Description
Frosted Apple Butter Cookies are a delightful fall treat combining the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple butter in a soft cookie, topped with a creamy vanilla frosting. Perfect for cozy autumn gatherings or holiday celebrations, these cookies offer a delicious blend of spices and sweetness that capture the essence of the season.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple butter
Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of ground cinnamon for flavor
Optional Garnish
- Cinnamon for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to create the dry mixture.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and apple butter until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain cookie softness.
- Chill Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop Dough onto Sheets: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain slightly soft.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for approximately 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if needed.
- Add Cinnamon to Frosting (Optional): Stir in a pinch of ground cinnamon to the frosting for extra warmth and flavor, if desired.
- Frost Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost each one with a generous layer of the prepared frosting using a butter knife or offset spatula.
- Garnish Cookies (Optional): Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top of the frosted cookies for added flavor and decoration.
- Set Frosting: Allow the frosting to set for about 15 to 20 minutes before serving to ensure it firms up properly.
- Store Cookies: Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: For extended storage, freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months and frost them after thawing to preserve texture and taste.
Notes
- Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent excessive spreading and improves texture.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better mixing.
- If you prefer a thinner frosting, add milk gradually and mix to reach desired consistency.
- Cookies may appear slightly underbaked in the center but will continue to firm as they cool.
- Store cookies in a single layer or with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
