Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies

Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of spices with the sweetness of apple butter, creating a cookie that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special event, or simply indulging yourself, these sandwich cookies will impress everyone with their rich flavor and soft texture. The unique pairing of apple butter and spices makes them stand out in a sea of ordinary cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe features straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can follow.
• Deliciously Spiced: The blend of apple pie spice and cinnamon brings comforting warmth to every bite.
• Versatile Sweet Treat: Perfect for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or as an everyday snack.
• Impressive Presentation: The sandwich design makes these cookies not only tasty but also visually appealing for guests.
• Stays Fresh Longer: Refrigerating the cookies helps maintain their flavor and texture for days.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures that the process goes smoothly and your cookies turn out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Pastry bag with piping tip
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: A stand mixer saves time and effort when beating ingredients together, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking sheets: Quality baking sheets promote even cooking and prevent sticking when lined with parchment paper.
• Piping bag: Using a piping bag allows for precise application of the buttercream filling, giving your cookies a professional touch.

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Ingredients

Makes 11 sandwich cookies

For the Cookies

• ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (220 grams) firmly packed dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (50 grams), room temperature
• ½ teaspoon (2 grams) vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups (281 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons (6 grams) kosher salt
• 1½ teaspoons (3 grams) apple pie spice
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) ground cinnamon
• ¾ teaspoon (3.75 grams) baking soda
• ½ teaspoon (2 grams) cream of tartar
• Turbinado sugar, for rolling

For the Filling

• Apple Butter Buttercream (recipe follows)
• ¼ cup (75 grams) apple butter

How to Make Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Sheets

1. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together
2. unsalted butter,
3. dark brown sugar,
4. granulated sugar.
5. Beat at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
6. Add in
7. egg,
8. vanilla extract.
9. Beat until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
2. all-purpose flour,
3. kosher salt,
4. apple pie spice,
5. ground cinnamon,
6. baking soda,
7. cream of tartar.
8. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add this flour mixture to the butter mixture until just combined.

Step 4: Shape Dough Balls

1. Using a 1½-tablespoon spring-loaded scoop (about 34 grams each), scoop dough and roll into balls.
2. Roll each ball in turbinado sugar before placing them on prepared pans about 1½ to 2 inches apart.
3. Refrigerate dough balls for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Bake cookies until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft, typically between 13 to 16 minutes.
3. Let cool on pans for about 20 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 6: Assemble Sandwich Cookies

1. Place Apple Butter Buttercream into a pastry bag fitted with a ½-inch round piping tip.
2. Pipe a border of buttercream onto the flat side of half of the cookies.
3. Spoon about 1 teaspoon or approximately 6 grams of apple butter into the center.
4. Top with remaining cookies, flat side down.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Enjoy your homemade Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies!

How to Serve Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies

Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies are delightful treats perfect for any occasion. They can be served in various ways to enhance their flavors and presentation, making them a hit at gatherings or as a sweet snack.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that complements the sweetness of the cookies and balances the rich flavors of apple butter.

As Dessert Platter Highlights

• Arrange these cookies on a dessert platter with other sweets like brownies or fruit tarts for an appealing variety.

With a Cup of Tea or Coffee

• Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite hot beverage for a cozy experience, enhancing their spice notes.

Garnished with Fresh Fruit

• Serve with slices of fresh apples, pears, or berries to add freshness and contrast to the cookie’s richness.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in decorative bags to share as party favors, adding a personal touch to celebrations.

How to Perfect Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies

Perfecting your Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps achieve a smooth batter and ensures the cookies bake evenly.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough balls before baking helps them maintain their shape and enhances flavor.
• Measure flour accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour to avoid dense cookies.
• Don’t overmix: Combine ingredients just until mixed to keep your cookies tender.
• Watch baking time closely: Remove them from the oven when edges are set but centers are slightly soft for perfect texture.
• Store properly: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies

When serving Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert spread. Here’s a list of great options.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast and creaminess that pairs well with spiced flavors.

2. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits like berries, apples, and citrus offers freshness that lightens up the meal.

3. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses such as brie or goat cheese; they provide a savory contrast that balances sweetness.

4. Nutty Granola
   Crunchy granola made with nuts and oats adds texture and complements the cookie’s flavors nicely when served on the side.

5. Pumpkin Soup
   A warm bowl of pumpkin soup brings seasonal spice notes that harmonize beautifully with the cookies’ apple pie flavoring.

6. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a refreshing treat that works well alongside these sweet cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter is softened and your egg is at room temperature. This helps create a creamy texture in the dough.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining the shape of your cookies while baking. Do not skip this step; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be set around the edges but still soft in the center. Remove them from the oven when they look slightly underbaked.
• Not measuring flour accurately: Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Incorrect measurements can lead to dense cookies.
• Ignoring the mixing method: Mix ingredients just until combined to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to a chewy texture instead of a soft one.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies

• Freeze cookies individually by placing them on a baking sheet first.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for about 10-15 seconds per cookie until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until just heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies:

Can I use homemade apple butter for these cookies?

Yes, homemade apple butter works wonderfully! Just ensure it’s thick enough so it doesn’t make the cookies soggy.

How can I customize my Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies?

You can add nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or mix in chocolate chips if you’d like extra sweetness and texture.

What can I serve with Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies?

These cookies pair well with tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside vanilla ice cream for dessert!

How do I make the buttercream frosting?

You can easily make buttercream by mixing softened butter with powdered sugar and apple butter until smooth.

Are these cookies suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! Their unique flavor makes them perfect for gatherings like potlucks, holidays, or just a cozy family treat.

Final Thoughts

Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them based on your taste preferences or seasonal ingredients. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how easy it is to create delightful sandwiches filled with sweet apple goodness!