Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies (Vegan + GF)

 Here's a recipe for Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies that are both vegan and gluten-free. These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of cozy fall flavors!

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

1/2 cup apple butter (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup coconut oil (or other plant-based butter), softened

1/2 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (make sure it contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon)

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2 1/2 tablespoons water (let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

2 tablespoons sugar (coconut sugar or granulated sugar)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2 1/2 tablespoons water. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.

2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the apple butter, coconut oil, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the flax egg and mix until fully combined.

4. Add the dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

5. Form the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar coating ingredients. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.

6. Bake the cookies: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

7. Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the soft, warm snickerdoodles with the delicious apple butter flavor!

These Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies are a perfect fall treat—tender, spiced, and full of cozy flavors!