If you’re craving a cookie that perfectly balances warm cinnamon spice with a rich, fruity swirl, let me introduce you to The Best Apple Butter Snickerdoodles. These cookies bring a delightful twist to a beloved classic, infusing each bite with the cozy depth of apple butter and a touch of molasses sweetness. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, they’re an absolute must-bake treat that’s sure to become a staple in your cookie repertoire.

The Best Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for The Best Apple Butter Snickerdoodles are wonderfully straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen. Each one plays a key role: from the cream cheese adding tender moisture, to the molasses enriching the sweetness, and the combination of cinnamon and apple butter creating that irresistible signature flavor.

7 tablespoons unsalted butter: Soft but cool to ensure perfect creaming with sugars, giving the cookies their tender texture.
3.5 ounces cold full-fat cream cheese: Adds moistness and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges and overall sweetness.
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Delivers rich, caramel notes and chewier bite.
2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses: Deepens flavor with a hint of warmth and complexity.
1 large egg: Provides structure and keeps the dough cohesive.
1 large egg yolk: Adds extra richness for soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet notes and rounds out the flavor profile.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies their classic snickerdoodle body.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures a gentle rise and fluffy crumb.
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar: The secret to that traditional snickerdoodle tang and chewy texture.
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and brings out deeper flavors.
1/3 cup cane granulated sugar (for rolling): Coats the dough balls to create a crackly, sugary crust.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for rolling): That iconic snickerdoodle spice that lingers on the palate.
3/4 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter: The star ingredient delivering luscious apple richness in every bite.
4 tablespoons turbinado sugar: Sprinkled on top for a sparkling crunch and subtle molasses flavor.

How to Make The Best Apple Butter Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat

Start by lining three baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent any sticking – this simple prep keeps your cookies perfectly shaped and easy to transfer. Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) so it reaches the ideal temperature by the time your dough is ready to bake.

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

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer on low speed, cream together the softened butter, cold cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and molasses for about three minutes. This slow, steady mixing introduces air into the mixture, creating a light and fluffy dough base that’s key to those tender snickerdoodles.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, mix in the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. These ingredients add richness and moisture, bringing the dough together while boosting the flavor with vanilla’s comforting warmth. Be sure to scrape down the bowl as you mix to evenly incorporate all ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Incorporate the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and sea salt. Stir just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could make your cookies tough. This careful mixing ensures your snickerdoodles stay soft and tender after baking.

Step 5: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar and Add Apple Butter

In a small bowl, blend the rolling sugar and ground cinnamon. Scoop two-tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll each thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat completely. Place the dough balls on the baking sheet about 2-3 inches apart. Gently press the back of a round spoon into each cookie center to create a small well, perfect for spooning in half a tablespoon of luscious apple butter. Finish with a sprinkle of turbinado sugar for extra sparkle and crunch.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft – resist the urge to overbake, as these cookies continue to firm up as they cool. Remove from the oven and transfer the baking sheets to a wire rack, allowing the cookies to cool completely for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve The Best Apple Butter Snickerdoodles

Garnishes

Consider dusting the cooled cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or an extra pinch of cinnamon for that charming finishing touch. A drizzle of caramel or a thin spread of cream cheese frosting can also elevate the experience if you’re celebrating a special occasion.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai tea or a creamy latte for a cozy afternoon treat. Vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream served alongside makes for a delightful dessert plate, especially during crisp fall evenings.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve The Best Apple Butter Snickerdoodles stacked on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks. You could also sandwich these cookies with a layer of apple butter frosting for a playful twist that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover apple butter snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This protects their tender texture and preserves the sweet cinnamon aroma, so every bite feels freshly baked.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance, freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They maintain their flavor and texture well for up to 3 months, making them perfect for holiday gift-giving or last-minute treats.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies warm, simply let them thaw at room temperature, then heat briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This revives their soft, chewy texture and makes the apple butter center delightfully gooey again.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, regular salted butter can be used, but reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

What’s the purpose of cream of tartar in snickerdoodles?

Cream of tartar gives snickerdoodles their unique tangy flavor while also helping to stabilize and create the classic chewy texture associated with this cookie.

Can I substitute the apple butter with something else?

While apple butter is key to this recipe’s charm, you can experiment with thick pear or pumpkin butter for variations—just keep in mind the flavor and moisture content will change slightly.

Why do the cookies have an indentation filled with apple butter?

The indentation creates a cozy little pocket that holds the apple butter, giving each bite a flavorful surprise that complements the cinnamon-sugar coating perfectly.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you might achieve similar results, though texture could vary.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking The Best Apple Butter Snickerdoodles—each cookie delivers a perfect harmony of soft, sweet, and spicy that feels like a warm hug from the oven. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them yourself, these cookies promise to become an instant favorite, making every day a little sweeter and cozier. So grab your ingredients and get ready to create some magic in your kitchen!