If you’re looking for a dessert that brings together the cozy warmth of fall flavors and a surprising savory twist, then the Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies with Candied Turkey Bacon Dust Recipe is your new go-to treat. These delightful sandwich cookies pack tender, subtly spiced apple butter-infused cookies with a luscious cream cheese filling, all elevated by the irresistible crunch and smoky-sweet punch of candied turkey bacon dust. Every bite delivers a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory that feels like a comforting hug on a chilly afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies with Candied Turkey Bacon Dust Recipe shines because it relies on a handful of familiar but thoughtfully combined ingredients. Each one plays an important role: creating tender cookies with just the right balance, a smooth and creamy filling, and that unforgettable candied bacon dust finish.
- Butter: Provides richness and tender texture in both cookies and filling.
- Sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve the perfect cookie crumb.
- Egg: Binds the dough to keep everything perfectly together.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- All-Purpose Flour: The essential structure for light but sturdy cookies.
- Salt and Baking Powder: Enhance flavor and aid in cookie rise.
- Apple Butter: Infuses moistness and that iconic apple-spice flavor.
- Turkey Bacon: The hero ingredient for a smoky, savory crunch.
- Brown Sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the bacon perfectly.
- Cream Cheese: Adds tangy creaminess to the sandwich filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling smoothly without grit.
How to Make Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies with Candied Turkey Bacon Dust Recipe
Step 1: Craft the Candied Turkey Bacon Dust
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay the turkey bacon strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle each slice with brown sugar to help caramelize, then bake for about 15 minutes until the bacon is crispy and golden. Once cool, crumble or pulse the bacon into a fine dust—it’s this dust that provides a marvelous crunchy topping that will wake up your taste buds.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this is the base for your tender cookies. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix thoroughly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder to evenly distribute these essentials, then gradually incorporate into the wet ingredients. The final flourish is gently folding in the apple butter, which brings moistness and subtle spice notes to the dough.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Spoon tablespoon-sized dollops of the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, watching closely for the edges to turn a gentle golden brown. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely before moving on to assembly to keep them intact.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Using softened butter and cream cheese, beat together until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract for extra depth, then gradually blend in the powdered sugar to create a perfect, spreadable filling that balances sweetness with a slight tang.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
To build your sandwich, spread a generous layer of cream cheese filling on the flat side of one cookie. Sprinkle a pinch of the candied turkey bacon dust on top of the filling for an unexpected savory crunch. Finally, top with another cookie, gently pressing together to make a beautiful and flavorful sandwich ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies with Candied Turkey Bacon Dust Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance presentation and flavor by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar over the assembled cookies. A small sprig of fresh thyme or a few thin apple slices on the side can add a lovely rustic touch that pairs beautifully with the apple butter notes.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine as a sweet treat alongside a cup of hot spiced apple cider or warm herbal tea. For brunch, pair with a creamy pumpkin soup or a sharp cheddar cheese platter for a delightful contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies layered in a staggered stack on a wooden board with small bowls of extra candied turkey bacon dust for dipping. Wrapping each cookie in parchment paper and tying with a cinnamon stick is an amazing way to gift or display them at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain the perfect balance of soft cookies and crisp bacon dust. If longer storage is needed, refrigeration helps preserve the cream cheese filling freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze fully assembled Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies with Candied Turkey Bacon Dust Recipe. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container; thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy. The flavors meld beautifully after a freeze.
Reheating
If desired, warm the cookies slightly in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften cream cheese filling or gently toast them in a low oven for extra crispness in the bacon dust. Avoid overheating to keep the filling intact.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Regular bacon works wonderfully and will bring a richer, smokier flavor. Just be mindful of the fat content and keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid burning the sugar topping.
Is apple butter essential for these cookies?
Yes, apple butter gives these cookies their signature moistness and warm apple spice flavor. You might substitute with a good-quality spiced apple sauce in a pinch, but the texture will differ slightly.
How do I make the candied turkey bacon dust extra fine?
After baking and cooling, pulse the bacon pieces briefly in a food processor or use a mortar and pestle to crush into a powder-like dust. Fine dust distributes more evenly across the filling.
Can I prep the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the cookie dough a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. This can actually help deepen the flavors and improve the dough’s workability.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday gift-giving?
Yes, their unique combination of flavors and beautiful presentation make these cookies an extraordinary homemade gift. Pack them in decorative tins or wrap in parchment tied with twine for a personal touch.
Final Thoughts
You absolutely must try the Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies with Candied Turkey Bacon Dust Recipe if you want to impress your friends and family with a cookie that’s bursting with creative flavor and comforting textures. This special treat captures the essence of fall in every bite and adds that unexpected savory sparkle that keeps everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become one of your all-time favorites as well!
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Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies with Candied Turkey Bacon Dust Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Delicious Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies are a delightful treat featuring tender cookies infused with apple butter, filled with a creamy vanilla cream cheese filling, and topped with crispy, sweet candied turkey bacon dust. Perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, these unique sandwich cookies offer a wonderful combination of flavors and textures, making them an irresistible snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp baking powder
- 1 jar apple butter (approx. 16 oz)
Candied Turkey Bacon Dust
- 6 strips turkey bacon
- 3 tsp brown sugar
Cream Cheese Filling
- 0.5 cup softened butter
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.25 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare candied turkey bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place turkey bacon strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then evenly sprinkle brown sugar over the strips. Bake for about 15 minutes until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely, then crumble or crush into fine dust for topping.
- Make the cookie dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until combined. Finally, fold in the apple butter until evenly incorporated, forming a smooth dough.
- Bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough spaced evenly on the sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and softened cream cheese together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and gradually mix in powdered sugar until the filling reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the sandwich cookies: Spread a generous layer of cream cheese filling onto the flat side of one cookie. Sprinkle a pinch of the candied turkey bacon dust on top of the filling. Top with another cookie to form a sandwich. Repeat until all cookies are paired. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are fully softened for smooth filling.
- Do not overbake cookies as they can dry out easily; edges should be lightly golden.
- Allow bacon to cool completely before crushing to avoid clumping.
- Store assembled cookies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep filling fresh.
- For a vegetarian version, omit turkey bacon and sprinkle cinnamon or nuts instead.
