Soft Apple Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of apples, butter, and a soft, fluffy cookie dough. These cookies are perfect for the fall season when apples are abundant, but they’re equally enjoyable year-round. The diced apples add a subtle sweetness and a moist texture, while the butter creates a melt-in-your-mouth feel. With simple ingredients and an easy process, these cookies can be whipped up for a quick snack, a family gathering, or even as an accompaniment to your afternoon tea or coffee.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Eggs: 2 large, at room temperature
Sugar: 100 grams (1/2 cup or 3.5 oz)

Butter: 100 grams (3.5 oz), softened at room temperature
Plain flour: 320-340 grams (2 1/4 – 2 1/2 cups), add gradually
Baking powder: 14 grams (3 teaspoons)

Salt: A pinch
Apples: 2 medium, peeled and diced

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Butter: Ensure that the butter is softened at room temperature before starting the recipe. This will help to create a smooth and well-incorporated dough.

Apples: Peel and dice the apples into small pieces, about 1/2-inch cubes. Set them aside for later.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps to incorporate air into the dough, resulting in soft and light cookies.

3. Add the Eggs

Crack the eggs into the bowl with the butter and sugar mixture. Mix them in one at a time, ensuring that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and well-combined.

4. Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Sifting ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly mixed and free of any lumps.

5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, about 1/3 at a time. Mix on low speed, or fold the ingredients by hand using a spatula, until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent the cookies from becoming tough.
Start with 320 grams of flour, and if the dough feels too sticky, you can add more flour, up to 340 grams.

6. Fold in the Apples

Gently fold the diced apples into the dough. The apples should be evenly distributed throughout the dough, but be careful not to crush them. The small apple pieces will add a delicious bite of freshness to each cookie.

7. Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape better when baking, and also enhances the flavor.

8. Preheat the Oven

While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.

9. Shape the Cookies

Once the dough is chilled, take it out of the refrigerator. Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, form small balls of dough (about 1-2 inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly during baking.

10. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. You may need to rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even baking.
Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. Serve and Enjoy

Once the cookies are completely cool, they are ready to be served. Enjoy them as is, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Cooking Tips

Butter Temperature: Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother dough. Cold butter will not mix properly, while melted butter can make the dough too wet.
Apple Choice: Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness of the cookies and add a pleasant texture.

Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps the cookies retain their shape during baking and prevents them from spreading too thin.
Spices: For added warmth, you can sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough along with the dry ingredients. This will complement the apples beautifully.

Storage

Room Temperature: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The apples in the cookies will keep them moist and soft.

Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate or want to keep the cookies fresher for longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a few minutes.

Nutritional Facts (Per Cookie)

Calories: 150 kcal

Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g

Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 100mg

These Soft Apple Butter Cookies are moderately low in calories and contain healthy fats from butter and apples. They also offer a small amount of fiber from the apples, making them a slightly healthier dessert choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour?
- Yes, you can substitute half of the plain flour with whole wheat flour to add more fiber and nutrients. Keep in mind that the texture might become slightly denser.

Can I use a different type of fruit instead of apples?
- Yes, pears or peaches can be used as an alternative to apples. Just make sure to dice them into small pieces for even distribution in the dough.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
- To make these cookies vegan, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based butter alternative.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to these cookies?
- Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even raisins and dried cranberries, would make great additions to these cookies.

Why do I need to chill the dough?
- Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking. It also enhances the flavor and makes the dough easier to work with.

Conclusion

Soft Apple Butter Cookies are a fantastic way to enjoy the natural sweetness of apples in a simple, comforting cookie. With a balance of buttery richness, the slight tartness of apples, and the light texture of the cookies, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or as a snack throughout the day, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and joy. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to make, store well, and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins!

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