Description
Soft and chewy cinnamon-spiced cookies sandwiched together with a creamy apple butter filling create these irresistible Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies. Bursting with warm fall flavors and a balanced sweetness, they are ideal for holiday cookie trays, edible gifts, cozy afternoon coffee breaks, or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Butter Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup apple butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the large egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft cookie dough forms without overmixing.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Gently flatten each dough ball slightly using the palm of your hand for even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color, indicating they are perfectly baked yet soft and chewy.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which is essential for assembling the sandwich later.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the apple butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, then beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, perfect for spreading.
- Assemble Sandwich Cookies: Spread or pipe the apple butter filling onto the flat side of one cooled cookie. Top it with another cookie, pressing gently to create a sandwich. Repeat this process with the remaining cookies and filling until all sandwiches are formed.
Notes
- For cleaner, more stable layers, chill the assembled cookies in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before serving.
- If the filling feels too soft for spreading, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes to firm up before using.
- Store assembled sandwich cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Unfilled cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and assemble with the filling when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
