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–+ servings
Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies

Heavenly Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies for Cozy Fall Days

Indulge in soft and flavorful Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies perfect for fall gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 14 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Cookies
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter For richness and tenderness; salted butter can be used by reducing the added salt.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Adds sweetness and helps with texture; no direct substitutions recommended.
  • 2 large Egg Yolks Provide moisture and a rich mouthfeel; egg whites can replace them in a pinch, but may alter texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Enhances flavor; almond extract can be a lovely alternative for a different twist.
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Forms the cookie’s structure; gluten-free flour is a great option for gluten-free version.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavors; no substitutions recommended.
For the Coating
  • 1 cup Additional Sugar Creates a sweet and aromatic exterior; you can experiment with spices like nutmeg for added flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Creates a sweet and aromatic exterior; you can experiment with spices like nutmeg for added flavor.
For the Filling
  • 1 cup Apple Butter Adds moisture and flavor; feel free to use homemade or store-bought apple butter for convenience.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Handheld Mixer
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • wire rack

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using a handheld mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Add 2 egg yolks and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture and mix on medium speed for about another minute.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually sift these dry ingredients into your butter-sugar-egg mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  5. Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes.
  6. Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls, then roll each ball in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon before placing them on the prepared baking sheets.
  7. Create thumbprints in the center of each dough ball, then fill with apple butter.
  8. Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft.
  9. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 40mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Chill the dough for easier handling and to prevent spreading. Use high-quality apple butter for the best flavor.

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