Delightful Butterscotch Apple Cookies: Your Ultimate Fall Baking Guide
Experience the cozy essence of autumn with these incredibly soft, chewy, and frosted Butterscotch Apple Cookies. Crafted with the perfect blend of sweet apples, rich brown sugar, luscious butterscotch chips, and warm cinnamon, these cookies are an undeniable treat for anyone yearning for classic fall flavors. They’re not just a dessert; they’re an edible celebration of the season, promising warmth and comfort in every bite.
Creating these delightful butterscotch chip cookies is a straightforward and enjoyable process, thanks to a simple list of readily available ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. The exquisite combination of flavors evokes the nostalgic taste of a caramel apple, making them a fantastic dessert choice that can be savored throughout the entire autumn season. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy evening at home, or simply craving something sweet, these cookies deliver pure bliss.
Irresistible Apple Butterscotch Cookies for Fall
These cinnamon-spiced wonders are more than just cookies; they’re a symphony of fall flavors. Each cookie is generously loaded with finely grated apple, a hint of apple juice for extra moisture and flavor, and crunchy chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, adding a delightful textural contrast. To elevate their indulgence, they’re crowned with a silky, simple glaze that ties all the autumnal elements together. Every single bite offers a perfect medley of warmth, comfort, and sweet satisfaction, making these soft and chewy treats truly irresistible.
Essential Ingredients for Your Apple Butterscotch Cookies
Crafting the perfect batch of butterscotch apple cookies begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is crucial for achieving that signature soft, chewy texture and rich flavor:
- All-Purpose Flour: You’ll need 2 ½ cups of good quality all-purpose flour. This forms the essential structure of your cookie dough, providing the perfect foundation for our soft and chewy texture.
- Ground Cinnamon: A generous 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon is key to infusing these cookies with that classic warm, inviting autumnal spice. It complements the apple and butterscotch beautifully.
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon of baking soda is essential for leavening, helping your cookies puff up nicely and achieve their desirable softness as they bake.
- Salt: Just ½ teaspoon of salt works wonders in balancing and enhancing all the sweet flavors in the cookies, making them taste even more incredible and preventing them from being overly sweet.
- Packed Brown Sugar: You will need 1 ⅓ cups of packed brown sugar. This ingredient is vital for giving your cookies a deep, rich molasses flavor, incredible moisture, and that characteristic chewy goodness in every bite.
- Butter: For the cookies, ½ cup of softened unsalted butter will create a richer, more tender crumb and contribute to the overall luxurious taste. You’ll also need an additional 3 tablespoons of butter for the butterscotch glaze, ensuring a smooth and glossy finish.
- Large Egg: One large egg acts as a crucial binder, holding the dough together and contributing to the cookie’s structure and moisture. Ensure it’s at room temperature for better incorporation.
- Apple Juice: You’ll use ½ cup of apple juice in the cookie dough to boost the apple flavor and provide additional moisture. Another 1-2 tablespoons will be used for the glaze, helping achieve the perfect consistency.
- Butterscotch Chips: The star of the show! You’ll need an entire 11-ounce bag (approximately 1 ⅔ cups) of butterscotch chips. These will be divided, with the majority folded into the cookie dough and a small portion reserved for the irresistible glaze.
- Grated Unpeeled Apple: ¾ cup of freshly grated unpeeled apple ensures that every mouthful is bursting with fresh, vibrant apple flavor and adds wonderful moisture to the cookies. A small to medium apple is usually sufficient. Tart apples like Granny Smith or crisp sweet ones like Honeycrisp work beautifully.
- Chopped Nuts: ¾ cup of chopped nuts adds a delightful crunch and nutty depth. Pecans and walnuts are highly recommended as they complement the other flavors exceptionally well. Remember to divide these, reserving some for sprinkling on top of the glaze.
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup of powdered sugar is the essential base for creating the smooth, sweet, and dreamy glaze that will generously coat the top of these wonderful cookies.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Butterscotch Apple Cookies
Follow these detailed instructions to bake a batch of heavenly butterscotch apple cookies that are sure to impress:
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While the oven heats, lightly grease your cookie sheets or line them with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking. Set them aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed, which is crucial for uniform cookies.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the brown sugar and ½ cup of softened butter until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This step incorporates air, leading to a tender cookie.
