The Best Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a cookie that perfectly balances cozy autumn flavors with a soft, chewy texture, look no further than The Best Apple Butter Snickerdoodles. These irresistible treats take the classic snickerdoodle recipe and elevate it with a luscious dollop of apple butter right in the center, creating a melty burst of spiced sweetness with every bite. Imagine cinnamon, molasses, and vanilla dancing together in tender dough, complemented by that rich apple butter filling and a delightful crunch from turbinado sugar sprinkled on top. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they will become your new go-to for holidays, gatherings, or a special homemade indulgence!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in The Best Apple Butter Snickerdoodles plays a vital role, from the creamy texture brought by cream cheese to the cozy warmth of cinnamon and molasses. These staples come together simply but will wow your taste buds with every chewy, flavorful bite.

• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter: Gives richness and helps create a tender crumb without greasiness.
• 3.5 ounces cold full-fat cream cheese: Adds soft creaminess that keeps the cookies wonderfully moist.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Offers the classic cookie sweetness and balances the apple butter.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Provides deep molasses notes for warmth and chewiness.
• 2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses: Enhances the spice flavor and adds complexity to the dough.
• 1 large egg and 1 large egg yolk: The yolk enriches the dough, making it soft and tender.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings out the flavors and adds a cozy sweetness.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for structure; spoon and level for best results to avoid dryness.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the perfect lift and softness.
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar: Keeps the snickerdoodles chewy and puffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1/3 cup cane granulated sugar: For rolling, adds a sugary crust.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Coats the dough for that signature cinnamon-sugar snickerdoodle touch.
• 3/4 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter: The secret star that melts into a gooey center; avoid sugar-free varieties for best results.
• 4 tablespoons turbinado sugar: Sprinkled on top for a sparkling, crunchy finish.

How to Make The Best Apple Butter Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars

Start by beating together your softened butter, cold cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and molasses. This mixture needs about 3 minutes on low speed until light and fluffy. The cream cheese adds a lovely tang and moisture, while the molasses deepens the flavor. Scrape down the bowl to make sure everything is incorporated perfectly.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. The extra yolk here makes the cookies extra tender and rich, giving that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love. Be sure your eggs are at room temperature so they blend smoothly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually mix these into your wet ingredients just until combined. Over-mixing can make the dough tough, so stop as soon as you see no more flour. The cream of tartar is key for that classic snickerdoodle chewiness.

Step 4: Form and Roll the Dough Balls

Mix the cane sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl to create a fragrant rolling mixture. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough, roll it into a smooth ball, then coat it generously in the cinnamon sugar. This sugary coating will caramelize slightly during baking for that signature snap on the outside.

Step 5: Prepare for Filling

Place the coated dough balls spaced well apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Use the back of a tablespoon or your finger to gently press an indentation in the center of each ball. This is where the magic happens — the apple butter filling goes right into this little well.

Step 6: Fill and Sprinkle

Fill each indentation with about 1/2 tablespoon of the apple butter. Then, sprinkle the tops with turbinado sugar so they’ll have a sparkling, crunchy finish that contrasts beautifully with the soft dough and gooey center.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers still look tender. They’ll firm up as they cool, leaving you with delightfully chewy cookies packed full of comforting autumn flavor.

How to Serve The Best Apple Butter Snickerdoodles

Garnishes

If you want to make your cookies look even more inviting, try dusting them lightly with extra cinnamon or a sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving. A little drizzle of warm caramel sauce can also take these to dessert table showstoppers, adding an extra layer of decadence.

Side Dishes

These snickerdoodles pair beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a vanilla-flavored latte. For a true fall vibe, serve alongside spiced cider or pumpkin-flavored beverages. They also make a fun addition to a brunch spread featuring yogurt and fruit, adding a cozy, sweet bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, arrange The Best Apple Butter Snickerdoodles on a wooden platter with small ramekins of apple butter and whipped cream for dipping. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a bit more apple butter or cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat. Wrapping them in parchment and tying with twine makes them perfect for gifting, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. This keeps their texture just right—soft and chewy with that irresistible apple butter center ready to shine.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls. Instead of filling and rolling them beforehand, press the centers to create indentations and freeze the dough balls solid on a tray. Then layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, roll in cinnamon sugar, fill with apple butter, and bake with a couple extra minutes added to the time.

Reheating

To bring leftover cookies back to fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth, pop them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for about 15 seconds. This will revive that gooey apple butter center and warm up the sugar crust perfectly.

FAQs

What kind of apple butter is best for this recipe?

For The Best Apple Butter Snickerdoodles, I highly recommend using a full-flavored, sweet apple butter such as Musselman’s brand. Avoid sugar-free varieties because they don’t melt properly during baking and can result in a lumpy texture.

Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?

The cream cheese adds a unique softness and tang that’s hard to replace. You could try mascarpone or a softened sour cream for similar moisture, but the flavor and texture won’t be exactly the same.

How do I measure flour properly for these cookies?

Always use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour for baking. Fluff up your flour, spoon it into the measuring cup without packing, and level it off with a knife. Using a kitchen scale is even better for accuracy and ensures your snickerdoodles stay tender, not dense.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

This recipe relies on butter, cream cheese, and eggs for texture and richness, so it’s tricky to veganize without changing the end result significantly. However, you could try plant-based butter, vegan cream cheese, and an egg substitute, but expect a variation in texture and flavor.

What does turbinado sugar do on top of the cookies?

Turbinado sugar adds a delightful crunchy texture and a sparkling, golden finish that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie. It also adds a subtle caramel note, enhancing the overall flavor profile of The Best Apple Butter Snickerdoodles.

Final Thoughts

If you love the cozy aroma of cinnamon and the sweet, comforting taste of apple butter, The Best Apple Butter Snickerdoodles are about to become your absolute favorite cookie. They are straightforward to make, deliver a perfect balance of chewy, soft, and crispy textures, and offer a delightful surprise with every bite. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and share these with friends and family—prepare for compliments and requests to make them again soon!

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