If you adore the cozy, nostalgic flavors of classic snickerdoodles but crave a warm twist that captures the essence of autumn, then the Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These soft, cinnamon-spiced cookies are enriched with luscious apple butter, creating a tender bite that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s bursting with fall flavors and melting in your mouth—this recipe will bring that magic straight to your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to whip up these irresistible Apple Butter Snickerdoodles. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the tender texture, adding depth of flavor, or delivering that signature cinnamon sparkle.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): The foundation of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for the perfect soft texture.
- Cream of tartar (1/2 teaspoon): The secret to that classic tang and chew you expect from snickerdoodles.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances every flavor note.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses each bite with warm, comforting spice.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup): Adds richness and moisture for tender cookies.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Gives sweetness and helps with the cookie’s crisp edges.
- Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Brings a lovely caramel undertone and chewiness.
- Apple butter (1/2 cup): The star ingredient—adds intense apple flavor and extra softness.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together while contributing to richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor harmony.
- For rolling—granulated sugar (1/4 cup) and ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Coats the cookies with a sweet, spicy crust that’s utterly classic.
How to Make Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking. Then, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and cinnamon. Combining these dry ingredients now ensures your cookie dough will be smooth and evenly flavored.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and fluffy. This step is essential to achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture you dream of in a snickerdoodle.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, blend in the luscious apple butter, followed by the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until the dough is smooth and well combined. The apple butter is what makes this recipe stand out—its sweet-tart richness adds moisture and depth that transforms these cookies into something truly special.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft, workable dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want the ingredients to just come together to maintain that nice cookie tenderness.
Step 5: Roll and Coat
In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and granulated sugar for the rolling coating. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and carefully roll them into balls. Then, roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated—you’ll love how this adds a crunchy, fragrant outer layer.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to give them space to expand. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft. Let the cookies cool on the pans for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack—they’ll firm up perfectly during this resting time.
How to Serve Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are spectacular on their own, you can elevate the presentation with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a fun fall touch, sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top just before baking for extra crunch and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Apple Butter Snickerdoodles pair wonderfully with warm beverages. Serve alongside a freshly brewed cup of cinnamon-spiced tea, hot apple cider, or a cozy mug of creamy chai latte. These combinations bring out the apple and cinnamon notes beautifully and make for a heartwarming snack or dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive gatherings, stack these cookies with layers of cream cheese frosting or apple butter spread in between, creating small cookie sandwiches. They also make a stunning addition to a dessert platter alongside spiced nuts, dried apples, or a bowl of honey-roasted pumpkin seeds for a seasonal celebration that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Apple Butter Snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and flavorful for several days, making them an ideal treat to enjoy throughout the week or share with friends and family.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies in advance, they freeze beautifully. Lay the baked cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be stored for up to two months without sacrificing texture or taste.
Reheating
To enjoy the fresh-baked warmth, simply reheat frozen cookies in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This restores their softness with a slightly crisp edge as if they were just pulled from the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute apple butter with something else?
While apple butter is key to the unique flavor of this recipe, you can substitute it with pumpkin butter or pear butter for a similar texture and fall-inspired twist, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Why is cream of tartar important in snickerdoodles?
Cream of tartar adds the signature tangy flavor and acts as a leavening agent that gives snickerdoodles their distinctive chewy texture and crackly surface. Omitting it can change the cookie’s classic profile.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum to achieve a similar texture and ensure the cookies hold together well.
How long do the Apple Butter Snickerdoodles stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies remain soft and delicious for up to 5 days, making them perfect for making ahead of time.
Can I double the recipe for holiday baking?
Yes, doubling the recipe is straightforward. Just be sure to adjust your baking trays and baking time as needed since more dough balls per tray might require slight timing tweaks.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe a try—it’s one of those comforting, fall-inspired cookies that never fail to brighten the day. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, these cookies promise an unforgettable, cozy bite every time. Happy baking and enjoy every sweet, spiced moment!
Print
Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Butter Snickerdoodles blend the classic cinnamon sugar cookie with the warm, spiced flavor of apple butter. Soft and chewy with a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re perfect for fall baking or holiday cookie trays.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Rolling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the apple butter, egg, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring steadily until a soft cookie dough forms with no streaks of flour visible.
- Prepare Rolling Mixture: In a small bowl, blend together the rolling granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for coating the dough balls.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Then roll the balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Place on Baking Sheets: Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers remain slightly soft to touch.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring perfect texture.
Notes
- For extra apple flavor, use a spiced apple butter to enhance the sweetness and warmth in the cookies.
- These cookies stay soft for several days when stored properly in an airtight container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving for best results.
- Ideal for fall baking or holiday cookie trays, bringing cozy seasonal flavors to any gathering.
