Name: Irresistibly Delicious Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 106 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened at room temperature); 3/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar (packed firmly); 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 large Egg; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt; 1 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice; 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/4 teaspoon Cream of Tartar; 1/4 cup Turbinado Sugar (for rolling); 1 cup Apple Butter (main filling)

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As the leaves start to turn and the air fills with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg, there’s nothing quite like the delightful warmth of freshly baked cookies. That’s how I stumbled upon a recipe for Irresistible Delicious Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies with Creamy Filling—perfect for cozy afternoons or fun gatherings with friends. These little treasures will transport you straight to an autumn orchard, infusing your kitchen with their sweet, spicy aroma. Each bite offers a soft, buttery texture and a dreamy creamy filling that’s both nostalgic and comforting.

Whether you’re planning a gathering or simply looking to treat yourself, these cookies hit every note on the comfort scale. Easy to make and universally loved, they’re a fall classic you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and create a sweet moment that’s bound to leave everyone wanting more!

Why are Irresistible Delicious Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies a must?

Comforting Flavors: Each cookie is packed with the warm essence of apple butter and cozy spices, creating an aroma that fills your kitchen with nostalgia.

Simple Process: With just a few easy steps, you can whip up these delightful treats, making them perfect for bakers of all levels.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These cookies are destined to impress—whether at a fall gathering or a fun coffee break with friends!

Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to experiment by adding different spices or even flavored apple butter for a unique twist! Pair them with an Apple Arugula Salad to give your meal a savory balance.

Perfect Texture: Enjoy the soft, chewy cookies enveloped in a dreamy creamy filling that makes each bite simply irresistible!

Irresistible Delicious Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies
• Unsalted Butter – provides richness and a creamy texture; make sure it’s softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Dark Brown Sugar – adds moisture and deep caramel flavor for chewy cookies; pack it firmly for best results.
• Granulated Sugar – balances the richness with a touch of sweetness.
• Egg – acts as a binder, giving structure to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract – enhances flavor with its warm notes.
• All-Purpose Flour – the main structure of the cookies, contributing to texture.
• Kosher Salt – enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Apple Pie Spice – infuses the cookies with warm, cozy autumn flavors, perfect for our Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies.
• Ground Cinnamon – provides additional warmth and depth.
• Baking Soda – helps the cookies rise and achieve a chewy texture.
• Cream of Tartar – stabilizes egg whites and contributes to cookie structure.
• Turbinado Sugar – used for rolling dough balls, adding a crunchy texture.

For the Filling
• Apple Butter – the star of the cookies, providing rich apple flavor and moisture to the filling, ensuring that every bite is delightful.

How to Make Irresistible Delicious Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies

Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Create Cookie Dough: In a stand mixer, beat softened unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, apple pie spice, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and cream of tartar in a separate bowl. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined. You want a smooth, cohesive dough that isn’t overworked.
Shape Cookies: Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough, roll it into balls, and then coat each ball with turbinado sugar for a delightful crunchy finish. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to help prevent spreading.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the cookies for 13-16 minutes. They should be golden around the edges and soft in the center. Cool on the pans for 20 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Assemble with Filling: On half of the cookies, pipe a border of Apple Butter Buttercream, then fill with ample apple butter. Top with the remaining cookies to create delicious sandwiches.

Optional: Serve these cookies with a warm cup of cider for an extra cozy experience.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Irresistible Delicious Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and soft texture.

Fridge: For longer shelf life, keep cookies in the refrigerator where they can last up to a week. Make sure they’re properly sealed to prevent drying out.

Freezer: If you want to keep the cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy a warm treat, reheat cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds from the fridge or freezer, bringing back that inviting softness!

Make Ahead Options

These Irresistible Delicious Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing freshness! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply scoop and roll the dough into balls, coat with turbinado sugar, and refrigerate them. The filling can also be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. To maintain quality, ensure the cookies are chilled properly to prevent spreading while baking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just bake the chilled cookie dough as directed, assemble with the creamy filling, and you’ll have delightful cookies that taste just as delicious as if they were baked the same day!

