Cinnamon Sugar Thumbprint Cookies with Apple Butter Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Thumbprint Cookies with Apple Butter are the stuff of cozy autumn afternoons and special treats you simply can’t keep a secret. These tender, buttery cookies are rolled in sparkling cinnamon sugar for a warm crunch, then crowned with a dollop of tangy apple butter—each bite is pure nostalgia. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering, an after-school surprise, or to pair with a mug of tea, this recipe brings together comforting flavors in the most delightful way. You’ll love how the cinnamon sugar complements the apple butter center and how impossibly easy (and fun!) these cookies are to assemble.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With such a short ingredient list, every single item matters for Cinnamon Sugar Thumbprint Cookies with Apple Butter. Each component brings a little something special to the party, creating that irresistibly soft crumb, golden edges, and, of course, their signature spiced sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter gives these cookies their rich, tender texture—don’t substitute, as it’s key for creaming with sugar.
• Granulated Sugar: Split between the dough and the cinnamon sugar coating, this classic sweetener keeps things simple and sweet.
• Egg Yolks: Only yolks here, please—these ensure your cookie stays moist and rich with a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash rounds out the flavors and adds lovely warmth beneath all that cinnamon.
• All-Purpose Flour: This pantry staple gives the cookies structure and their prized delicate crumb.
• Salt: A little salt is crucial—it heightens all the other flavors and keeps these cookies from being cloyingly sweet.
• Extra Granulated Sugar: Used for rolling, it melts slightly in the oven to create a crunchy coating.
• Cinnamon: The star spice, bringing bold, cozy flavor and beautiful color to every bite.
• Apple Butter: The game-changing filling—sweet, spiced, and fruity—ties the whole cookie together with autumnal flair.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Thumbprint Cookies with Apple Butter

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Set yourself up for success! Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and adjusting two racks so they’re spaced equally apart—this ensures even baking. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies bake up with perfectly golden bottoms and never stick.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Start by creaming together the butter and sugar in a stand mixer (or with a handheld mixer) for 2–3 minutes. This step is crucial for getting fluffy cookies, as it incorporates air and ensures a tender bite. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, beating for an additional minute or two until the mixture is lightened in color. In a separate bowl, combine the salt and flour, then gently add it to the butter mixture a cup at a time, mixing just until combined. Chilling the dough for one hour makes shaping easier and helps the cookies hold their wonderful thumbprint shape.

Step 3: Shape, Coat, and Fill with Apple Butter

Now for the hands-on fun! Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Swirl together your remaining sugar and cinnamon in a pie plate or shallow bowl, then roll each dough ball for a sparkling, spiced coat. Line them up on your baking sheets about an inch apart. Gently press a thumbprint (or use the handle of a wooden spoon) in the center of each cookie, then spoon a small, jewel-like blob of apple butter right into each indentation.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop your trays in the oven and bake for 12–14 minutes or until the cookies are set and the bottoms turn the most irresistible shade of golden brown. As tempting as they’ll smell, let them cool on a wire rack—the centers will firm up and the flavors meld, making them even more delicious. Now you’re ready to enjoy Cinnamon Sugar Thumbprint Cookies with Apple Butter at their absolute best.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Thumbprint Cookies with Apple Butter

Garnishes

A little flourish goes a long way! Dust your finished cookies with a whisper of extra cinnamon sugar as soon as they come out of the oven for sparkle and an extra hit of horchata-like warmth. For a special occasion, a light drizzle of caramel or a pinch of flaky sea salt on each apple butter center brings out big bakery energy.

Side Dishes

These cookies play oh-so-nicely with a mug of spiced chai or a glass of cold milk. Set out a plate alongside a cheese board with sharp cheddar (seriously, apples and cheese are a match made in heaven), or tuck them into a big cookie platter for a holiday dessert spread—Cinnamon Sugar Thumbprint Cookies with Apple Butter add a lovely fruit-forward touch among the chocolates and caramels.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them on a tiered cake stand for a festive party, or package a few cookies in cellophane bags tied with rustic twine for a sweet homemade gift. For a brunch treat, serve them alongside mini scones and coffee for a bakery-style vibe at home. If you’re feeling playful, arrange them in a wreath shape around a bowl of extra apple butter for dipping—so much fun for fall gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cinnamon Sugar Thumbprint Cookies with Apple Butter in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The centers stay moist and the spice flavor actually deepens after a day, so don’t be shy about baking ahead for celebrations or snack cravings.

Freezing

To freeze, lay baked (and fully cooled) cookies in a single layer on a sheet pan. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep happily for up to a month—just thaw at room temp and enjoy.

Reheating

While these cookies are wonderful at room temperature, a quick 5–10 seconds in the microwave brings back the coziness and makes the apple butter centers extra gooey—just the treat for a chilly day with your favorite hot beverage.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought apple butter, or should I make my own?

Absolutely! Store-bought apple butter is perfect in this recipe and saves time. If you feel inspired, homemade apple butter (especially if well-spiced) adds a lovely personal touch, but both options are equally delicious.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No stand mixer, no problem! A hand mixer or even good old-fashioned elbow grease with a wooden spoon will do the trick for creaming and combining the dough. Just be sure the butter is truly soft.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The cookies will still bake up beautifully tender and flavorful. Just keep an eye on the dough’s texture and add a bit more flour if needed.

How do I keep the apple butter from spilling out?

Avoid overfilling—aim for about a half teaspoon per cookie. Also, don’t press the thumbprints too deep. A slight indentation holds just enough filling and prevents delicious overflow.

Can I substitute the apple butter with other fillings?

Definitely! Try pumpkin butter, pear preserves, or even a thick raspberry jam for a fun twist. Each will offer a new flavor profile—though Cinnamon Sugar Thumbprint Cookies with Apple Butter have a charm all their own!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like a celebration every time you bake it, you can’t go wrong with Cinnamon Sugar Thumbprint Cookies with Apple Butter. These sweet, cozy bites are guaranteed to bring a smile to any table—so grab your mixing bowl and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a little extra joy this week!

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