- Add the Egg: Beat in the large egg until it is fully incorporated into the sugar and butter mixture. Ensure there are no streaks of egg visible.
- Integrate Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the ½ cup of apple juice. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in Flavorful Add-ins: Reserve 2 tablespoons of butterscotch chips and about ¼ cup of the chopped nuts for the glaze and topping. Gently stir in the remaining 1 ½ cups of butterscotch chips, your ¾ cup of grated apple, and the remaining ⅓ to ½ cup of chopped nuts into the cookie dough. Mix just until everything is evenly distributed.
- Portion and Bake: Drop the cookie dough by slightly rounded tablespoons onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving a couple of inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers are set. The cookies should still be soft in the middle. Do not overbake! Allow the cookies to stand on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Make the Delicious Butterscotch Glaze
While your cookies are cooling, prepare the simple yet sensational butterscotch glaze:
- Melt Glaze Ingredients: In a small, heavy saucepan, combine the reserved 2 tablespoons of butterscotch chips and 3 tablespoons of butter. Melt these ingredients together over the lowest possible heat, stirring continuously until smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat immediately once melted.
- Whisk in Powdered Sugar and Apple Juice: With the pan off the heat, stir in 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of apple juice. Whisk vigorously until the glaze is completely smooth and reaches your desired pouring consistency. Add a tiny bit more apple juice if it’s too thick, or a touch more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
- Glaze and Garnish: Once your cookies are completely cooled, generously spread the butterscotch glaze over the top of each cookie. Immediately sprinkle with the remaining chopped nuts for a beautiful finish and added crunch.
Enjoy these warm, inviting, and utterly delicious Butterscotch Apple Cookies!
BUTTERSCOTCH APPLE COOKIES
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Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ⅓ cups packed brown sugar
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup apple juice
- 11 oz butterscotch chips divided for cookies & glaze
- ¾ cup unpeeled grated apple from 1 small apple
- ¾ cup chopped pecans or walnuts divided for dough & topping
Butterscotch Glaze
- 2 TBSP butterscotch chips reserved from main quantity
- 1-2 TBSP apple juice as needed for consistency
- 3 TBSP butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- chopped pecans or walnuts remaining from main quantity, for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large mixer bowl, beat brown sugar and ½ cup softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy and light. Beat in the large egg until fully incorporated.
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Gradually beat in the dry flour mixture alternately with the ½ cup apple juice, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined.
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Reserve 2 tablespoons butterscotch chips and about ¼ cup chopped nuts for the glaze and topping. Stir the remaining butterscotch chips (approx. 1 ½ cups), ¾ cup grated apple, and the remaining chopped nuts into the cookie dough until evenly distributed.
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Drop dough by slightly rounded tablespoons onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them apart.
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Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Let stand on cookie sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Make Butterscotch Glaze
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In a small, heavy saucepan, melt the reserved 2 tablespoons butterscotch chips and 3 tablespoons butter over the lowest possible heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
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Stir in 1 cup powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons apple juice until the glaze is smooth and reaches your desired consistency.
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Spread the glaze evenly on the cooled cookies and immediately sprinkle with the remaining chopped nuts.
Nutrition Information (per cookie)
Storage Tips: How Long Do Butterscotch Apple Cookies Last?
To enjoy the fresh taste and perfect texture of these butterscotch apple cookies for as long as possible, proper storage is key. When stored correctly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will maintain their deliciousness for about 4 to 5 days. Keeping them sealed prevents them from drying out and helps retain their soft, chewy quality.
While you certainly *can* store them in the refrigerator, it’s generally not recommended for optimal texture. The cold environment can cause the nuts to become chewier and the overall cookie texture to soften more than desired. For best results, keep them at a consistent room temperature away from direct sunlight or heat.
Can I Freeze These Apple Butterscotch Cookies?