What to Serve with Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies?

As the sweet aroma of these delightful cookies fills the air, consider pairing them with delicious sides and beverages to complete your cozy experience.

Spiced Chai Tea: The warm spices complement the cookie’s flavors beautifully, creating a comforting, aromatic drink to sip alongside your cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream will enhance the richness of the apple butter filling, providing a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
Pecan Pie: This classic dessert adds a nutty crunch that pairs fantastically with the soft cookies, making for a truly indulgent treat.
Apple Cider: A glass of warm, spiced apple cider echoes the flavors in your cookies while offering a refreshing contrast, perfect for any fall gathering.
Maple Glazed Roasted Brussel Sprouts: For a savory balance, serve these crispy sprouts tossed in maple glaze to accentuate the sweetness of the cookies.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: The cozy, spiced notes in this popular drink will create a harmonious pairing, perfect for those cool autumn afternoons.

Enjoy these combinations to turn your cookie experience into a delightful meal that warms the heart and pleases the palate!

Apple Butter Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize these cookies to your liking, enhancing every bite!

Nutmeg Boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg for an earthy undertone that complements the sweetness of the apple butter beautifully.
Flavored Apple Butter: Swap in vanilla or cinnamon apple butter to elevate the filling’s flavor and bring new depths to each bite.
Chocolate Dip: For a decadent twist, dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate for an indulgent finish that chocolate lovers will adore.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions; they’ll be just as delightful!
Oatmeal Crunch: Incorporate rolled oats into the dough for an added chewy texture and a wholesome flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Maple Flavor: Replace some granulated sugar with maple syrup for a subtle sweetness and a hint of that beloved maple flavor, perfect for fall.
Chili Kick: For those who adore a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cookie dough to create an unexpected, delightful flavor contrast.
Cocoa Touch: Introduce cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey variation that pairs wonderfully with the apple butter and creamy filling!

Dive into these creative variations to make these cookies your own, turning each batch into a cherished creation!

Helpful Tricks for Irresistible Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies

Creaming Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for proper creaming. This creates air in the dough, leading to a lighter texture in your cookies.
Chill Dough: Remember to chill the cookie dough after shaping. This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they maintain their shape.
Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be set around the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.
Substitute Wisely: Feel free to swap out spices or use flavored apple butter to give your filling a twist, but maintain the same quantities for best results.
Store Properly: To keep your Irresistible Delicious Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and consider refrigerating for longer shelf life!

Irresistible Delicious Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select apples for making apple butter?
Absolutely! When choosing apples for apple butter, look for sweeter varieties with a good balance of tartness, like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith. It’s best to select apples that are firm and free from dark spots or blemishes. This ensures that your apple butter will have a rich flavor and smooth texture.

How do I store my Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, refrigerate them where they can stay fresh for up to a week. Be sure to use a sealed container to prevent any drying out or loss of flavor!

Can I freeze the cookies for later?
Very! Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life. First, place the assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, the most likely culprit is the butter being too soft or not chilling the dough adequately. For future baking sessions, make sure your butter is softened just enough for mixing. Also, chilling the dough for 30-60 minutes before baking helps prevent excessive spreading, ensuring you get those nice, thick sandwiches!

Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes! The ingredients in Irresistible Delicious Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies do not include any nuts. However, always check the labels on your ingredient packages, as cross-contamination during the manufacturing process can happen. If you’re serving these cookies to someone with allergies, it’s wise to confirm everything is nut-free.

Can I substitute any ingredients in the recipe?
Definitely! If you’re out of any particular spice, such as apple pie spice, you can easily substitute it with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Also, if you want to reduce sugar, consider replacing part of the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like coconut sugar. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly, but it’s a delightful way to customize your cookies!