Frosted Apple Butter Cookies Recipe

These Frosted Apple Butter Cookies are soft, spiced, and bursting with flavor! Topped with a creamy vanilla frosting, they make for a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

– **For the Cookies:**
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup apple butter

– **For the Frosting:**
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Optional: ground cinnamon for dusting

Instructions:

**Preparing the Dough:**
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and apple butter until fully combined.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

**Baking the Cookies:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked.
4. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

**Preparing the Frosting:**
1. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
2. Optionally, mix in a pinch of ground cinnamon for added flavor.

**Assembling the Cookies:**
1. Once the cookies are completely cool, frost each cookie generously with the frosting using a butter knife or offset spatula.
2. Optionally, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top for extra flavor and presentation.
3. Allow the frosting to set for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Storage Instructions:

– Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
– For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies layered with parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing for best results.

Notes:

– Ensure the butter is softened for easy creaming with the sugars.
– Adjust the thickness of the frosting to your preference by adding more or less milk.
– These cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations!

Prep Time:

1 hour (plus chilling time)

Cook Time:

12 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 12 minutes (plus chilling time)

Yield:

Approximately 24 cookies