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Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 24 reviews

Delight in these soft and buttery Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and filled with sweet apple butter. These charming cookies combine a tender, rich dough rolled in cinnamon sugar with a luscious apple butter center, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Rolling and Filling

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling the cookies)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup apple butter

Instructions

  1. Prep. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with two racks spaced equally. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream butter and sugar. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, cream together the unsalted butter and ½ cup granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes until well combined and fluffy. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract and beat for 1-2 minutes more until lightened in color and fluffy.
  3. Add the dry ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined.
  4. Chill the dough. Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up, which makes it easier to handle and prevents spreading during baking.
  5. Shape and fill the dough. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion dough and roll into balls. In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar and arrange on prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Make an indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb or the handle of a spoon. Fill each indentation gently with about ½ teaspoon apple butter without overflowing.
  6. Bake. Bake cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 12-14 minutes, until the cookies are set and the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and a smooth dough.
  • Chilling the dough is essential to maintain cookie shape and prevent excessive spreading.
  • You can substitute apple butter with other fruit preserves if desired.
  • For a festive touch, dust the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
  • Make sure to not overfill the thumbprint indentation to avoid leaking during baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple butter cookies, thumbprint cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, fall cookies, holiday cookies, easy cookie recipe

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/apple-butter-thumbprint-cookies-recipe/