Absolutely! Freezing these delectable cookies is an excellent option for long-term storage, allowing you to enjoy them for weeks or even months to come. You can store your unfrosted cookies in an airtight, freezer-safe container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. This is perfect for meal prepping desserts or having a sweet treat on hand whenever a craving strikes.
However, a crucial tip: I highly recommend freezing the cookies *without* the glaze. Apply the butterscotch glaze only when you’re ready to serve them or closer to the serving date. Freezing glazed cookies can lead to several issues: the glaze can become sticky and cause the cookies to clump together, making them difficult to separate. Furthermore, as the glazed cookies thaw, the glaze may “sweat” or become watery, affecting its appearance and texture. To enjoy the best experience, thaw the cookies completely at room temperature, then prepare and apply the fresh glaze before serving. You can also freeze the raw dough rolled into balls and bake them fresh whenever you desire!
Tips for Perfect Butterscotch Apple Cookies Every Time
Achieving bakery-quality butterscotch apple cookies is easier than you think with a few simple tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more efficiently, creating a smoother dough and a more even texture in your final cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher, less tender cookies.
- Measure Flour Correctly: For accurate measurements, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to too much flour and dry cookies.
- Choose the Right Apples: While most apples will work, firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide the best flavor and hold their texture well during baking.
- Prevent Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your cookies. They should be lightly browned at the edges but still appear soft in the center. Cookies continue to cook slightly as they cool on the hot baking sheet.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: It’s essential that your cookies are completely cool before you apply the glaze. If the cookies are even slightly warm, the glaze will melt and slide right off.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
These butterscotch apple cookies are fantastic as is, but don’t hesitate to get creative with variations:
- Nut Alternatives: If pecans or walnuts aren’t your preference, try chopped almonds, cashews, or even macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile. For a nut-free version, simply omit them.
- Add Dried Fruit: Introduce a burst of extra flavor and chewiness by folding in ½ cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots along with the grated apple.
- Spice It Up: Enhance the warm spice blend by adding a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or a touch of ground ginger to the dry ingredients.
- Alternative Glaze: Instead of butterscotch, consider a simple vanilla glaze, a cream cheese frosting, or a drizzle of melted caramel for a different twist.
- Serving Ideas: These cookies are wonderful on their own with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a delightful dessert served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a homemade apple pie a la mode experience. Pack them in lunchboxes, bring them to potlucks, or gift them to friends and family.
Explore More Apple Cookie Recipes!
If you love the taste of apples in your cookies, you’re in for a treat! Discover other fantastic recipes that celebrate this versatile fruit:
- APPLE PIE COOKIES
- APPLESAUCE OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
- CARAMEL APPLE OATMEAL COOKIES
- APPLE PUMPKIN OATMEAL COOKIES
- SPICED APPLE COOKIES
- CARAMEL APPLE CAKE MIX COOKIES
- CARAMEL APPLE SNICKERDOODLES
- SNICKERDOODLE APPLE PIE COOKIE CUPS
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of family and a delicious homemade treat. Fall also brings with it the excitement of football season! For years, our family traditions revolved around spirited games of flag football. More recently, however, it’s transitioned to tackle football, which certainly keeps a Mama’s heart on edge! This season has been a thrilling ride, filled with new challenges and victories for my son and new lessons for me.
Just last week, he played an incredible game. It was truly inspiring to watch him, especially when he tackled a player who was significantly larger and taller than him – easily having 20 pounds and 3-4 inches on him. (He’s the one on the right in orange in the picture above!) The opposing team demonstrated great sportsmanship, but I couldn’t help but beam with pride as my son made that pivotal tackle, limiting their gain to just a few yards. What a moment! Go team! These moments of shared excitement and comfort are what fall is all about, perfectly complemented by a batch of these warm, spiced cookies.
This butterscotch apple cookie recipe is incredibly easy to follow and yields a completely delicious result every single time. With fresh apple juice, tender apple pieces, crunchy nuts, and sweet butterscotch chips, every bite is a burst of quintessential fall flavors. They are truly the perfect treat to share, or simply to enjoy all by yourself!