Imagine a warm, cinnamon-scented kitchen and a plate piled high with soft cookies swirled with a glossy apple butter center—that’s what you get when you bake Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies. These little gems are hugged by a sparkling cinnamon-sugar crust, filled with tangy apple butter, and boast a rich, buttery crumb that makes them totally irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, holiday gathering, or simply because you can’t get these out of your head, Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are the definition of old-fashioned comfort with a fresh, autumn-inspired twist.

Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses just a handful of classic baking staples, plus a few ingredients that make these cookies truly pop with flavor. Each one plays a starring role in giving Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies their signature texture and taste, so don’t skimp on any element!

Unsalted Butter: Offers that signature richness and helps create a soft, tender crumb—make sure it’s cool but not cold!
Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Sneaks in extra moisture and a tang that balances the sweet apple butter beautifully.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough while also lending a bit of chew to the cookies.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a hit of molasses flavor; make sure it’s packed for accuracy!
Unsulphured Molasses: A little goes a long way in making these snickerdoodles slightly caramel-like and perfectly spiced.
Large Egg: Binds the dough and contributes to the cookie’s fluffy texture—room temperature eggs mix in easily.
Large Egg Yolk: Adds additional richness and moisture, ensuring each bite is melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out all the flavors with a cozy, fragrant note.
All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone—measure carefully to avoid dry cookies.
Baking Powder: Gives these cookies just the right lift, so they’re soft without being cakey.
Cream of Tartar: Classic in any snickerdoodle; brings signature tang and chew.
Fine Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and makes every flavor pop—don’t skip it.
Cane Granulated Sugar (for rolling): Creates that sparkling sugar crust every snickerdoodle needs.
Ground Cinnamon (for rolling): Delivers the toasty warmth that pairs so well with apple flavors.
Musselman’s Apple Butter: The true star ingredient; its fruity, spiced sweetness fills every bite.
Turbinado Sugar: Adds a golden crunch to the apple butter center that makes these cookies sparkle.

How to Make Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Step 1: Line Baking Sheets and Preheat the Oven

Begin by lining three baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick and clean-up will be a breeze. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), giving it enough time to come up to temperature. This is a crucial step for even baking, helping ensure those apple butter centers set just right.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine unsalted butter, cold full-fat cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and molasses. Beat everything together on low for three minutes—yes, let it go the full time! The end goal is a light and fluffy mixture that’s the perfect base for soft Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg, Egg Yolk, and Vanilla

Next, mix in the whole egg, that precious extra yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat just until incorporated, pausing to scrape down the sides of the bowl. This ensures all those creamy ingredients are blended evenly, setting you up for an irresistibly smooth dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and fine sea salt right on top of the wet ingredients. Mix on low, just until the dough barely comes together—overmixing can lead to dense cookies, and we want these tender and soft.

Step 5: Shape, Roll, and Fill the Cookies

In a small bowl, stir together cane granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Scoop 2-tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll each generously in cinnamon sugar until every inch is coated. Place on your prepared baking sheets, spacing 2-3 inches apart. Then, with the back of a round tablespoon, press a gentle indent in each cookie’s center. Spoon in about half a tablespoon of apple butter, letting it pool in the little well, and finish with a sprinkle of turbinado sugar for sparkle and crunch.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Slide your trays into the oven and bake for 8 to 12 minutes. Watch for the edges to set while the centers stay soft—the magic sweet spot! Let the Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies cool fully right on the tray before moving them. The centers will firm up as they cool, making them easy to enjoy and even easier to share.

How to Serve Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies are undeniably beautiful straight out of the oven, thanks to those glistening tops, but a final dusting of extra cinnamon sugar or even a light drizzle of caramel sauce can make them pop on a dessert platter. If you really want to go all out, a little dollop of whipped cream beside each cookie is pure bliss.

Side Dishes

Pair Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies with a cozy mug of apple cider, a spiced chai latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert plate. They shine next to other fall treats—think pumpkin bread or pecan bars—for a stunning harvest-themed spread at any gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies high on a rustic cake stand for a charming centerpiece, or pack them in a tissue-lined box as a thoughtful seasonal gift. For a casual brunch or picnic, try serving them with little individual cups of apple butter for dipping, transforming each bite into a customizable treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies stay soft and delicious when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Place parchment between layers to keep sticky apple butter centers from clinging together. They’ll keep beautifully for 2-3 days—if they last that long in your house!

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked dough, shape and fill as directed, then place the unbaked cookies on a sheet to freeze solid. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and bake from frozen (add an extra couple of minutes). Baked cookies, once cooled, can also be stacked in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment, for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you love a warm cookie, pop one (or a whole tray) into a 300°F oven for a few minutes until just warmed through. The apple butter gets gooey again and the aroma will make you feel like you’re baking a fresh batch all over!

FAQs

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Absolutely! Homemade apple butter is dreamy here. Just be sure it’s thick and not too watery so it sits nicely in the cookie center and doesn’t run all over your baking sheet.

Why is cream cheese used in the dough?

The cream cheese makes the texture extra soft and adds a slight tang that balances the sweet apple butter filling. It also helps the cookies stay thick and pillowy, rather than spreading too much.

What’s the best way to measure flour for these cookies?

Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Packing flour can make your cookies dry, so accuracy is key for the perfect Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure, and you’re good to go.

What can I substitute for cream of tartar?

If you don’t have cream of tartar on hand, lemon juice or vinegar (about a teaspoon) can provide a bit of that signature tang, but the classic snickerdoodle flavor really shines with cream of tartar.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies enough—they’re a delightful combination of nostalgic flavors and cozy fall vibes, with just enough of a unique twist to make them truly special. Whip up a batch for your next sweet craving or to share the love with friends and family, and see why these cookies are bound to become a new favorite in your baking lineup!