When it comes to cookie butter, the possibilities seem endless. You can swirl it onto hot toast for breakfast. Imagine the nutty sweetness melting into a warm slice! Or, use it as a dip for fresh apple slices during snack time—kids love this combo.
Feeling adventurous? Drizzle it over pancakes or waffles for a decadent brunch treat. It even serves as a secret weapon when layered into cakes or brownies. Trust me, once you start exploring, you’ll find a hundred ways to enjoy it. Grab a spoon or simply slather it on anything that catches your fancy—the game is on!
Why This Recipe is Great for You
Let’s dive straight into why this cookie butter recipe is something you absolutely need to try. First off, it’s incredibly simple; if you’ve got a few common kitchen ingredients, you’re already halfway there.
This recipe not only satisfies those sweet cravings, but it also takes less than 10 minutes to whip up. Plus, it’s homemade! That means no strange additives or preservatives—just pure, delicious goodness.
I’ve created this cookie butter from my love of gingersnap cookies. Each time I reached for them, I wondered how to make them even more irresistible. Spoiler alert: turning them into cookie butter was my answer. So, grab your apron, turn up the kitchen tunes, and let’s get cooking!
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Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful treat:
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted: This will add a nice richness and texture.
- ½ teaspoon orange zest: For that bright, citrusy kick.
- 30 gingersnap cookies, finely crushed (about two cups): The star of the show!
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped crystallized ginger: This gives bursts of chewy spice that elevate the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or white granulated sugar: Just a touch of sweetness, if needed.
- ¼ cup whole milk or heavy cream: This adds creaminess and helps bind everything together.
- A pinch of salt: To balance the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): For an extra hint of warmth.
I often keep these ingredients on hand, making spontaneous baking delightful and easy. I can almost taste the sweet, spicy aroma that fills my kitchen!
How to Make Insanely Easy Homemade Cookie Butter
Let’s break it down step by step. Follow these simple instructions, and you’ll have cookie butter that will leave you wondering why you ever bought the store-bought version!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
First things first—gather all your ingredients. This makes the process smoother. It’s as easy as checking off a list.
Make sure your gingersnap cookies are finely crushed. You can use a food processor or simply place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Get your muscles working, or you could have fun smashing them with your kids!
Step 2: Melt the Coconut Oil or Butter
Next, take a small microwave-safe bowl and melt the coconut oil or butter. If you’re using butter, make sure it doesn’t bubble up too much. This step is essential for achieving that creamy, spreadable texture. Just a handful of seconds in the microwave should do the trick. Once melted, let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix in the Ingredients
In a larger mixing bowl, combine the crushed gingersnap cookies, crystallized ginger, orange zest, and cinnamon if you’re feeling spicy. Stir it all together until the mixture looks consistent.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Now, it’s time to pour in your melted coconut oil or butter, along with the milk or cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This is where the magic begins. Mix everything until it forms a smooth paste. If you prefer a chunkier texture, leave some bits of cookie intact—totally your call!
Step 5: Adjust the Sweetness
Taste your cookie butter. This is a fun part because you can customize it to your liking. If you find it needs more sweetness, sprinkle in a touch of brown or granulated sugar. Gentle stir, and ta-da! You’re almost there.
Step 6: Store Your Cookie Butter
Transfer your cookie butter to an airtight jar. This allows for easy access whenever you crave it. Plus, it makes for an adorable gift. Just think of your friends’ faces when you show up at their door with a homemade treat!
Nutrition Information
Recipe Notes
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a unique role:
- Coconut Oil or Unsalted Butter: Adds creamy richness. Coconut oil provides a hint of tropical flavor, while butter gives a classic texture.
- Gingersnap Cookies: The base of our cookie butter. Their spicy-sweetness really shines through, making every bite a joy.
- Orange Zest: This component brightens the flavor profile. It’s like a tiny burst of sunshine!
- Crystallized Ginger: Its chewiness contrasts well with the smooth cookie butter, adding interest. You can even adjust the amount based on your love for ginger.
- Brown Sugar or Granulated Sugar: This acts as a sweetener and can be adjusted based on individual tastes.
- Whole Milk or Heavy Cream: It provides the creamy texture. For a non-dairy alternative, almond milk or coconut milk can be used.
- Salt: This simple addition balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: A beloved staple in sweet recipes; it brings warmth to our cookie butter.
- Ground Cinnamon: A dash is optional but adds depth and goes hand-in-hand with the ginger flavor.
Recipe Variations
You can customize this cookie butter in many ways! Want to get creative? Here are a few variations:
- Nutty Twist: Add a spoonful of almond or cashew butter for a nutty flavor punch.
- Chocolate Chip Bliss: Mix in mini chocolate chips for an indulgent treat.
