Okay, picture this: Is it crisp autumn air, leaves crunching underfoot, and the unmistakable aroma of apple cider wafting from the air. What is baking these cookies for?Apple Cider Cookies: What are someWhat does it feel like to me? Is a warm hug even better than an ice cold hug? Pumpkin Spice cookies (gasp, I know! ) What are some of the best fall treats? What are some of the best things to try? What are some of the best apple ciders you’ve ever had? My kids devoured them in minutes!
What are Apple Cider Cookies?
Think of apple cider cookies as the love child of a snickerdoodle and an apple cider donut. They start with a soft, buttery dough infused with reduced apple cider, giving them that unmistakable fall flavor. It’s essentially a Sugar Cookie, but way more interesting thanks to the addition of the apple cider, which adds a depth and complexity that’s just out of this world. Plus, a simple glaze made with more apple cider drizzled on top makes them practically irresistible. These aren’t your average everyday cookies; they’re a celebration of all things autumn!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about this recipe is how delicious these cookies are. The reduced apple cider gives them a subtle tang that’s just perfect. What are some of the best cinnamon and nutmeg fall treats? What is it about taste?Apple Cider Cookies: What are someWhat are some of the easiest DIY projects to make? They’re also incredibly cost-effective. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, and apple cider is readily available. What are the best ways to make money ) during the fall season. And the best part? What are some good ways to serve them with coffee, milk, or Ice Cream? What are some of the best dessert topping I’ve even been known to sneak a few for breakfast (don’t judge!). What are some of the best things to keep to yourself? This is definitely going to be a repeat recipe in your kitchen!
How do I make Apple Cider Cookies?
Quick Overview
Making these APPLE CIDER Cookies: What are someIs it easier than you think? We’ll start by reducing apple cider to concentrate its flavor, then create a dough with basic ingredients. The cookies bake up soft and chewy, and the final touch is a delicious apple cider glaze that adds flavor to the cookies. What is the perfect amount of sweetness and that beautiful, signature shine? Don’t be intimidated by the process. It’s a simple process, and the results are well worth the effort. What’s the hardest part of waiting for them to cool before you eat them all?
Ingredients
For the Apple Cider Reduction:
• 4 cups Apple cider: Use good quality apple cider for the best flavor What kind of fruit can you get at your local orchard?
For the cookies: For a cookie
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s *actually* softened, not melted! This will ensure a nice, even texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and a slightly crisp edge.
• ½ cup packed light Brown Sugar: For added moisture and chewiness.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor. I always splurge on the good stuff; it makes a difference!
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become soft.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the apple cider flavor perfectly.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
For the Apple Cider Glaze: Why is it so good?
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Creates a smooth and sweet glaze. • 2-3 tablespoons reduced apple cider: Adds the signature apple cider flavor. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more until you reach your desired consistency.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
In a medium saucepan, bring the 4 cups of Apple Cider to boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. How do you reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the cider is reduced to about 12 cup? This will take about 30-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and don’t let it burn! Once reduced, remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light. Set aside. This usually takes about 3 minutes. Make sure your butter is properly softened. If you have lumpy dough, you will end up with lumps of dough.
Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Reduced Apple Cider
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Then, add the cooled apple cider and mix until smooth and incorporated. Is it possible for a batter to look curdled?
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. How do you distribute dough evenly?
Step 5: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough, otherwise your cookies will be tough. When the flour starts to disappear, stop mixing.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Step 7: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. How do I clean cookies?
Step 8: Scoop and Bake
Do not overbake dough. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers will still be soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Glaze
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to cling film. Let them cool completely before cutting them into small pieces. To cool completely. While cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and reduced butter. How do I make apple cider in a small bowl? I like to use a small whisk to drizzle the glaze over the cookies. Let the glaze set before serving.
What should I serve it with?
These Apple Cider Cookies: What are someWhat are the best accompaniments to music?
For Breakfast:Can you serve these with a hot cup of coffee? The warm spices in the cookies complement the flavors of the drinks perfectly. Arrange cookies on a plate with an apple butter ramekin for dipping for an extra few cookies.
For Brunch:Can you serve these cookies as part of a brunch spread with other fall favorites like pumpkin pancakes? Apple Cider Vinegar Mimos What is a good salad with seasonal fruits like apples, pears and grapes? Arrange the cookies on a pretty platter and garnish with fresh cranberries. Serve warm or cold. What is rosemary for an elegant presentation?
As Dessert:What are some delicious after-dinner treats? Is whipped cream better than ice cream? What are some good ways to serve caramel sauce with pecans? Serve warm for a cozy dessert experience.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot chocolate on a chilly evening. They’re also great for packing in lunchboxes or taking on road trips. My kids love to snack on them while watching their favorite movies.
My family tradition is to make these every year on Thanksgiving weekend. We bake a big batch and share them with all our guests. They always disappear in minutes!
How do you make Apple Cider Cookies?
Want to make the best?Apple Cider Cookies: What are some ever? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:
Apple Cider Reduction: Don’t rush this step! The apple cider needs to be reduced to a thick syrup consistency to concentrate the flavor. I’ve tried using store-bought apple cider concentrate before, but it just doesn’t taste the same. Trust me, it’s worth the effort to reduce it yourself.
Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is properly softened before creaming it with the sugars. If it’s too cold, it won’t cream properly, and your dough will be lumpy. If it’s too melted, your cookies will spread too much during baking. The perfect consistency is when you can easily press your finger into it, but it still holds its shape.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together and develop a richer taste. I usually chill mine for at least 30 minutes, but you can chill it for longer if you need to.
Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking. Baking times can vary depending on your oven. I’ve learned that my oven bakes a little hotter than most, so I usually reduce the baking time by a minute or two. You want the edges to be lightly golden brown, but the centers should still be soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Glaze Consistency: The consistency of the glaze is important. You want it to be thick enough to coat the cookies, but thin enough to drizzle easily. I always start with 2 tablespoons of reduced apple cider and add more until I reach my desired consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more apple cider. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
Ingredient Swaps: For a slightly different flavor, try adding a pinch of cardamom or cloves to the dough along with the cinnamon and nutmeg. You can also use brown butter instead of regular butter for a nuttier, richer flavor. I’ve also experimented with different types of flour. Spelt flour adds a lovely nutty flavor, but you might need to add a little more liquid to the dough.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to keep your apple cider cookies fresh and delicious for as long as possible? Here’s how:
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cool before storing them to prevent them from becoming soggy. I usually place a piece of parchment paper between the layers to keep them from sticking together. I always do this when storing cookies.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. They might become a little drier in the refrigerator, so I recommend warming them up slightly before serving. I’ll often pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Freezer Instructions: These cookies freeze beautifully! To freeze them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving. The glaze might become a little sticky after thawing, but they’ll still taste delicious.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning on freezing the cookies, it’s best to glaze them after they’ve been thawed. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or cracked during the freezing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These apple cider cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a taste of fall in every bite. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. The warm spices and sweet apple cider flavor will fill your kitchen with the most amazing aroma, and they’re guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Seriously, the smell alone brings everyone to the kitchen when I make these! I truly hope you give this recipe a try. If you love these, you might also enjoy my apple crumble pie or my pumpkin bread recipe – they’re both fall favorites in my house. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and be sure to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it! I’d also love to see your own variations of these cookies, so feel free to share them in the comments.
Apple Cider Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup applesauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves
- 0.5 cup apple cider
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and applesauce.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the apple cider and nuts (if using).
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden brown. Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
