Apple Butter Cookies

These mouth-watering apple butter cookies hit the spot come fall and are mellow enough in apple flavor that they’ll satisfy your sweet tooth any time of year. Made with a hearty mix of oats, apple butter, whole milk, chopped nuts and raisins, they’ll fit the bill for a sweet, filling cookie. They’re easy to make and store. Plus children love them, so these cookies with apple butter are ideal for packed lunches or an afternoon snack with a glass of cold milk.

 Ingredients for Apple Butter Cookies

• Butter: Make sure to fully soften your butter prior to making this recipe.
• Brown sugar: Fully pack the cups of brown sugar before adding to the mixer.
• Eggs: If you’d like a deeper apple flavor, you can sub applesauce here.
• Oats: Quick-cooking oats give a nice crumble to these cookies and hearty fiber.
• Apple butter: This is where the warm, rich apple flavor comes in. If you have the time, making your own apple butter and using it in this recipe gives an even deeper flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Sub your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, if necessary.
• Baking soda: This is an important leavening agent.
• Baking powder: Another important leavening agent, and when used with baking powder, these cookies because light and fluffy.
• Salt: Use a Himalayan salt for a bit more flavor and depth.
• Whole milk: Using whole milk here helps to give these cookies moisture as well as a creamier texture.
• Chopped nuts: We recommend using walnuts or pecans.
• Raisins: Apples and raisins are the quintessential fall pairing, and they add a nice boost in flavor with the nuts and apple in this recipe. You can leave these out if you prefer baked goods without raisins.

Directions

Step 1: Mix batter

In a bowl or stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs, oats and apple butter. In a smaller bowl, combine the dry ingredients and gradually add these to the creamed mixture along with the milk. Beat well until fully blended. Stir in the nuts and raisins. Cover and refrigerate until easy to handle, or up to one hour.

Step 2: Shape then bake

Preheat oven to 350°F. Drop chilled dough, by the teaspoonfuls, onto a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake them for 15 minutes, or until set. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Recipe Variations

• Sub chocolate: Everything is better with chocolate and these apple butter cookies are no exception. Swap the raisins for semisweet chocolate chips or chunks if you want a little extra sweetness.
• Add some spice: For a fuller-bodied cookie that have more fall flavor add some nutmeg, allspice or cinnamon to the mix. You’ll want to do this in small amounts (think 1/8 tsp), otherwise you risk changing the texture.

How to Store Apple Butter Cookies

You can store apple butter cookies covered on the counter for up to three days, or covered in the fridge, for up to five days.

Can you freeze apple butter cookies?

Yes. Apple butter cookies freeze really well. To do so, wrap tightly in wax paper and then a freezer-safe plastic bag. Store for up to four months.

Apple Butter Cookie Tips

What can I serve with apple butter cookies?

Apple butter cookies are the ideal fall treat, so serving with other fall goodies is always a good idea. If you’re putting on little a fall dinner party, consider serving these with an apple crumb pie, sweet apple bread or even a basic side of homemade applesauce.

Can I sub another flour?

You can sub whole wheat flour, almond flour or any other flour of your choice. but just be sure to adjust amounts accordingly.

Can I sub another sugar?

The richness of the brown sugar adds smooth caramel notes to these cookies but pure maple syrup or honey would be delicious, too.