The first rule of cooking with me is “everything is better with bacon.” And that is definitely the case for these easy Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies with Candied Bacon Dust.
Last fall, I made a big batch of apple butter and canned it for use all year long. I have been using it on everything from toast and English muffins to pork roast and cornish game hen. Now, I am incorporating this spread into yummy apple butter sandwich cookies to celebrate a day in the mountains.
Steps to Make Apple Butter
- Peel and core about 3 lbs of your favorite apples.
- Cook apples down with a bit of salt, 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1 1/2 cups water until apples are soft.
- Run apples through a food mill or food processor.
- Return the apple mixture to the stove and add your favorite spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and/ or nutmeg.
- Add 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup white sugar.
- Slowly cook until the mixture thickens. About 1 – 2 hours.
- Store chilled for 2 – 3 weeks or can to enjoy for several months.
Canning is my favorite preservation technique and a fantastic way to preserve the fresh flavors of summer and autumn all year round. It is easy to do with some basic tools, and there are a ton of great how-tos online. My favorite is the instructions from Better Homes and Gardens magazine.
These cookies fueled a sunny hiking adventure with beautiful views of the central Cascades including the Three Sisters, Broken Top, and Mt. Jefferson. Of course, Ulli did not need any help racing up the mountain ahead of me!
Great Hiking Spots in Central Oregon
- Scout Lake // From Bend, head over to Santiam Pass to this 11-mile hike that highlights amazing views of Mt. Jefferson. And this trail is dog-friendly!
- Tam McArthur Rim Trail // Stunning views, but don’t forget to pick up your permit if you plan to hike this in the summer months.
- Todd Lake // An easy hike just to the west of Mt Bachelor. The perfect spot for a picnic!
Apple and pork, or specifically bacon, are a perfect match made in culinary heaven. The crisp and tangy apple beautifully complements the savory, indulgent taste of bacon. Traditionally, we associate this dynamic duo with dishes like pork chops with Granny Smith apples or apple-infused braised pork shoulder. However, this delightful combination also works wonders in a sweet pairing.
Easy Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies FAQ
- Can you make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply change out the AP flour in the recipe for your favorite gluten-free variety. As I mentioned in other recipes, my go-to is Bob’s Red Mill.
- How should you store these apple butter cookies?
Store these cookies in an air-tight container to keep them crisp!
- How long will the cookies keep?
Because of the apple butter and the bacon, these cookies have a shorter shelf life than others. They will store for about 3 days at room temperature. However, they are best enjoyed on the day of baking!
Did you make try these easy Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies with Candied Bacon Dust? What are your dessert ideas for apple butter? Share them in the comments section below!
Easy Apple Butter Sandwich Cookies with Candied Bacon Dust
Ingredients
For the cookie…
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 jar apple butter see recipe above!
For the bacon…
- 6 strips bacon
- 3 tsp brown sugar
For the icing…
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
For the cookies…
- Pre-heat oven (or Traeger grill!) to 350 degrees.
- Cream together butter and sugar using an electric mixer. Beat in egg and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients until dough forms. Shape into a disc and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Roll dough to 1/8-inch thick. Using a 2 1/2 inch cookie cutter, cut out 24 circles. Place on ungreased baking sheets, at least 1-inch apart.
- Bake cookies for 7-9 minutes. Let cool.
For the bacon…
- Chop bacon. Heat saucepan on stove over medium-high heat and add bacon to pan. Cook until grease is frothy.
- Drain grease from bacon. Pulse in food processor with sugar until desired texture.
For the icing…
- Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together butter and cream cheese. Slowly add in vanilla extract and sugar. Beat until creamy.
To assemble the cookies…
- Lay 1 cookie top side down. Spread 1 tbsp apple butter on backside. Sandwich with another cookie. Frost with icing and sprinkle bacon on top.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @bewildeats on Instagram and hashtag it #bewildeats.
Great way to use up my apple butter. Would never have thought to put bacon on a cookie.
Everything’s better with bacon and these cookies are no exception!