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
Scale
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.
