There’s just something magical about the first bite of Frosted Apple Butter Cookies—the kind of magic that makes a kitchen smell like a cozy fall afternoon. Imagine soft, cake-like cookies infused with rich spiced apple butter and a swoop of creamy, tangy frosting on top. Every bite is a celebration of autumn flavors, but honestly, you’ll want to bake these beauties all year round! Whether you’re sharing with friends, impressing at a bake sale, or just treating yourself with a cup of coffee, these cookies never fail to steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Frosted Apple Butter Cookies lies in their approachable, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each item plays a starring role, lending a unique flavor or perfecting the dreamy texture—so don’t skip a thing!
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): For that irresistible richness and tender crumb in both the cookies and the frosting.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings a caramel note and moistness that pairs perfectly with apple butter.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Brightens up the sweetness and helps create those soft, pillowy centers.
- Egg (1 large): Binds everything together, ensuring fluffy, cohesive cookies.
- Apple butter (1/2 cup for cookies, 1/4 cup for frosting): The hero ingredient! It infuses deep apple flavor and spice throughout.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for cookies, 1/2 teaspoon for frosting): Adds complexity and warmth, tying all the flavors together.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Gives structure while keeping the cookies tender and cake-like.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light bite.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Partners with baking soda to boost that delightful lift.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Brings cozy, spicy notes that echo the essence of apple desserts.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds depth and just the right hint of warmth to set these cookies apart.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon in cookies, pinch in frosting): Balances the sweetness and makes every other flavor sing.
- Powdered sugar (1–1 1/4 cups, sifted, for frosting): Ensures a silky-smooth, spreadable glaze that melts on your tongue.
How to Make Frosted Apple Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This little bit of prep saves time later and guarantees beautifully baked, golden cookies that lift easily from the tray—no sticking, no stress.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is all about incorporating air—think of it as the secret to pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth Frosted Apple Butter Cookies.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Crack in the egg, then add the apple butter and vanilla extract. Mix just until everything looks blended and creamy. The apple butter brings both moisture and deep apple-cinnamon flavor, making the dough smell as dreamy as the cookies taste.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. By mixing the dry ingredients first, you ensure that the spices and leaveners are evenly distributed for consistently perfect cookies every time.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. The dough will be slightly thick and sticky—perfect for scooping. Avoid over-mixing, which can make cookies tough rather than soft and tender.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Bake for 10–12 minutes, watching for the edges to set while the centers remain a little soft. That’s the secret to ultimate soft cookie bliss!
Step 7: Cool Completely
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up just enough to handle, and ensures they’re ready to be frosted without falling apart.
Step 8: Make the Apple Butter Frosting
In a small saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in the apple butter and vanilla until smooth, then take it off the heat. Gradually whisk in sifted powdered sugar and a pinch of salt until the frosting is creamy and spreadable. Adjust the thickness with a little more powdered sugar if needed.
Step 9: Frost and Finish
When the cookies are completely cool, use a spoon or offset spatula to swirl on the apple butter frosting. Let the frosting set at room temperature or pop them in the fridge for a quick chill if you’re in a hurry—then prepare to fall in love!
How to Serve Frosted Apple Butter Cookies
Garnishes
A sprinkle of ground cinnamon, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few tiny apple bits can add gorgeous color and extra flair to each Frosted Apple Butter Cookie. If you’re feeling fancy, try a light drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra dash of indulgence.
Side Dishes
For a dreamy autumn dessert spread, serve these cookies alongside a steamy mug of spiced chai, mulled cider, or strong coffee. The gentle tang of Greek yogurt with honey also makes a wonderful and refreshing contrast to the sweet, spiced flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow a crowd, stack these Frosted Apple Butter Cookies on a rustic wooden board, or arrange them in a spiral on a ceramic platter for eye-catching appeal. They also look darling wrapped in parchment, nestled in a tin as a heartfelt homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Frosted Apple Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cookies stay soft and moist, and the flavors seem to deepen and mellow with time.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. You can freeze unfrosted cookies for up to two months, then thaw and frost when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
If you like a warm, bakery-style touch, pop a (fully cooled) cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds just before serving. The frosting will soften slightly and the apple butter aroma will shine even more.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple butter?
Absolutely, and it will taste even more amazing! Just be sure your homemade apple butter is well-cooked and thick so it doesn’t make the dough too wet.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Just keep an eye on the texture and add a touch more flour if the dough seems very sticky.
What’s the best way to frost the cookies?
I love using an offset spatula or just the back of a spoon to swoop the frosting over each cookie. Go for a thick layer—it’s part of the charm of Frosted Apple Butter Cookies!
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or raisins?
Of course! Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch, and golden raisins bring a little chewy sweetness. Just stir in up to 1/2 cup of your favorite mix-ins at the end.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This often happens if your butter is too warm, or if you measured flour a bit light. Chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking can help the cookies keep their lovely, soft shape.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how special Frosted Apple Butter Cookies truly are—each one tastes like a warm fall hug. Whether you bake them once or make them your new tradition, these cookies are destined to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Grab your apron, share a batch with someone you love, and let the irresistible scent fill your kitchen!
Print
Frosted Apple Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Frosted Apple Butter Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for the fall season. Soft, cake-like cookies flavored with apple butter and warm spices, topped with a sweet apple butter frosting.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 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
For the 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 to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set and centers look slightly soft.
- To make the frosting, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in apple butter and vanilla, then remove from heat. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar and a pinch of salt until smooth and spreadable.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, apple butter, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cookies are completely cooled, frost each with a spoonful of the apple butter frosting. Let set at room temperature or chill briefly to firm up.
Notes
- Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- These cookies are soft, cake-like, and full of cozy fall flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
