Few cookies capture the essence of comfort quite like cookie butter cookies. Infused with the warm, spiced flavor of speculoos spread (popularly known as Biscoff or cookie butter), these cookies are the perfect balance of chewy and soft. With their cozy aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’ve quickly become a favorite for both casual snacking and festive holiday baking.
Whether you’re already a cookie butter lover or you’re just discovering this delicious spread, this recipe is about to become one of your go-to cookie recipes. Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know—from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to storage, variations, expert tips, and a full FAQ section.
What is Cookie Butter?
Cookie butter, sometimes called speculoos spread, is a creamy spread made from ground spiced cookies (like the Belgian speculoos or Lotus Biscoff cookies). These cookies have a caramelized, slightly spiced flavor—think cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and caramel notes—all blended into a peanut-butter-like spread.
- Texture: Silky smooth (though crunchy versions exist).
- Flavor: Sweet, warm, and subtly spiced.
- Uses: Spread on toast, swirled into oatmeal, drizzled over pancakes, blended into milkshakes, or used in baking (like today’s cookies).
If peanut butter is nutty and savory, cookie butter is its cozy, dessert-loving cousin—perfect for creating indulgent baked goods.
Why You’ll Love These Cookie Butter Cookies
Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your baking rotation:
- Soft & Chewy Texture: Perfectly baked edges with a gooey center.
- Rich Flavor: Every bite delivers caramelized, spiced cookie butter flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: No complicated steps or hard-to-find items.
- Versatile Recipe: Easily customizable with mix-ins or toppings.
- Great for Sharing: Perfect for holiday cookie swaps, gifting, or treating yourself.
If you’ve ever dipped a spoon straight into a jar of Biscoff spread, these cookies will feel like a dream come true.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are pantry staples, plus the star—cookie butter. Each plays an important role in creating the perfect cookie.
- Cookie Butter (1 cup): The base flavor and richness. Biscoff or Trader Joe’s cookie butter works well.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Adds tenderness and balances sweetness.
- Brown Sugar (¾ cup, packed): Provides moisture and a deeper caramel flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Helps with structure and crisp edges.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the cookie butter flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 ¾ cups): Creates structure.
- Baking Soda (1 tsp): Helps cookies rise and spread slightly.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness.
Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Vegan: Swap butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
- Crunchy Cookie Butter: For extra texture, use crunchy spread.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half the all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
These cookies are beginner-friendly and come together quickly.
Step 1: Prep the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, cookie butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Stir until just combined—avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie.
- Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Flatten slightly with the back of a fork or spoon.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- The centers may look soft—that’s perfect. They’ll set as they cool.
Step 7: Cool & Enjoy
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations & Creative Twists
Want to make these cookies your own? Try these fun variations:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Butter Cookies – Add 1 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white).
- Nutty Twist – Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.
- Stuffed Cookie Butter Cookies – Fill dough balls with ½ teaspoon extra cookie butter before baking.
- Cookie Butter Sandwich Cookies – Spread cookie butter or cream cheese frosting between two cookies.
- Holiday Spice Upgrade – Roll dough in cinnamon sugar before baking.
- Cookie Butter Drizzle – Melt cookie butter and drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Double Cookie Butter – Mix in crushed speculoos cookies for crunch.
Expert Baking Tips
- Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies when edges are set but centers look soft. They firm up as they cool.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level flour into your cup to avoid dry cookies.
- Chilling the Dough: Optional, but chilling for 30 minutes prevents spreading.
- Mix-Ins Last: Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or cookie pieces after dough forms.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter and egg should not be cold for best mixing.
Storage and Freezing Guide
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: Keeps cookies fresh for about 1 week.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Place cooled cookies in a freezer bag, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.
- Freezing Dough: Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze, then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.
- Make ice cream sandwiches with cookie butter filling.
- Add to holiday cookie platters for variety.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy cookie butter?
Yes! It adds a wonderful crunch.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Not necessary, but chilling helps cookies hold shape better.
Can I substitute peanut butter or Nutella?
Yes, but flavor will change. Peanut butter gives nutty notes, Nutella adds chocolate hazelnut.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like all-purpose flour.
Can I make smaller cookies?
Yes. Bake for 8–9 minutes instead of 10–12.
How do I prevent spreading?
Chill dough, use parchment paper, and avoid over-softened butter.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Freeze extra dough for later baking.
Can I add spices?
A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger enhances flavor.
Troubleshooting Guide
- Cookies too flat? Dough too warm. Chill for 20–30 minutes.
- Too dry? Too much flour. Measure correctly.
- Overbrowned edges? Oven may run hot—lower temp by 10°F.
- Sticky dough? Chill or dust hands with flour before shaping.
- Uneven baking? Rotate the tray halfway through baking.
Nutrition Information (per cookie, approx.)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 18g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 2g
Printable Recipe Card
Cookie Butter Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup cookie butter (Biscoff or similar)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat butter, cookie butter, and sugars until creamy.
- Add egg and vanilla, mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Scoop dough into 1 tbsp portions, place 2 inches apart.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
- Add nuts, chocolate, or spices for variations.
- Store in airtight container up to 5 days.
- Freeze dough or baked cookies for later.
Conclusion
Cookie butter cookies are the ultimate cozy treat—soft, chewy, and packed with spiced sweetness. They’re quick to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you enjoy them plain, drizzled with cookie butter, or loaded with chocolate chips, these cookies prove that cookie butter isn’t just for toast—it’s for creating indulgent, memorable desserts.
