Apple Butter Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies, perfect for embracing the flavors of fall. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are infused with the rich and aromatic taste of apple butter, making them the ideal treat for cooler weather. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, attending a festive bonfire, or simply indulging in a sweet moment, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings and make your home smell amazing.
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Why You’ll Love These Apple Butter Sugar Cookies
These cookies offer the best of both worlds: they are incredibly easy to make, yet bursting with flavor. The combination of apple butter and apple cider provides a subtle, fall-inspired taste that’s comforting and unique. Their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them irresistible, and the frosted finish with a creamy apple butter icing takes them to the next level. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, an autumn party, or just a cozy night at home, these cookies will be the star of the show.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Apple Butter Sugar Cookies:
• Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the dough.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps the cookies maintain their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Apple Butter: The key ingredient that gives these cookies their fall-inspired flavor and aroma.
• Sugar: White granulated sugar adds sweetness and contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the cookies.
• Eggs: Bind the dough together and add moisture.
• Flour: All-purpose flour helps create the right texture for these cookies.
• Cream of Tartar: Improves texture and contributes to the cookies’ soft consistency.
• Baking Soda: Leavening agent to help the cookies rise.
• Powdered Sugar: Used in both the dough and the frosting, giving the cookies a smooth, sweet finish.
• Apple Cider: Adds a subtle fruity note that complements the apple butter.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking for some alternatives or substitutions, consider the following options to fit dietary needs:
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil to make the recipe dairy-free.
• Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds, and use a plant-based oil like coconut oil.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these Apple Butter Sugar Cookies is a breeze. Here’s how you can do it:
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, vegetable oil, apple butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the Eggs: Blend in the eggs until fully incorporated into the mixture.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Add flour, salt, cream of tartar, and baking soda. Stir until just blended.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to reduce spreading during baking.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Shape the Dough: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before icing.
- Prepare the Icing: For the icing, mix together butter, apple butter, apple cider, and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread generously over each cookie.
Tips & Tricks
• Chill the Dough: Always chill the dough for at least an hour before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they should be slightly golden at the edges but soft in the center.
• Allow to Cool: Let the cookies cool completely before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting.
How to Store Your Apple Butter Sugar Cookies
• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. It’s best to freeze them unfrosted, but you can freeze frosted cookies as well.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
While these Apple Butter Sugar Cookies are delicious on their own, you can also serve them alongside other fall favorites like hot apple cider or a warm cup of tea. If you’re looking to make them even more festive, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the icing or dough.
Additionally, these cookies are perfect for customizing with different frosting variations or toppings. For a decadent twist, drizzle with caramel sauce or add chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Why Apple Butter Sugar Cookies are Perfect for Fall
Apple Butter Sugar Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a celebration of the fall season. Infused with apple butter and apple cider, they perfectly capture the essence of autumn. Whether you’re baking for a Thanksgiving dessert table or enjoying a cozy evening at home, these cookies bring comfort, warmth, and flavor to any occasion. The addition of apple butter gives them a rich, spiced flavor that’s hard to resist.
Conclusion
Apple Butter Sugar Cookies are the perfect blend of warmth, sweetness, and fall flavor. Their soft texture and the addition of apple butter and apple cider make them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, enjoying a cozy evening, or gifting them to friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a hit. With a simple recipe and just a few ingredients, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies in no time. Don’t forget to try variations or pair them with a warm beverage for a truly memorable experience!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Apple Butter Sugar Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sugar cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you’re planning to make them ahead, it’s best to wait until right before serving to frost them. For long-term storage, freeze the cookies without frosting and add the icing once you’re ready to serve.
2. How can I store Apple Butter Sugar Cookies?
To keep your Apple Butter Sugar Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to store them for a longer period, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. It’s preferable to freeze them unfrosted, but they’ll still maintain their flavor and texture even if frosted.
3. Can I use something other than apple butter for this recipe?
If you don’t have apple butter, you can substitute it with applesauce, although the flavor won’t be as concentrated. You could also experiment with pumpkin butter or pear butter for a unique twist. However, apple butter is what gives these cookies their signature fall flavor, so we highly recommend using it for the best result.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make Apple Butter Sugar Cookies gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend designed for baking to achieve the best texture. Additionally, make sure that your apple butter and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
More Relevant Recipes
- Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes: These mini cheesecakes are the perfect combination of creamy, tangy cheesecake and a crumbly, spiced apple crisp topping, making them a great complement to Apple Butter Sugar Cookies. Ideal for autumn gatherings and a fun twist on the classic apple desserts.
- Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies: These cookies blend sweet, caramelized brown sugar with a pastry-like dough, evoking a similar nostalgic flavor profile to apple butter cookies. Perfect for anyone who loves buttery, sugary treats with a touch of warmth and comfort.
- Soft and Buttery Garlic Knots: While savory, these soft and buttery garlic knots share the melt-in-your-mouth appeal of Apple Butter Sugar Cookies. They make a great pairing if you’re serving a sweet and savory menu, especially for a fall-inspired meal.
Apple Butter Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Butter Sugar Cookies are the perfect fall treat, offering a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a subtle apple flavor. These cookies are topped with a creamy apple butter icing that elevates their flavor and makes them irresistible. Perfect for autumn gatherings, they bring the best of the season in every bite.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter (softened)
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup apple butter
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Apple Butter Icing: 1 cup butter (softened)
- ¼ cup apple butter
- 2 tablespoons apple cider
- 5 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Combine butter, vegetable oil, apple butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl and beat until smooth.
- Blend in the eggs until fully incorporated.
- Add flour, salt, cream of tartar, and baking soda and stir until just blended.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to reduce spreading while baking.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- To prepare the icing, mix butter, apple butter, apple cider, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Once the cookies are cooled, spread the apple butter icing generously on each cookie.
Notes
- Chill the dough for at least one hour before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before icing them to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a different flavor, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the icing or dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature.
- If freezing, it’s better to freeze the cookies unfrosted.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 175 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 19mg