Frosted Apple Butter Cookies Recipe
Let me introduce you to pure cookie happiness: Frosted Apple Butter Cookies. These spiced, soft cookies pack the comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and velvety apple butter, all topped with a dreamy apple butter frosting that sets up to a tender, sweet finish. If you’re craving all those warm fall feels or just want to bring a little cozy delight to any season, these cookies always hit the spot. Whether you bake them for a holiday gathering or a lazy weekend treat, this recipe will quickly become one of your most requested (and beloved) bakes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Frosted Apple Butter Cookies is all in their simple ingredients, each chosen to create that signature soft texture, aromatic spices, beautiful color, and oh-so-luscious icing. Here’s what makes these cookies so irresistible:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and classic tender crumb for perfect cookies every time.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough, keeping them soft and slightly puffy.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all those delicious spice notes.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds backbone to the cozy spice flavor, making every bite feel like fall.
- Ground nutmeg: Gives depth and warmth that pairs perfectly with apple butter.
- Unsalted butter, softened: The secret to a creamy, rich dough and a smooth frosting base.
- Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and just the right amount of crisp edge to the cookies.
- Brown sugar: Adds moistness and a subtle molasses flavor—key for chewy, flavorful results!
- Large egg: Binds everything together and keeps the dough tender.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a warm, inviting aroma and balances the spices beautifully.
- Apple butter: Packs each cookie and its frosting with deep apple flavor and moistness—homemade or store-bought both work!
- Powdered sugar (for frosting): Creates a smooth, creamy glaze that sets just right over the cookies.
- Milk (for frosting): Thins the frosting to spreadable perfection without sacrificing sweetness.
How to Make Frosted Apple Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Heat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it heats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Setting up ahead of time means you’ll be ready to bake as soon as your dough comes together!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined. This extra step ensures that every bite of your Frosted Apple Butter Cookies has the perfect balance of spice and structure, so don’t skip the whisk!
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter with both the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Mix until it’s light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step gives your cookies that melt-in-your-mouth quality and releases a dreamy buttery aroma to get you excited for what’s coming next.
Step 4: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Apple Butter
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they’re just combined; then blend in the apple butter. The result is a gorgeously spiced, almost caramel-colored batter that already hints at those classic apple pie notes!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until everything’s incorporated. Don’t overwork the dough—just a few turns with your mixer or spatula will leave you with soft, fluffy cookies instead of tough or crumbly bites.
Step 6: Portion and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about two inches between each cookie (they puff up a bit as they bake). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges look lightly golden and centers are set. Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet briefly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Apple Butter Frosting
While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple butter, and milk until you have a smooth, glossy frosting. It should be thick enough to spread but not too runny; add a splash more milk if needed. This frosting brings all the apple magic!
Step 8: Frost and Let Set
Once your cookies are cool to the touch, spread a generous layer of frosting over each one. The icing will set slightly as it sits, creating that classic, irresistible frosted finish. If you can resist digging in right away, give them time to set—they’re totally worth the wait!
How to Serve Frosted Apple Butter Cookies
Garnishes
For an eye-catching touch, sprinkle your Frosted Apple Butter Cookies with a dusting of extra cinnamon, a pinch of chopped nuts, or even some sparkling turbinado sugar. A little garnish adds both flavor and a festive, bakery-style flourish that always impresses!
Side Dishes
These cookies are wonderful on their own, but to really turn them into a coffeehouse-worthy treat, serve alongside a mug of hot apple cider, spiced tea, or your favorite latte. If you’re setting out a dessert spread, arrange them next to slices of sharp cheddar for a sweet-savory pairing that really sings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking Frosted Apple Butter Cookies in a clear jar for a charming hostess gift, or layer them on a vintage cake pedestal at your next gathering for extra wow factor. Nestle each frosted cookie into a cupcake liner for easy (and adorable!) sharing at parties or bake sales.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Frosted Apple Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The frosting helps keep them moist, so they stay soft and delicious longer than your average cookie—which is great if you want treats on hand all week!
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies frosted or unfrosted. Layer cooled cookies with parchment paper between each layer in a freezer-safe container; they’ll keep for up to three months. For the best flavor and texture, frost after thawing, but if you freeze them with the icing, just give them time to come to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you crave that fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm leftover cookies for just 7–10 seconds in the microwave. This softens the frosting slightly and brings back a comforting bakery aroma. Frozen cookies should be thawed at room temperature before enjoying or reheating.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple butter for these cookies?
Absolutely! Homemade apple butter imparts an extra touch of love (and rich apple flavor) to your Frosted Apple Butter Cookies. Store-bought works great too—choose a thick, spiced variety if you can.
Can I add other spices or mix-ins?
Definitely! Try a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for deeper spice, or fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. These cookies are flexible and invite a little customization to match your cravings or pantry.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Be careful not to overbake—they should come out just as the edges are set and lightly golden. Also, store them in an airtight container soon after cooling to lock in moisture and keep them extra tender.
Is the frosting necessary?
While the cookies are delicious on their own, the apple butter frosting is what sets these apart and truly earns the name Frosted Apple Butter Cookies. The sweet, spiced glaze is incredibly easy and takes the flavor over the top.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully—just make sure to bake in batches and keep an eye on the bake time, as ovens can vary. These cookies are always a hit at potlucks and parties!
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly nostalgic and heartwarming about biting into Frosted Apple Butter Cookies—each one is tender, glazed, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is sure to spark joy. Give them a try soon and watch them disappear!
Print
Frosted Apple Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Frosted Apple Butter Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for fall or holiday baking. Soft, spiced cookies made with apple butter are topped with a sweet apple butter frosting for a flavorful and comforting dessert.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup apple butter
Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple butter
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until creamy.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined. Mix in the apple butter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Make frosting: Whisk powdered sugar, apple butter, and milk until smooth.
- Frost cookies: Spread frosting over cooled cookies and allow to set before serving.
Notes
- Use homemade or store-bought apple butter for convenience.
- For a stronger spice flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice.
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 6 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 22 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 2 grams
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
