Use a stand mixer, or hand mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment. Cream together the softened butter, and sugar for 2-3 minutes on medium speed until well combined and fluffy.
Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt to the cookie mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Then fold in the apple butter, or use your stand mixer, slowly until just combined.
Hint: For this recipe, avoid over mixing the batter. Mix until just combined and no flour or dry ingredients are visualized and the apple butter just swirled into the mixture.