Name: Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp nutmeg; ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup apple butter; Powdered sugar for dusting

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If you love cozy fall flavors wrapped up in a delightful treat, this Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft, spiced cookies generously filled with luscious apple butter, creating an irresistible harmony of sweet and aromatic notes that feel like a warm hug. This recipe is perfect for sharing with friends, packaging as thoughtful edible gifts, or simply enjoying alongside your favorite cup of coffee during crisp autumn afternoons.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many small round sandwich cookies arranged in rows on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two light yellowish-brown biscuit layers with a smooth, darker brown filling in the middle. The biscuits appear slightly crumbly with a matte texture, and the filling looks creamy and even. The cookies are placed close together in neat lines, with the focus on their uniform size and shape. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the cookies’ tender texture, warm spices, and that irresistible apple butter filling that truly steals the show.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The foundation for soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
¾ cup brown sugar: Adds rich molasses sweetness and moisture.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the dough’s structure.
1 egg: Binds the dough and adds tenderness.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth and warmth.
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies tender.
1 tsp cinnamon: Delivers classic fall spice and warmth.
¼ tsp nutmeg: Adds a subtle earthy, aromatic note.
½ tsp baking powder: Helps cookies rise just enough for a soft texture.
¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and brightens flavors.
½ cup apple butter (for filling): The star ingredient that makes these cookies uniquely luscious and moist.
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting: Adds a touch of elegance and an extra hint of sweetness.

How to Make Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment

Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and release easily from the tray, setting you up for success right from the start.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. This step is essential because it traps air to give your cookies their tender texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Add in the egg followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition. These ingredients add moisture and a wonderful aromatic depth that complements the spiced cookie base beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and keeping the cookies tender.

Step 5: Shape and Cut the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the soft dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Using round or leaf-shaped cookie cutters adds a festive touch and captures the cozy autumn vibe perfectly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place your cutouts on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden. Remember to let the cookies cool completely before moving on, as this prevents the apple butter filling from melting.

Step 7: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Spread about a teaspoon of apple butter onto the flat side of half the cookies. Then gently press the remaining cookies on top to create adorable sandwich cookies that are bursting with flavor.

Step 8: Add the Finishing Touch

For a classy presentation, dust the tops with powdered sugar right before serving. This simple step adds a delicate sweetness and a picturesque finish perfect for gifting or a festive occasion.

How to Serve Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe

A white plate holds a neat stack of round sandwich cookies, about ten in total, arranged in a small pile. Each cookie consists of two golden-brown, lightly textured biscuit layers with a smooth, light beige filling sandwiched in between. The top and bottom biscuit layers have a slightly rough, grainy surface, while the filling in the middle looks creamy and soft but firm enough to hold its shape. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and simple setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the powdered sugar dusting is classic, try adding a cinnamon stick or a light drizzle of caramel sauce on the side for an extra hint of indulgence that pairs beautifully with the cookies’ fall flavors.

Side Dishes

These sandwich cookies shine when accompanied by warm beverages like spiced chai, creamy lattes, or a simple cup of hot apple cider. The warmth complements the spices and enhances the apple butter’s rich sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider placing your Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe treats in rustic gift boxes lined with wax paper for perfect autumn gifts. Or, arrange them on a festive platter with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks to create a charming dessert centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your sandwich cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps the cookies soft while preserving the vibrant apple butter filling.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze the unfilled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw them completely and fill with apple butter to keep the filling fresh.

Reheating

Since these cookies are best enjoyed soft, avoid reheating in the microwave as it may make them too soft or soggy. Instead, let them come to room temperature naturally, and if you prefer a warm treat, gently heat your accompanying beverage for the perfect pairing.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fruit butter for the filling?

Absolutely! Pear butter or pumpkin butter make fantastic alternatives that add unique flavors while maintaining that luscious texture you love in this recipe.

How do I ensure my cookies don’t spread too much during baking?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft. This helps the cookies hold their shape better as they bake.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, all ingredients in this Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe are vegetarian-friendly, making it a perfect cozy dessert for meatless diets.

Can I double the recipe for larger batches?

Definitely! Just keep an eye on your baking sheets and avoid overcrowding them to ensure even baking across all the cookies.

What is the best way to cut out the cookies if I don’t have cookie cutters?

No worries if you don’t have cookie cutters! You can use a small glass or jar rim to create perfect rounds or simply cut the dough into squares with a knife for a charming rustic look.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the way warm spices and rich apple butter come together in this Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, embrace the season, and share a little sweetness with those you care about. Give it a try, and soon it might just become one of your favorite fall traditions too!