Description
Soft spiced apple butter sandwich cookies that combine tender, aromatic cookies with a luscious apple butter filling. These fall-inspired treats are perfect for cozy gatherings, gifting during the holidays, or enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. Featuring warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, they bring a comforting touch to classic sandwich cookies.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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
Filling
- ½ cup apple butter
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter mixture, mixing thoroughly until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms. Avoid over-mixing to keep cookies tender.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough out to approximately ¼-inch thickness. Use round or leaf-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies.
- Bake: Arrange the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks to set and prevent the filling from melting when assembled.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread about a teaspoon of apple butter onto the underside of half the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies gently to form sandwich cookies.
- Optional Dusting: Lightly dust the assembled sandwich cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant finish before serving.
Notes
- Substitute apple butter with pear butter or pumpkin butter for a different flavor profile.
- Store assembled sandwich cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- You can freeze unfilled cookies for up to 2 months; thaw before filling and assembling.
- These cookies make delightful gifts for autumn and holiday seasons, perfect for including in cookie boxes and edible presents.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