- Spicy Version: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a couple of tablespoons of finely chopped jalapeño for a kick.
- Swap Cookies: Use other cookies like speculoos or peanut butter cookies for a different flavor base.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with coconut oil, and use almond milk for a dairy-free treat.
- No Sugar Added: For a healthier take, omit the sugar altogether. The gingersnap cookies are generally sweet enough.
Easy Homemade Cookie Butter
Equipment
- Microwave
- Jar
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or unsalted butter melted: This will add a nice richness and texture.
- ½ teaspoon orange zest: For that bright citrusy kick.
- 30 gingersnap cookies finely crushed (about two cups): The star of the show!
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped crystallized ginger: This gives bursts of chewy spice that elevate the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or white granulated sugar: Just a touch of sweetness if needed.
- ¼ cup whole milk or heavy cream: This adds creaminess and helps bind everything together.
- A pinch of salt: To balance the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional: For an extra hint of warmth.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- First things first—gather all your ingredients. This makes the process smoother. It’s as easy as checking off a list.
- Make sure your gingersnap cookies are finely crushed. You can use a food processor or simply place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Get your muscles working, or you could have fun smashing them with your kids!
Step 2: Melt the Coconut Oil or Butter
- Next, take a small microwave-safe bowl and melt the coconut oil or butter. If you’re using butter, make sure it doesn’t bubble up too much. This step is essential for achieving that creamy, spreadable texture. Just a handful of seconds in the microwave should do the trick. Once melted, let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix in the Ingredients
- In a larger mixing bowl, combine the crushed gingersnap cookies, crystallized ginger, orange zest, and cinnamon if you’re feeling spicy. Stir it all together until the mixture looks consistent.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
- Now, it’s time to pour in your melted coconut oil or butter, along with the milk or cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This is where the magic begins. Mix everything until it forms a smooth paste. If you prefer a chunkier texture, leave some bits of cookie intact—totally your call!
Step 5: Adjust the Sweetness
- Taste your cookie butter. This is a fun part because you can customize it to your liking. If you find it needs more sweetness, sprinkle in a touch of brown or granulated sugar. Gentle stir, and ta-da! You’re almost there.
Step 6: Store Your Cookie Butter
- Transfer your cookie butter to an airtight jar. This allows for easy access whenever you crave it. Plus, it makes for an adorable gift. Just think of your friends’ faces when you show up at their door with a homemade treat!
Notes
- Coconut Oil or Unsalted Butter: Adds creamy richness. Coconut oil provides a hint of tropical flavor, while butter gives a classic texture.
- Gingersnap Cookies: The base of our cookie butter. Their spicy-sweetness really shines through, making every bite a joy.
- Orange Zest: This component brightens the flavor profile. It’s like a tiny burst of sunshine!
- Crystallized Ginger: Its chewiness contrasts well with the smooth cookie butter, adding interest. You can even adjust the amount based on your love for ginger.
- Brown Sugar or Granulated Sugar: This acts as a sweetener and can be adjusted based on individual tastes.
- Whole Milk or Heavy Cream: It provides the creamy texture. For a non-dairy alternative, almond milk or coconut milk can be used.
- Salt: This simple addition balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: A beloved staple in sweet recipes; it brings warmth to our cookie butter.
- Ground Cinnamon: A dash is optional but adds depth and goes hand-in-hand with the ginger flavor.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment. While gingersnap cookies create a unique flavor, any crunchy cookie can work. Just think about the flavor profile you want to achieve.
2. How long can I store cookie butter, and how should I store it?
Store your cookie butter in an airtight container. It can last for up to two weeks in the fridge, although it’s often devoured before that!
3. Can I freeze cookie butter?
Sure! To freeze, use an airtight container or freezer-safe jar. It can maintain its best quality for about three months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before using
4. Is cookie butter gluten-free?
The classic recipe isn’t typically gluten-free, but if you choose gluten-free gingersnap cookies, you can absolutely make a gluten-free version. Just a label check may be in order!
5. What can I do with leftover cookie butter?
Slather it on toast, mix it into oatmeal, or swirl it into yogurt or smoothies. Let your imagination run wild!
6. Is cookie butter healthy?
While this treat contains some sugar and fat, moderation is key. Balancing it with other nutritious foods makes it an enjoyable and tasty indulgence!
Conclusion
There you have it! Making cookie butter at home is one of the easiest and most rewarding projects you can do in your kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of love, you’ve created a unique spread that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you use it as a topping, a dip, or just a straight-up spoonful of joy, this cookie butter is sure to impress. Now that you’ve mastered this recipe, feel free to get inventive. Next time, we might even add some chocolate chips or maybe experiment with a different cookie. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
