Apple Butter Cookies are soft, warmly spiced treats that capture the cozy flavors of fall in every bite. Rich apple butter adds natural sweetness and moisture, while cinnamon enhances the comforting aroma. These chewy cookies are simple to prepare and perfect for sharing during autumn gatherings or enjoying with a warm drink.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm Fall Flavor – Apple butter and cinnamon create classic seasonal comfort.
• Soft and Chewy Texture – Balanced fat and moisture keep cookies tender.
• Simple Pantry Ingredients – No complicated or hard-to-find items required.
• Quick to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Beginner-Friendly – Straightforward mixing method with minimal steps.
• Perfect for Gifting – Stays soft and flavorful for days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and stability.
• 1 cup apple butter – Adds moisture, sweetness, and deep apple flavor.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Contributes sweetness and slight crisp edges.
• ½ cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and subtle caramel notes.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Creates tender crumb and rich flavor.
• 1 large egg – Binds ingredients and adds structure.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Enhances warmth and spice profile.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps cookies rise slightly and stay soft.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for even baking and easy removal.

Cream Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg and apple butter until smooth and fully incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, and baking soda to evenly distribute leavening.

Form the Dough
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.

Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers remain soft.

Cool Properly
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Use Softened Butter – Ensures proper creaming and even texture.
• Do Not Overbake – Centers should look slightly underdone for chewiness.
• Measure Flour Correctly – Spoon and level to avoid dense cookies.
• Enhance Spice – Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for deeper flavor.
• Chill Dough if Needed – If dough feels sticky, refrigerate 20 minutes.
• Store Properly – Keep in airtight container to maintain softness.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
Calories: Approximately 120 calories per cookie (estimated)

Perfect Pairings

• Hot apple cider
• Chai tea latte
• Vanilla ice cream
• Cream cheese glaze drizzle

Ideal Occasions

• Fall gatherings
• Holiday cookie exchanges
• Afternoon tea
• Cozy weekend baking sessions

Storage & Serving Tips

• Store in airtight container up to 4 days at room temperature.
• Freeze baked cookies up to 2 months.
• Warm briefly in microwave for fresh-baked feel.
• Layer parchment between cookies to prevent sticking.

Creative Variations to Try

• Spiced Glaze – Add powdered sugar glaze with cinnamon.
• Nutty Addition – Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Oatmeal Blend – Replace ½ cup flour with rolled oats.
• Maple Twist – Substitute part of sugar with maple syrup (reduce flour slightly).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Cookies too flat – Ensure butter isn’t overly melted.
• Cookies too dense – Avoid overmixing dough.
• Too cakey – Slightly reduce flour or increase apple butter by 1 tablespoon.
• Pale cookies – Bake slightly longer for golden edges.

Why This Recipe Works

Apple butter naturally contains concentrated fruit sugars and pectin, which add moisture and subtle structure to the dough. The combination of brown sugar and butter creates a soft, chewy crumb through proper creaming and aeration. Baking soda reacts with acidity in apple butter to provide gentle lift without making the cookies cakey. At approximately 120 calories per cookie, these treats offer indulgent flavor in a manageable portion size.

Final Thoughts

Apple Butter Cookies are an easy, comforting dessert that embodies the warmth of autumn baking. Soft, spiced, and lightly sweet, they’re ideal for sharing or savoring with a hot beverage. For a lighter option, reduce sugar slightly or substitute part of the butter with applesauce while maintaining their cozy seasonal charm.