Apple Butter Sugar Cookies – Soft, Spiced & Cozy
Fall flavors don’t get any better than these Apple Butter Sugar Cookies. Soft, chewy, and full of warm apple spice, these cookies are sweetened naturally with apple butter, giving each bite a rich, fruity depth. Perfect for cozy afternoons, lunchboxes, or sharing at parties, they bring that comforting taste of autumn into every bite.
What makes these cookies special is the apple butter — it keeps them moist and adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Plus, they’re easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, so you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes.
📝 Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, apple butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat lightly in granulated sugar.
- Place on prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart and gently flatten with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
🌟 Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Soft & Chewy → Apple butter keeps them moist for days.
- Warm Fall Flavors → Cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar make them comforting.
- Quick & Easy → Perfect for beginners or last-minute baking.
- Perfect for Gifting → Beautiful golden color and irresistible aroma.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve with a cup of hot apple cider or coffee.
- Pack in cookie tins for holiday gifting.
- Top with a drizzle of vanilla glaze for extra sweetness.
- Pair with cream cheese frosting for a festive twist.
Apple Butter Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter, apple butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat in granulated sugar.
- Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
🥄 Baking Tips
- Use room temperature butter for smooth creaming.
- Do not overbake → Cookies will continue to cook on the sheet and remain soft.
- Customize spices → Add cloves or allspice for a richer flavor.
- Storage → Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought apple sauce instead of apple butter?
Apple butter gives the best flavor and texture, but unsweetened applesauce works in a pinch; reduce other liquid slightly.
Q: Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Q: How do I keep cookies soft?
Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.
