Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Light and fluffy snickerdoodle cookies with the perfect hint of cinnamon apple flavor. A classic cookie with a fun Fall twist!

Light and fluffy apple butter snickerdoodle cookie recipe from @bakedbyrachel

It snowed this weekend! And, it’s only the middle of October! Granted, it only snowed for maybe 2 minutes, but… it still snowed. It was so pretty amongst the Fall foliage! Obviously it wasn’t enough to build up or last, but I’ll still count that as our first snow for the season. Of course what that means it winter really isn’t too far off. I know I complain about winter a lot. It’s cold and can become pretty miserable when you get several feet of snow at a time or even snowstorm after snowstorm. But, it’s pretty. I’ll admit it. I do love watching the snow. I’d be okay with flurries off and on all winter, just not the insane storms we frequently get around here in the winter.

This weekend we did our yearly watching of Hocus Pocus. I’m kind of surprised by how few kids Halloween movies there are…or at least semi-decent ones. I had totally forgotten that the same actor who played Binx the cat (and boy) in Hocus Pocus also is now McGee on NCIS. It’s kind of funny to come across those random roles but it’s even funnier when the kids can pick them out. We’ll sometimes try to quiz them and see if they can guess who the other characters are from other movies or shows with the same voice or face. It’s not always easy! I guess I like playing guessing games.

Light and fluffy apple butter snickerdoodle cookie recipe from @bakedbyrachel

It’s been way too long since I shared a cookie recipe. I was craving cookies the other week so I decided to put a fun spin on my favorite snickerdoodle cookies. I’d already shared pumpkin snickerdoodles, so it seemed fitting to put an apple twist on them!

I love everything apple flavored so I’m honestly surprised it took me this long to whip these up. But, oh they were SO completely worth the wait. They’re incredible and quite possibly my favorite snickerdoodle version to date! And that’s saying a lot because I love snickerdoodle cookies!

Light and fluffy homemade apple butter snickerdoodle cookies with a crisp cinnamon-sugar coating. A perfect Fall treat and an absolute MUST make for all snickerdoodle fans.

Add these fun cookies to your Fall baking plans! Be sure to grab an extra cookie before they disappear!

Light and fluffy apple butter snickerdoodle cookie recipe from @bakedbyrachel

Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies

Light and fluffy snickerdoodle cookies with the perfect hint of cinnamon apple flavor. A classic cookie with a fun Fall twist!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cookie
Servings: 2 dozen

Ingredients

Dough:

  • 1/2 C unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/2 C granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 C cinnamon apple butter
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
  • 3/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • pinch of ground cloves
  • 2 3/4 C all purpose flour

Topping:

  • 1/4 C granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

  • In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla, followed by apple butter. With mixer on low, add remaining spices and flour in small additions until completely added and fully incorporated. 
  • Transfer to a clean storage container. Transfer to the freezer to chill and firm up for 30-45 minutes or until easy to handle.* 
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. 
  • Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. 
  • Use a medium cookie scoop to portions of dough and immediately drop into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Flip to lightly coat all sides. Roll into a ball and return to the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat completely. Transfer to prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies 2-inches apart. 
  • Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden. 
  • Allow cookies to rest on the pan for 1-2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. 
  • Store in an airtight container for up to several days. 

Notes

*If not baking immediately, store dough in the refrigerator until ready to roll and bake.
An original recipe from Baked by Rachel

This post contains affiliate links.

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34 Responses to “Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies”

  1. #
    1
    Medeja — October 19, 2015 at 6:47 am

    Cinnamon and apple.. Yummy! Great cookies.

    • #
      1.1
      Rachel — October 20, 2015 at 7:21 am

      Thanks Medeja!

  2. #
    2
    Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor — October 19, 2015 at 7:12 am

    Wow, I can’t believe it snowed already! But at least you could cozy up and enjoy these cookies. I love snickerdoodle cookies and love the addition of the apple butter!

    • #
      2.1
      Rachel — October 20, 2015 at 7:21 am

      Exactly!! Cookies make everything better ;)

  3. #
    3
    Amy Stafford — October 19, 2015 at 7:21 am

    We are out of town, down south, so we missed the snow, but still-YUCK! I think I will be making a batch of these cookies when I get back.

    • #
      3.1
      Rachel — October 20, 2015 at 7:21 am

      I hope you do! :)

  4. #
    4
    Sarah@bakingwithmom — October 19, 2015 at 7:24 am

    I just love this idea. Adding apple to a Snickerdoodle–Yum!

    • #
      4.1
      Rachel — October 20, 2015 at 7:22 am

      Thanks Sarah!

  5. #
    5
    Arman @ thebigmansworld — October 19, 2015 at 7:30 am

    These look delicious, Rachel- How did I miss the apple cinnamon sauce?! TIme to put my apples to good use!

