Apple cider cookies are a delightful and cozy fall dessert that combines the flavors of spiced cider with the irresistible charm of chewy cookies. These soft, chewy apple cider sugar cookies are coated in cinnamon sugar, brushed with apple cider butter, and topped with a sweet apple cider glaze. A perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and a hint of fall nostalgia, these cookies will leave your taste buds longing for more.
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Why Apple Cider Cookies are a Must-Try
Apple cider cookies are an excellent fall treat, offering a comforting, indulgent experience with minimal effort. They taste just like apple cider donuts but in cookie form, making them a perfect choice for any occasion during the colder months. The warm spices, chewy texture, and cider-infused glaze make these cookies irresistible. Plus, the recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require much chilling time, allowing you to enjoy them sooner.
Ingredients for Apple Cider Cookies
To make these delicious apple cider cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Each ingredient plays a specific role in creating the perfect fall cookie.
• Apple Cider: Reduces to a concentrated flavor, giving the cookies a strong cider taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, providing structure to the cookies.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and achieve a soft, chewy texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds the signature warm spice flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Brown Butter: Provides a nutty and deep flavor that complements the apple cider.
• Brown & Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness, with brown sugar giving a slight molasses flavor.
• Egg & Egg Yolk: Helps bind the dough together and contributes to the chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re missing any of the ingredients or have dietary preferences, there are plenty of substitutions you can make:
• Gluten-Free Flour: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies gluten-free.
• Maple Syrup: Instead of brown sugar, you can use maple syrup to impart a rich, natural sweetness.
• Vegan Butter: For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based egg substitute.
• Apple Juice: If you don’t have apple cider, you can substitute with unsweetened apple juice, though it will alter the depth of flavor slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making apple cider cookies is a straightforward process that results in a delicious batch of cookies.
- Reduce the Apple Cider: Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat. Let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until it reduces to about ¼ cup. Set it aside to cool.
- Brown the Butter: In a separate saucepan, melt 20 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat. Once it starts to foam and brown, remove from heat and set aside to cool for about 15 minutes.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together 2½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with 1¼ cups of light brown sugar and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Whisk in 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the cooled apple cider until smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Chill Dough: Allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape and Bake: Scoop the dough using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons per cookie) and place the balls on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly puffed.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Prepare Apple Cider Butter & Cinnamon Sugar: In a bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of melted butter with 2 tablespoons of apple cider. In another bowl, combine ¾ cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
- Assemble the Cookies: Brush each cookie with the apple cider butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Drizzle with apple cider glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tablespoons apple cider + ½ teaspoon vanilla).
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Apple Cider Cookies
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the dough to avoid dense cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the Cookies: If your cookies spread too much, use a biscuit cutter to shape them back into a round form while they are still warm.
- Let the Dough Rest: Chilling the dough before baking helps create a chewier texture and prevents spreading.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These apple cider cookies are delicious on their own, but they can be paired with a variety of drinks and treats:
• Hot Apple Cider: Enjoy with a warm cup of apple cider for the perfect fall snack.
• Ice Cream Sandwich: Pair these cookies with a scoop of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• Add Nuts: For a crunchy twist, mix in chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough before baking.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the dough by rolling it into balls and freezing for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw and bake as usual.
Why These Apple Cider Cookies Are Perfect for Fall
These apple cider cookies embody everything wonderful about fall: the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of apple cider, and the comfort of chewy cookies. Whether you’re looking for a cozy treat to share with family or a simple dessert for a fall gathering, these cookies are the perfect choice. Their delightful texture and flavors will make them a favorite for many seasons to come.
Conclusion
Apple cider cookies are the perfect way to embrace the flavors of fall in every bite. Their soft, chewy texture combined with the sweet and spicy notes of apple cider and cinnamon will have you reaching for another. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or enjoying them solo with a hot beverage, these cookies will make your fall season extra special. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, apple cider cookies are a must-try recipe that brings cozy autumn vibes right to your kitchen. Bake a batch today, and let the delightful scents fill your home!
FAQs About Apple Cider Cookies
1. Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute apple cider with unsweetened apple juice. However, apple cider gives the cookies a deeper, more concentrated flavor, so using apple juice will slightly reduce the overall cider flavor.
2. How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these apple cider cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to maintain the cookies’ texture.
3. How can I make the apple cider glaze thicker?
If you prefer a thicker apple cider glaze, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. Start by adding 1 tablespoon at a time to avoid making it too thick.
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PrintApple Cider Cookies
Apple cider cookies are soft, chewy treats that combine the flavors of spiced cider with a cinnamon sugar coating and a sweet apple cider glaze. These cookies are perfect for fall and are easy to make, offering a comforting, nostalgic flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider
- 20 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice or pumpkin spice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1¼ cups light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted for cider butter)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider (not reduced)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1–2 tablespoons apple cider (for glaze)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer until it reduces to ¼ cup, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat, then brown it until it has a nutty fragrance. Let it cool.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk the cooled brown butter with brown and granulated sugars. Add the egg, egg yolk, apple cider, and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Let the dough rest for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly puffed. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- For the cider butter, whisk the melted butter and apple cider together. For the cinnamon sugar, mix the sugar and cinnamon together.
- Brush each cookie with cider butter and immediately roll in cinnamon sugar.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, apple cider, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Drizzle over the cookies.
Notes
- For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar to your desired consistency.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- You can freeze the dough or baked cookies for longer storage.
- Feel free to substitute apple juice for apple cider if needed, although the flavor will be slightly less intense.
