This easy Homemade Apple Butter Recipe transforms fresh apples and warm spices into a rich, silky spread that tastes like fall in every bite. For an extra-special treat, sandwich it between soft, cinnamon-sugar snickerdoodle cookies with vanilla bean buttercream for an irresistible fall cookie sandwich.

What is apple butter?

Apple butter is a thick, concentrated apple spread made by slowly cooking apples with warm spices until they become rich, smooth, and deeply flavorful. It’s perfect for spreading, baking, and adding cozy fall flavor to desserts.

Can I use store-bought apple butter for these cookie sandwiches?

Absolutely! Store-bought apple butter works well if you’re short on time, but homemade apple butter gives these snickerdoodle cookie sandwiches an especially fresh, rich apple flavor.

How do you assemble apple butter cookie sandwiches?

Spread or pipe a layer of vanilla bean buttercream onto the bottom of one snickerdoodle. Add a small spoonful of apple butter to the center, then gently top with another cookie.

Can I make these cookie sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes! The snickerdoodle cookies and apple butter can be prepared ahead of time. For the best texture, assemble the cookie sandwiches the day you plan to serve them or up to a day in advance.

How should I store apple butter cookie sandwiches?

Store assembled cookie sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving so the buttercream softens.

Cook with me!

Homemade Apple Butter Recipe

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Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Ingredients

(Makes 2 cups) For the Apple Butter:

2 ½ pounds crisp apples finely chopped and cored
1/2 cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of ground cloves
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste

(Makes 20 small cookies) For the Snickerdoodle Cookies:

1 1/3 cup all purpose flour
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup softened unsalted butter
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
For baking:
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

To Make the Apple Butter:

Combine the finely chopped apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and pinch of cloves in a stockpot over medium heat. Stir until the sugars have dissolved and bubbling,
Reduce heat to LOW, cover with lid, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove lid, increase heat to medium, and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes, until juices have reduced. Stir frequently to prevent any burning.
Let the ingredients cool down and then transfer to the Cuisinart Food Processor to blend until very smooth! Add back into the stockpot to cook down over LOW heat for another 15 to 20 minutes. The goal is for the color to deepen and reduce any remaining water from the apples.
Stir in the vanilla before transferring to glass containers to cool completely on the counter. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

To Make the Snickerdoodle Cookies:

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg. Mix well and set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the softened butter and sugar to cream for 3 minutes.
Add the butter and egg to beat 1 more minute, then add the flour mixture and mix just until all flour is absorbed.
Place in the fridge to chill 20 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon.
Use a small ice cream scooper, about 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons of dough, for each cookie. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Evenly distribute on the prepared pan to bake in the middle rack for 8 minutes. Take out to gently bang on the stovetop three times to interrupt the baking process. Bake for another 2 to 3 minutes, until browned on the edges but still soft in the center. Let cool on the pan for 10 minutes.

I truly hope you all enjoy this treasured recipe that has nestled its way into our hearts here in the ABM kitchen! ’till next time… xxL

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

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