Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a melt-in-your-mouth treat that hits all the cozy autumn notes (but is honestly irresistible any time of year), let me introduce you to Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies. Bringing together the pillowy softness of classic snickerdoodles with a sweet apple butter center, these cookies are the definition of “crowd-pleaser.” Every bite delivers an explosion of apple-cinnamon flavor, a little sparkle from turbinado sugar, and that satisfying chewy center. Keep reading and discover just how easy and rewarding it is to whip up a batch of these Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies in your own kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to baking unforgettable Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies lies in using simple, straightforward ingredients that let each flavor shine. Every item on this list brings something special to the table, working together to create cookies with gorgeous color, tender texture, and deep, comforting flavors.

• Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s at cool room temperature for that perfect creamy base and soft bite.
• Full-fat Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess and helps create an extra tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetness that caramelizes slightly in the oven, yielding a beautiful golden color.
• Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar lends rich, molassesy depth and keeps cookies moist.
• Unsulphured Molasses: A couple of tablespoons transform the flavor, giving these cookies that classic spiced note.
• Egg & Egg Yolk: Using both gives you structure, chewiness, and added richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the sweetness and highlights the apple butter flavor.
• All-purpose Flour: The reliable base that holds everything together—measure carefully for cookies that bake up just right.
• Baking Powder: Lifts your dough, resulting in snacks that puff up beautifully while baking.
• Cream of Tartar: A snickerdoodle essential—it keeps the texture soft, chewy, and slightly tangy.
• Fine Sea Salt: Brings balance and enhances all the cozy flavors in every bite.
• Cane Granulated Sugar (for rolling): Coating each dough ball delivers that iconic snickerdoodle sparkle.
• Ground Cinnamon (for rolling): The aromatic kick that makes these cookies smell as good as they taste.
• Musselman’s Apple Butter: The star of the show—choose your favorite apple butter for the gooey, flavorful center.
• Turbinado Sugar: A finishing sprinkle that adds crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Step 1: Get Prepped

Start by lining three baking sheets with parchment paper. Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (180°C). Taking this moment up front makes assembly and cleanup a breeze—plus, having everything prepped and ready sets the tone for stress-free baking!

Step 2: Cream Dairy and Sugars

In the large bowl of a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), combine the cool room temperature butter, cold cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and molasses. Beat on low speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step infuses air into the dough, which leads to those perfectly tender cookies later.

Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

Add the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to your fluffy base. Mixing just until incorporated ensures the cookies stay soft and chewy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything gets beautifully blended.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low, gently add in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and fine sea salt. Stop mixing as soon as the last streak of flour disappears—this helps avoid tough cookies and guarantees a tender crumb.

Step 5: Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, stir together the cane granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This quick mix will coat your dough balls and create that signature snickerdoodle crackle.

Step 6: Shape and Fill Each Cookie

Scoop out dough balls using about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Roll each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then place on your prepped baking sheets. Use the back of a round tablespoon to gently press an indent into the center of each ball—it’s time for the magic!

Step 7: Add Apple Butter and a Sweet Sprinkle

Spoon a generous 1/2 tablespoon of Musselman’s Apple Butter into each indentation. Don’t worry if it’s a little rustic—this becomes gooey perfection in the oven. Top with a sprinkle of turbinado sugar for extra crunch and sparkle.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Pop the baking sheets in the oven, leaving a few inches between each cookie. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the cookies have puffed up. Let them cool completely on the sheet so the centers stay tender and the apple butter sets just right. Now you’re ready to experience the magic of homemade Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies!

How to Serve Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Garnishes

Though these Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies shine on their own, a dusting of cinnamon or a tiny drizzle of caramel sauce takes them over the top. For special occasions, add a small pinch of flaked sea salt after baking—the contrast with the sweet apple butter center is absolutely delicious.

Side Dishes

These cookies play wonderfully alongside a warm mug of chai, classic black coffee, or even a cool glass of apple cider. For a dessert spread, pair them with vanilla ice cream, or let them join a platter of other seasonal favorites like pumpkin bread or pecan bars.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, stack your Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies in clear bags with a cinnamon stick for a festive touch. On the dessert table, arrange them in concentric circles and garnish with dried apple slices for an autumnal vibe. They also make an adorable edible “nest” for a scoop of apple compote or fresh whipped cream. Let your creativity run wild—the cookies are a guaranteed centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies to an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and delicious for 3 to 4 days at room temperature. If you live in a humid climate, add a slice of sandwich bread to the container to keep them extra moist.

Freezing

You can freeze both the unbaked dough balls (before rolling in cinnamon sugar) and fully baked cookies. For unbaked dough, freeze on a tray until firm, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Baked cookies freeze beautifully in layers between parchment paper; thaw them at room temp when you’re craving a cozy treat.

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy your cookies warm, a quick 10 seconds in the microwave will revive that gooey apple butter center. For a freshly baked texture, pop them in a 300°F oven for 2 to 3 minutes. Be sure not to overheat, as you want the cookies to stay soft and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use homemade apple butter for these cookies?

Absolutely! Homemade apple butter works wonderfully and adds a truly personal touch. Just make sure it’s thick enough so it doesn’t run during baking—consistency is key for a gooey, not messy, center.

Do I really need cream of tartar, or can I skip it?

Cream of tartar is a snickerdoodle classic—it lends that signature tang and chewy texture. If you skip it, your cookies will still taste good, but you might lose a bit of that traditional snickerdoodle charm.

Can I double this recipe for a party?

Definitely! The Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies recipe scales up beautifully. Keep an eye on oven space, and if you’re batch baking, consider rotating your trays halfway through for even results.

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

For the best texture, fluff your flour, spoon it into your measuring cup, and level it off with a knife. Avoid packing the flour, or your cookies may turn out dry or dense rather than delightfully soft.

Can I make Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies gluten free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten free baking mix for the all-purpose flour. The results will be slightly different, but you’ll still get those comforting flavors and gooey apple butter centers you love.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies yet, you’re in for a treat. They deliver all the nostalgia of fall with the magic of a gooey, spiced apple center in every bite. Don’t be surprised if they become your new go-to cookie recipe—give them a try, share them with friends, and watch the smiles roll in!

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