1-Gathering and Preparing Ingredients: First, gather your ingredients and preheat the oven to 350 F (175 C). This includes measuring out 1 cup butter, 1 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 jar apple butter for filling. For adaptations, use gluten-free flour or vegan substitutes as needed.

2-Mixing the Dough: Next, whisk the dry ingredients together in a bowl to ensure even distribution. Cream the butter and sugars until fluffy, then add the egg and vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing for tender cookies.

3-Shaping and Baking: Shape the dough into a disc, chill for at least one hour, roll to 1/8-inch thickness, and cut out circles. Bake on ungreased sheets for 7 to 9 minutes, then cool completely.

4-Preparing the Bacon and Icing: For the bacon, chop 6 strips and cook until frothy, drain, then pulse with 3 teaspoons brown sugar. For the icing, cream 1/2 cup softened butter with 4 ounces cream cheese, add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar until creamy.

5-Assembling the Cookies: To assemble, spread 1 tablespoon apple butter on one cookie, sandwich with another, frost the top, and sprinkle with bacon mixture. The total time is about 2 hours and 15 minutes, including prep, cooking, and chilling.