Delightful Homemade Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies for Fall
These Homemade Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies capture the essence of fall with their buttery dough and spiced apple butter filling.
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing bowls
- - Hand mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Apple Butter store-bought or homemade
- 1.75 oz Sugar granulated sugar preferred
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract Madagascar vanilla recommended
- 1.5 tbsp Cornstarch or substitute with arrowroot
- 1 tsp Baking Powder omit for denser cookies
- 5 oz All-Purpose Flour King Arthur brand recommended
- 4 oz Butter softened to room temperature
- 1 pinch Salt balances sweetness
For the Optional Glaze
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar perfect for a drizzle
- Cinnamon to taste
Instructions
How to Make Homemade Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 390°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare your ingredients by setting them out in bowls and ensuring your butter is softened.
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the creamed mixture gradually, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions, roll into balls, and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Press your thumb deeply into the center of each ball to create an indent.
- Fill each thumbprint with apple butter generously.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown and centers slightly underbaked.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
- For the optional glaze, whisk powdered sugar and cinnamon with water until drizzable, then drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
Optional: Add chopped nuts for crunch or serve with a warm beverage.