If you’re in the mood for something sweet, cozy, and bursting with autumn flavor, the Frosted Apple Butter Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies strike the perfect balance between soft, tender texture and a tangy-sweet apple butter kick, all crowned with a luscious, creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just craving a delightful treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea, this recipe brings warmth and comfort to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is simple, but each component plays a vital role in creating the cookie’s moist texture, spiced aroma, and that irresistible frosting finish. Here’s what you’ll gather to make this delightful batch come to life.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a deep caramel sweetness that complements the spices.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar with crisp sweetness.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the dough and gives a soft, chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup apple butter: The star ingredient for natural apple flavor and moistness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with warm, fragrant notes.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base structure of your cookies, providing just the right density.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise and keep a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for a perfect lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds classic spicy warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings a subtle earthiness and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frosting): Adds silkiness to the glaze.
- 1/4 cup apple butter (for frosting): Gives the frosting a fruity tang that matches the cookie perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Deepens the frosting’s flavor.
- 1–1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (sifted): Sweetens the frosting to just the right creamy consistency.
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): Makes the sweetness pop and balances the glaze.
How to Make Frosted Apple Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly and stops them from sticking, making cleanup a breeze. A well-prepped baking sheet is the foundation for perfectly shaped cookies.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This mixture creates the spiced and structured backbone of your cookies. Taking a moment to blend these ensures that each cookie gets that perfect hint of spice evenly distributed.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until fluffy and light. Beat in the egg, followed by the apple butter and vanilla extract. This rich mixture delivers moisture, sweetness, and plate-filling flavor — the heart of your cookie dough.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir gently until just combined. Resist overmixing to keep your cookies tender and not dense. The dough should be slightly soft, ready to be dropped onto your prepared sheets.
Step 5: Portion and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes until the cookie edges are set and the centers look just a little soft. This subtle softness promises that chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
While your cookies cool, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in apple butter and vanilla extract, then remove the pan from heat. Slowly whisk in sifted powdered sugar and a pinch of salt until the frosting is smooth and has a spreadable consistency. This frosting will be the sweet glaze that perfectly blends tart and creamy flavors on top of your cookies.
Step 7: Frost the Cookies
Once your cookies are completely cooled, generously spread the apple butter frosting over each cookie. Let them set for a few minutes so the frosting can firm up slightly but still remain delightfully tender with every bite.
How to Serve Frosted Apple Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Frosted Apple Butter Cookies Recipe by sprinkling a dusting of cinnamon or a few finely chopped toasted pecans over the frosting. These simple touches add a bit of crunch and an inviting aroma that makes serving these cookies feel extra special.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced chai, apple cider, or a creamy latte. The warmth from your beverage contrasts beautifully with the cool frosting, creating a perfectly cozy snack break.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, stack the cookies in a rustic wooden box lined with parchment paper, tied with twine and a fresh cinnamon stick for decoration. Alternatively, arrange them on a festive platter with fresh apple slices and sprigs of rosemary to complement the apple butter flavor and add a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Frosted Apple Butter Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and keep the frosting intact. This way, you can enjoy these treats fresh and tasty well after baking.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring into a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw the cookies completely before frosting and serving for best results.
Reheating
Warm your cookies gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for 3–5 minutes. This softens the cookie and slightly melts the frosting for an irresistible fresh-from-the-oven feel all over again.
FAQs
Can I use pear butter instead of apple butter?
Absolutely! Pear butter offers a lovely sweet and mildly spiced flavor that will still pair beautifully with the spices in this recipe. It’s a fun twist to try if you want a slightly different fruit flavor.
How thick should I spread the frosting on the cookies?
The frosting should be spread in a thin but even layer, just enough to coat the tops without overwhelming the cookie’s texture. About a teaspoon per cookie allows for a balance of sweet and tender frosting.
Will these cookies be soft or crunchy?
These Frosted Apple Butter Cookies Recipe cookies are meant to be soft and tender with a slight chew, thanks to the apple butter and careful baking time. If you prefer crunchier cookies, bake them a minute or two longer, but be careful not to lose that classic softness.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the frosting a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk before spreading to restore its smooth consistency.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing after frosting?
It’s best to freeze the cookies before frosting to avoid frosting texture changes. However, if frozen after frosting, thaw them gently to prevent the glaze from becoming grainy or separating.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about cozy spices, sweet apple butter, and creamy frosting all in one cookie. This Frosted Apple Butter Cookies Recipe is a personal favorite that feels like a warm hug with every bite. I encourage you to bake a batch soon — your kitchen will fill with delightful aromas, and your friends and family will be asking for seconds before you know it!
Print
Frosted Apple Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these soft and flavorful Frosted Apple Butter Cookies, featuring a moist apple butter-infused dough spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a luscious apple butter frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a comforting, sweet treat with a hint of autumnal warmth.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup apple butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, apple butter, and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine all wet ingredients thoroughly.
- Combine dry and wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until everything is incorporated to avoid overmixing and keep the cookies tender.
- Form dough portions: Using a tablespoon, drop dough portions onto the lined baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake cookies: Place baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookie edges are set and the centers appear slightly soft, indicating a chewy texture.
- Prepare frosting: While cookies bake, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 1/4 cup apple butter and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, then remove the mixture from heat.
- Finish frosting: Gradually whisk in 1 to 1 1/4 cups of sifted powdered sugar and a pinch of salt to the butter and apple butter mixture until you achieve a smooth and spreadable frosting consistency.
- Frost cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly on top of each cookie using a knife or small spatula.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake and allow them to cool on the baking sheet.
- Ensure the applesauce used for apple butter is thick and flavorful for best taste.
- Sift powdered sugar before adding to frosting to prevent lumps.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a stronger apple flavor, add a teaspoon of apple pie spice or additional cinnamon to the dough.
