These cozy apple cider cookies are soft and full of warm spices! With the sweet taste of apple and a hint of cinnamon, they are perfect for chilly days.
Baking these cookies fills the kitchen with a lovely smell—better than any candle! I love to enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa. Yum! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: This is the star ingredient! The concentrated apple flavor enhances the cookies. If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice, but it may not provide the same depth of flavor.
Spices: A mix of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg creates warmth in the cookies. If you’re missing any, just use more of the others! For example, more cinnamon works great.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can work too.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to. If someone is gluten-free, consider using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
How Do I Make the Best Glaze for My Cookies?
The glaze adds a sweet finish, but getting it just right can be tricky. Start by mixing powdered sugar with apple cider. Aim for a thick but pourable consistency—like pancake batter.
- If the glaze is too thick, add a little more cider, a teaspoon at a time.
- If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top before it sets.
Give it a gentle stir—this will give your cookies a lovely shine and sweetness. Happy baking! 🍏🍪
How to Make Delicious Apple Cider Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp apple cider (add more if needed)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. This includes about 15 minutes of prep time, 1 hour of chilling the dough, and about 12 minutes of baking time. Plus, you’ll want to let the cookies cool before glazing them!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
Start by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Let it reduce down until you have about 2-3 tablespoons remaining—this should take about 10-15 minutes. It should be thick and syrupy. Once done, set it aside to cool.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt. This will help ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout your cookies.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, add the cooled, reduced apple cider syrup to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently until just combined. The dough will feel slightly sticky—that’s okay!
6. Chill the Dough:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until it is firm enough to handle.
7. Preheat the Oven:
About 10 minutes before you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
8. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls in your hands. Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
9. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the cookies in your preheated oven and bake them for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will still look soft—they’ll firm up as they cool.
10. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
11. Prepare the Glaze:
While the cookies are cooling, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, apple cider, and optional ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more cider if necessary until it’s smooth and drizzle-able.
12. Glaze and Serve:
Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over each cookie. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy soft, spiced apple cider cookies with a delightful cinnamon sugar crust and a sweet cider glaze! Perfect for sharing on chilly days! 🍏🍪
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly in this recipe. Just choose a high-quality cider for the best flavor. If it’s already sweetened, you might want to reduce the amount of granulated sugar you add.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are completely cool before placing them in the freezer!
Can I Skip the Glaze?
Sure! The cookies are delicious even without the glaze. If you prefer a less sweet version, you can simply dust the cookies with powdered sugar after baking or enjoy them plain.
What Can I Substitute for All-Purpose Flour?
If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture!
