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- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup apple butter - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) The main ingredients in these cookies create a soft and rich treat. Butter gives cookies a tender texture. Brown sugar adds depth with its caramel notes. Granulated sugar increases sweetness. Eggs bind the dough and help it rise. Vanilla extract adds warmth and a delicious aroma. The flour is the backbone of the cookies, while baking powder and baking soda help them puff. Salt balances the sweetness, and cinnamon gives a warm flavor. Apple butter is the star, adding moisture and a fruity punch. Walnuts can add crunch if you like. - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Mixing bowls - Electric mixer (optional) - Measuring cups and spoons - Wire rack You need some basic tools to make these cookies. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper helps prevent sticking. Mixing bowls are key for combining ingredients. An electric mixer speeds up creaming butter and sugar but you can use a hand mixer too. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you get the right amounts. Finally, a wire rack cools your cookies evenly, keeping their texture just right. With these ingredients and tools, you are ready to bake a delightful treat! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare the baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with brown and granulated sugar until fluffy. - Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract. - In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. - Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding in walnuts if you want. - Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. - Make indentations in the center of each cookie ball with your thumb. - Fill each indentation with a teaspoon of apple butter. - Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are golden. - Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. Chilling the dough is key for great cookies. It firms up the butter and helps the cookies keep their shape. I recommend chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes. This simple step makes a big difference. To prevent cookies from spreading too much, make sure you measure your flour correctly. Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing the flour. Also, keep your dough balls tight and uniform in size. This helps them bake evenly. Using homemade apple butter gives a richer taste. It often has fewer added sugars and more spices. If you use store-bought, choose a brand with natural ingredients. Taste it first to see if it meets your flavor needs. You can add spices to boost warmth and depth. Cinnamon is great, but try nutmeg or ginger for a twist. A pinch of allspice can also add a nice touch. Just a little can make your cookies stand out. For presentation, arrange your cookies on a pretty platter. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds charm and elegance. It makes the cookies look extra special. You can also serve them with a small bowl of apple butter for dipping. This adds flavor and makes for a fun serving idea. A few fresh apple slices can enhance the look, too. Enjoy making your cookies not just tasty but also lovely to see! {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your apple butter thumbprint cookies easily. Try using different nut butters instead of regular butter. Almond or cashew butter adds a unique twist. You can also mix in spices like nutmeg or ginger. These spices bring a warm flavor that pairs well with apple butter. If you want to make these cookies gluten-free, use alternatives like almond or coconut flour. These flours work well and keep the cookies tasty. For a vegan version, swap out the butter for coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. This keeps the cookies soft and delicious. If you need a nut-free version, just skip the chopped walnuts. Instead, use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. They add a nice crunch without the nuts. You can also try other crunchy toppings like crushed graham crackers or oats for texture. To keep your Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies fresh, use an airtight container. This helps seal in moisture and keep them soft. You can store them at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid area, consider refrigerating them. Just remember to let them warm up a bit before serving. Freezing cookie dough is easy and a great way to save some for later. Scoop dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, you can bake fresh cookies anytime! For baked cookies, let them cool completely. Then wrap each cookie in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for about three months. These cookies can stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. Look for signs like a hard texture or an off smell. If you notice these signs, it’s best to toss them. Keeping them in an airtight container helps extend their life. Enjoy your cookies while they are soft and tasty! You can use other fruit preserves. Try peach, apricot, or cherry preserves. You can also make a homemade version. Cook down apples with sugar and spices until thick. This makes a great apple butter substitute. Yes, you can make the dough in advance. Mix the dough and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before using. Look for golden edges on the cookies. They should feel firm to the touch but soft in the center. If they are lightly brown around the edges, they are ready. Let them cool, and they will firm up more. You can create delicious cookies using simple ingredients and steps. We covered the main ingredients, tools needed, and the step-by-step process for baking. Remember to chill the dough for the best texture and consider fun variations to suit your taste. Proper storage ensures your cookies stay fresh longer, so follow the tips provided. With these methods, you’ll enjoy baking and sharing these treats. Go ahead and experiment—baking is fun!

Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies! These easy-to-make treats combine a buttery dough with the warm taste of apple butter and a hint of cinnamon, perfect for any occasion. Follow our simple step-by-step recipe to create about 24 delicious cookies that will impress family and friends. Click to explore the full recipe and bring a touch of sweetness to your kitchen today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup apple butter

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

      Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.

        In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts.

          Scoop tablespoons of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

            Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie ball.

              Fill each indentation with a teaspoon of apple butter.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

                  Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: About 24 cookies

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the cooled cookies on a decorative platter and sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Consider pairing with a small bowl of apple butter for dipping!