Introduction to Apple Cider Cookies
As the leaves start to change and the air gets crisp, I find myself baking up a storm. One of my absolute favorites are these scrumptious apple cider cookies. They’re the perfect way to embrace the fall season! If you’re a busy mom like me, this recipe comes to your rescue, serving up a delightful treat that’s quick and easy to prepare. Picture your loved ones gathering around the table, savoring the warm, comforting flavors. Trust me, these cookies are not just a snack—they’re a hug in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Cookies
These apple cider cookies are a delightful addition to any busy week. They’re easy to whip up, taking just over 40 minutes from start to finish. With their warm spice notes and luscious apple flavor, each bite is like a cozy fall day. Plus, they make your home smell like heaven—perfect to impress anyone who drops by. Trust me, your family will be begging for more!
Ingredients for Apple Cider Cookies
Let’s gather the magic ingredients for our apple cider cookies! These components will help you create those warm, spiced treats in no time. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Apple Cider: The star of the show! Look for high-quality apple cider; this enhances the sweetness and flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter because it allows better control of the salt levels in your cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for the dough’s structure. You can try whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
- Apple Pie Spice or Pumpkin Spice: These warm spices infuse the cookies with amazing flavor. If you don’t have one, you can mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Cornstarch: This helps to create a softer texture. You can substitute it with arrowroot powder as an excellent alternative.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents work together to give the cookies a lovely rise.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness, making those flavors pop!
- Light Brown Sugar: This adds both moisture and a subtle caramel flavor. If you’re out, feel free to use regular brown sugar.
- Granulated Sugar: For sweetening, this sugar makes your cookies crisp on the edges.
- Egg and Egg Yolk: The proteins in these bind the dough together while giving it a rich texture.
- Vanilla Extract: This adds a lovely depth of flavor. opt for pure vanilla for the best results!
Toppings:
- Melted Unsalted Butter and Apple Cider: Drizzling this mix on top takes these cookies up a notch!
- Cinnamon Sugar: It’s a classic! Mix granulated sugar with cinnamon for a cozy finish.
- Apple Cider Glaze: A sweet glaze made from powdered sugar, vanilla, and more apple cider brings everything together beautifully.
For exact quantities of each ingredient, scroll down to the end of the article where you’ll find a handy printing option!
How to Make Apple Cider Cookies
Ready to create some magic in your kitchen? Let’s dive into the delightful process of making apple cider cookies! Follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll have a batch of soft, spiced treats ready to be enjoyed.
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Start with 1 and 1/2 cups of apple cider. Pour it into a saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat. Let it simmer away until it reduces to just 1/4 cup. This concentrates the flavor, making it irresistible! Once it’s reduced, let it cool completely.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In another saucepan, melt your unsalted butter over medium heat. Watch it closely as it turns golden and nutty. This step adds a delicious depth to your cookies! Once browned, transfer the butter to a bowl and place it in the refrigerator until it firms slightly.
Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients
While the butter cools, whisk together your dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, apple pie spice, and salt. This mix lays the foundation for our delightful cookies.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, it’s time for the cooled brown butter to shine! Mix it with both sugars until smooth. Then, add in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and that gloriously reduced apple cider. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Combine and Rest the Dough
Now, gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. Don’t rush this step! Let the dough rest while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). A little rest helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a medium cookie scoop, drop dough onto lined baking sheets, leaving 3 inches of space between each scoop. Bake for about 9 to 11 minutes. You want the edges to be set while the centers remain puffy yet soft. Cool them on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 7: Apply Toppings and Glaze
After the cookies have cooled, it’s topping time! Brush each cookie with a mixture of melted butter and apple cider, then roll them in cinnamon sugar for a cozy finish. Finally, whisk together your glaze ingredients and drizzle over the top for that perfect sweet touch!
Tips for Success
- Make sure to properly reduce the apple cider for a deeper flavor.
- Don’t rush browning the butter—it adds a nutty nuance that elevates your cookies.
- Let the dough rest; it helps improve the texture.
- Be precise when spacing the cookie dough to ensure even baking.
- For a unique twist, experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger!
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan: For reducing apple cider; a small pot works too.
- Mixing bowls: Use various sizes; a large bowl is essential.
- Whisk: Great for combining dry ingredients; a fork works in a pinch.
- Cookie scoop: For even cookie sizes; a tablespoon can substitute.
- Baking sheets: Line them with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup.
Variations on Apple Cider Cookies
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free version.
- Add Nuts: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch and added flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Use chai spice or a mix of cardamom and ginger for an exciting flavor upgrade!
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a delightful contrast.
- Lower Sugar: Cut down on granulated sugar or replace it with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Serving Suggestions for Apple Cider Cookies
- Pair with Hot Cider: Serve these cookies alongside a warm mug of spiced apple cider for a cozy treat!
- Milk or Tea: A glass of cold milk or a warm cup of herbal tea complements the flavors perfectly.
- Decorative Platter: Arrange cookies on a fall-themed platter for a beautiful presentation during gatherings.
- Ice Cream Sandwich: Sandwiched with vanilla ice cream, these cookies make a delightful dessert!
FAQs about Apple Cider Cookies
As I’ve shared this recipe for apple cider cookies with friends and family, I’ve noticed a few questions pop up repeatedly. So, let’s tackle these common queries together!
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly in this recipe. Look for a brand that offers pure apple cider without added sugars or preservatives for the best flavor.
How should I store leftover cookies?
To keep your apple cider cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for several days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just wrap them well!
What if I can’t find apple pie spice?
No worries at all! If you can’t find apple pie spice, simply mix equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This blend will recreate that cozy fall flavor beautifully.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make your apple cider cookies vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Use vegan butter to replace the unsalted butter, and you’re good to go!
Can I add other flavors to these cookies?
For sure! Feel free to experiment by adding ingredients like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even a dash of ginger for a zingy flavor. The options are endless!
Final Thoughts
Baking these apple cider cookies is truly a heartwarming experience. The aroma wafting through your home is enough to transport you into a cozy autumn day. Each chewy bite packed with nature’s sweetness feels like a gentle hug, reminding us of cherished moments with loved ones. Whether enjoyed with family over laughter or gifted to a neighbor, these delicious cookies bring joy. I’m always amazed at how simple ingredients can create such magic. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this recipe — a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall and create sweet memories!
Print
Apple Cider Cookies
- Total Time: 41 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Irresistible Apple Cider Cookies with a blend of spices and an apple cider glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider (to reduce to 1/4 cup)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice or pumpkin spice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Toppings
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter + 1 tablespoon apple cider (for Apple Cider Butter)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar + 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for Cinnamon Sugar)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar + 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract + 1 to 2 tablespoons apple cider (for Apple Cider Glaze)
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, reduce the apple cider to 1/4 cup. Let it cool completely.
- In another saucepan, brown the butter until golden and nutty. Pour into a bowl and refrigerate until it firms slightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, spice, and salt.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooled brown butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and reduced apple cider to the butter mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Let it rest while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Scoop dough using a medium cookie scoop onto lined baking sheets, spacing them 3 inches apart.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set and centers look puffed but soft. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Brush cookies with apple cider butter and press into cinnamon sugar to coat both sides.
- Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
- Ensure that the apple cider is well reduced to achieve rich flavor in the cookies.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for several days.
- Adjust the spice levels as per your preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
