Apple Cider Cookies are a tasty treat that brings the flavors of fall right to your kitchen! With the warmth of cinnamon and a hint of apple, these cookies are soft and chewy.
I love making these cookies when the leaves start to change. They make my kitchen smell delightful, and they disappear fast—it’s hard to eat just one! 🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: The key flavor in these cookies! You can use store-bought apple cider or homemade. If you’re short on cider, try using applesauce instead for moisture, but it won’t be as intense in flavor.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves are essential. If you don’t have all of them, use pumpkin pie spice as a 1:1 substitute. I like to add a bit more cinnamon for that extra warmth!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the cookies a rich texture. If you want to lighten them up, try using coconut oil or a quality margarine instead.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but if you’re gluten-free, almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend works well. Just keep an eye on the dough consistency!
How Do You Get the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Getting your cookies just right takes a bit of patience. Here’s how to ensure they’re soft and chewy:
- Reduce the apple cider properly—let it cool completely before adding it to the dough. This helps intensify the apple flavor.
- Chill the dough! This step is key. It helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, keeping them thicker and softer.
- Check baking time: Aim for a light golden edge. They’ll continue to set slightly while cooling, so don’t overbake!
Happy baking! Enjoy these cozy flavors that scream autumn!
How to Make Delicious Apple Cider Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider
- 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 12 tbsp (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp apple cider or milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes in total. You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation, 10-12 minutes for baking, and at least 1 hour for chilling the dough. The delicious wait will be totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
Start by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan. Simmer it over medium heat until it reduces down to about 3 tablespoons—this should take around 10-15 minutes. Once done, let it cool completely.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the lovely spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves). Set this mixture aside for later!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, around 3-4 minutes. This is where your cookies will get their delightful texture!
4. Add Eggs and Cider:
Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is combined nicely. After that, add your reduced apple cider and stir until it’s all incorporated smoothly.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. The dough should feel soft and slightly sticky.
6. Chill the Dough:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or until it’s firm enough to handle. This step helps the cookies hold their shape while baking!
7. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
8. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them in granulated sugar, and place them on the baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart. You’re almost there!
9. Bake the Cookies:
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until they are set and just lightly browned around the edges. Keep an eye on them—they can go from perfect to too brown quickly!
10. Cool Down:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar with apple cider or milk until it’s smooth. This will be your sweet drizzle on top!
12. Drizzle and Enjoy:
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over them beautifully. Let the glaze set before you dive in!
Happy Baking!
These soft, spiced cookies carry delightful apple cider flavor and warm autumn spices, making them perfect for cozy days. Enjoy each sweet bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure it’s not too watered down for the best flavor.
What if I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No worries! If you don’t have every spice, you can use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute. Use it in equal measure for a still delicious cookie!
Can I Store These Cookies?
Yes! Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze well for up to 3 months—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can make the dough ahead, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking!