    • #
      5.1
      Rachel — October 20, 2015 at 7:22 am

      You’ve got to make some! :)

  6. #
    6
    Taylor@Food Faith Fitness — October 19, 2015 at 7:47 am

    Hocus Pocus? Doesn’t that bring back childhood memories :) I can’t believe you’ve already had snow. Good thing you had these cookies to make it better! The look delicious! Pinning!

    • #
      6.1
      Rachel — October 20, 2015 at 7:22 am

      Haha seriously. Such a classic. And thanks Taylor!

  7. #
    7
    Ambar — October 19, 2015 at 9:37 am

    These are so perfect for the up coming holidays! I didn’t even know cinnamon apple butter existed!

    • #
      7.1
      Rachel — October 20, 2015 at 7:22 am

      It’s a must make! :)

  8. #
    8
    Danae @ Recipe Runner — October 19, 2015 at 11:25 am

    I can’t believe you guys already got snow! I keep checking the weather here in Colorado waiting to see when it’s going to happen here, usually it’s around Halloween. These cookies look perfect for baking on a cold snowy day! I can just imagine how amazing they make the house smell!

    • #
      8.1
      Rachel — October 20, 2015 at 7:22 am

      We weren’t supposed to get anything here, just north of us, but it was a fun surprise.

  9. #
    9
    Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche — October 19, 2015 at 1:00 pm

    These sound AMAZING! We don’t have apple butter in the UK so I’ll have to make my own for these. They sound so delicious!

    • #
      9.1
      Rachel — October 20, 2015 at 7:23 am

      Homemade is always worlds better anyway ;) And thanks Becca!

  10. #
    10
    Sophie Loves Food — October 19, 2015 at 3:55 pm

    LOVE snickerdoodles so love the addition of apple!

    • #
      10.1
      Rachel — October 20, 2015 at 7:23 am

      Thanks Sophie!

  11. #
    11
    Leslie @ flora foodie — October 19, 2015 at 4:00 pm

    Ohhhhh my, these look incredible. I have been looking for a fun fall-ish cookie to make soon!!!

    • #
      11.1
      Rachel — October 20, 2015 at 7:23 am

      You’ll definitely have to give these a try! :)

  12. #
    12
    Senika @ Foodie Blog Stalker — October 20, 2015 at 7:48 pm

    Snow?! I’m SO jealous! We’re still 80’s-90’s in So Cal :( I need to make these amazing apple cookies to get a Fall feeling, yum!

    • #
      12.1
      Rachel — October 21, 2015 at 7:56 am

      I can’t even imagine living somewhere without a true Fall. Wish I could send you some cooler and colorful weather :)

  13. #
    13
    Julie @ Table for Two — October 20, 2015 at 9:59 pm

    Love the apple butter in this!! I have so many jars from my slow cooker recipe that I made a couple weeks ago and they need to get used!

    • #
      13.1
      Rachel — October 21, 2015 at 7:54 am

      You HAVE to make these then ;)

  14. #
    14
    Laura (Tutti Dolci) — November 2, 2015 at 1:48 am

    These snickerdoodles look beyond fab, love the apple butter!

    • #
      14.1
      Rachel — November 2, 2015 at 7:19 am

      Thanks Laura!

  15. #
    15
    Julie T. — December 20, 2016 at 1:36 pm

    If I do not have cinnamon apple butter but just plain apple butter – how much cinnamon would I add to this recipe? These look delicious. I have several jars of apple butter that I need to use. Thank you!

    • #
      15.1
      Rachel — December 20, 2016 at 3:11 pm

      Since the recipe already calls for cinnamon, I wouldn’t increase it too much. Start out with 1 teaspoon total and see how the batter looks to you. If it’s not speckled enough with cinnamon, add a tiny bit more. Enjoy! :)

  16. #
    16
    Julie T. — December 24, 2016 at 10:49 am

    In regards to my previous question – I did not add any extra. They were wonderful! This recipe is a big hit and I am making some more for our family gathering today! Thank you and Merry Christmas!!!

    • #
      16.1
      Rachel — December 26, 2016 at 8:52 am

      Perfect! Thanks for updating and merry Christmas :)

  17. #
    17
    Tina Celona — November 21, 2021 at 9:00 pm

    Hi Rachel, great recipe idea. I just made a batch and they didn’t spread out much at all..i was wondering if you meant to write baking soda instead of baking powder? Most snickerdoodle recipes call for soda and cream of tartar.

    • #
      17.1
      Rachel — November 22, 2021 at 7:55 pm

      These do call for baking powder as they’re softer and fluffier version. It’s possible that you had a bit too much flour or your oven wasn’t heating at the correct temperature. They definitely should spread a bit but not super flat.

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