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A close-up shot of several golden-brown thumbprint cookies filled with rich, dark apple butter and drizzled with smooth caramel sauce.

Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies

Soft, buttery thumbprint cookies filled with warmly spiced apple butter and finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar. A cozy fall-inspired treat perfect for holidays and gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup apple butter
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • powdered sugar for dusting, optional

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
  6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Press an indentation into the center of each cookie using your thumb or a spoon.
  8. Mix apple butter with cinnamon and nutmeg, then spoon into each indentation.
  9. Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  10. Cool briefly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

These cookies pair beautifully with tea or coffee and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.