Hey y’all! If you’re searching for a dessert that’s the very essence of cozy autumn days, you’ve just struck gold. These Apple Cider Cookies are soft, chewy, and brimming with the sweetly spiced flavors of fresh apple cider and warm cinnamon. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, family gathering, or just to enjoy a treat with your coffee, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
- Loaded with real apple cider for authentic fall flavor.
- Perfectly soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Easy-to-follow, no-fuss recipe – great for bakers of any skill level.
- Ideal for holidays, gifts, or snacking with a warm drink.
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins or glazes.
Apple Cider Cookies Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) apple cider
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup (65g) chopped dried apples or apple chips
- For topping: 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon
How to Make Apple Cider Cookies
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until reduced to about 1/4 cup (approximately 15-20 minutes), stirring occasionally. Let it cool completely before using. This intensifies the apple flavor in your cookies!
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 4: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and cooled reduced apple cider until fully combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low until just combined. Fold in chopped dried apples if using.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill for at least 1 hour. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape and texture.
Step 7: Bake the Apple Cider Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar topping. Place 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes for Perfect Apple Cider Cookies
- Don’t skip reducing the apple cider—it’s key to the bold apple flavor! Read more about apple cider reduction here.
- Chilling the dough prevents spreading and ensures chewy cookies.
- For an extra apple punch, try using homemade apple chips as a mix-in.
Apple Cider Cookies Variations
- Glazed Apple Cider Cookies: Drizzle with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and apple cider.
- Apple Cider Oatmeal Cookies: Add 1 cup of quick oats for heartier texture.
- Vegan Apple Cider Cookies: Swap butter for vegan margarine and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
Required Equipment for Apple Cider Cookies
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Store Apple Cider Cookies
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temp before serving!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Apple Cider Cookies
- Serve warm with a mug of hot apple cider or chai tea.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert.
- Pack in lunchboxes or gift tins for a seasonal treat!
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cider Cookies
- For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop for each ball of dough.
- Don’t overbake—cookies should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven.
- Try browning your butter for a deeper, nuttier flavor (learn more about how to brown butter).
Apple Cider Cookies FAQ
- Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
- Apple juice lacks the concentrated flavor and spices of cider, but works in a pinch—consider adding a pinch more cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Do I have to chill the dough?
- Yes, chilling is important for chewy texture and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- Absolutely! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour for tasty gluten-free treats.
Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour chill)
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup reduced apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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2In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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3In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, reduced apple cider, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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4Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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5Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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6Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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