alongside. They also look gorgeous served on a pretty platter with caramel dipping sauce or alongside fresh apple slices for a well-rounded fall-themed snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep their soft texture and flavor for up to 4-5 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy weeks or upcoming gatherings.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. You can bake them straight from the freezer, just add a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen in containers separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat cookies in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will revive their soft, chewy nature and melt any cinnamon-sugar coating irresistibly.
FAQs
Can I substitute apple butter with something else?
While apple butter is key to the distinctive flavor in this recipe, you can experiment with pumpkin butter or pear butter as alternatives. Just note the flavor profile will shift slightly, but either will still lend lovely moisture and spice notes.
Why do snickerdoodles traditionally use cream of tartar, and can I skip it here?
Traditional snickerdoodles often use cream of tartar to produce a tangy flavor and characteristic chewiness. This Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe uses baking soda alone for a slightly softer, more tender cookie without that tang, so cream of tartar isn’t necessary.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted and chill the dough if it feels very soft. Also, spacing the dough balls properly and baking at the right temperature ensures they hold their shape with just the right spread.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make this Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe vegan, try substituting the butter with a plant-based spread, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water). The texture might differ slightly, but the flavors remain wonderful.
Do I need to roll the dough in cinnamon sugar before baking?
Absolutely yes! Rolling the dough balls in cinnamon sugar gives snickerdoodles their iconic crackly exterior and adds a burst of cinnamon flavor in each bite. Don’t skip this step if you want an authentic experience.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe enough for anyone craving a heartwarming, flavor-packed cookie. It’s a perfect little luxury to bring into your kitchen when you want something both familiar and refreshingly new. Go ahead and bake a batch—you’ll soon have a favorite cookie everyone asks for again and again!
Print
Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the soft and flavorful Apple Butter Snickerdoodles, a twist on the classic cookie made with apple butter for a warm, autumnal taste. These cookies are perfectly spiced with cinnamon and have a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
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
For Rolling
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the 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.
- Cream Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, apple butter, and 3/4 cup sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing well until everything is fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to ensure even distribution of the leavening and spices.
- Mix Dry with Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon to create the rolling mixture that will give the cookies their signature crust.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, making sure they are uniform in size for even baking.
- Coat Cookies: Roll each dough ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until completely covered.
- Arrange on Sheet and Bake: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown hue.
- Cool Down: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep cookies tender.
- Cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking to maintain softness.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, you may increase cinnamon in the coating mixture slightly.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
