Apple Cider Cookies – Perfect Fall Treats in 30 Minutes

Apple cider cookies bring the best of fall flavors into the form of soft, chewy treats. With the warmth of cinnamon sugar and a sweet apple cider glaze, these cookies are reminiscent of your favorite apple cider donuts. Perfect for any fall gathering or just as a sweet indulgence on a crisp day, this recipe offers a delicious balance of flavor and texture that everyone will enjoy.

Why Apple Cider Cookies Are a Must-Bake

Apple cider cookies stand out because of their combination of soft, chewy dough and a satisfying cinnamon sugar coating. The reduced apple cider gives the cookies an extra depth of flavor, while the apple cider butter and glaze add sweetness and a delightful crunch. Not only are these cookies a nostalgic treat, but they are also quick and easy to make with minimal chilling time, making them ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

Ingredients for Apple Cider Cookies

To create these mouthwatering apple cider cookies, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s a breakdown:

• All-purpose flour: The base for the cookie dough, providing structure.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These ensure the cookies rise properly, achieving a light and soft texture.
• Ground cinnamon: This spice is essential for the warm, comforting flavor of the cookies.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Browned butter: Adds a nutty, rich background flavor to the dough.
• Light brown sugar and granulated sugar: These sugars contribute to the sweetness and texture of the cookies.
• Egg and egg yolk: Help bind the ingredients together, making the cookies chewy.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile, providing a subtle depth.
• Reduced apple cider: The star ingredient, offering a bold apple flavor that’s perfect for fall.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you have dietary restrictions or just want to change things up, here are a few swaps you can make:

• Gluten-free flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
• Maple syrup or maple sugar: Swap in maple syrup or maple sugar to give the cookies a maple twist instead of using granulated sugar.
• Vegan butter: Substitute with vegan butter or plant-based margarine to make the recipe dairy-free.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Cider Cookies

Making apple cider cookies is a simple process that yields delicious results. Follow these easy steps to bake your own batch:

1. Reduce the apple cider: Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat. Cook it until it reduces to about ¼ cup, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
2. Brown the butter: Melt 20 tablespoons of unsalted butter in another pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until the butter foams and turns brown. This should take about 10 minutes. Once done, transfer it to a bowl and let it cool.
3. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and salt.
4. Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the browned butter with both brown and granulated sugars. Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and reduced apple cider. Mix until smooth.
5. Mix the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Chill the dough: Allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Shape the cookies: Use a medium cookie scoop to form dough balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 3 inches apart.
8. Bake: Bake at 375°F for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers are slightly puffed.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Apple Cider Cookies

To make sure your apple cider cookies come out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs and browned butter are at room temperature before mixing. This will help the dough come together more smoothly.
• Don’t overmix: Mix the dough just until everything is combined. Overmixing can result in dense cookies.
• Shape the cookies: If you want perfectly round cookies, use a biscuit cutter to gently nudge the edges of the cookies back into shape immediately after removing them from the oven.
• Cinnamon sugar coating: Roll the warm cookies in cinnamon sugar right after baking to get an even coating. This adds flavor and a bit of crunch to the exterior.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

While these apple cider cookies are delicious on their own, here are a few ideas for pairing and variations:

• Serve with a warm drink: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of apple cider or a spiced chai latte to complement the cozy fall flavors.
• Add a twist: For a different flavor profile, try adding chopped dried apples or walnuts to the dough.
• Gluten-free option: As mentioned, use a good gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storing and Freezing Apple Cider Cookies

• Storing: Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay fresh and chewy for several days.
• Freezing dough: If you want to make the dough ahead of time, scoop it into balls and freeze them for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight.
• Freezing baked cookies: You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge, then glaze them with the apple cider glaze before serving.

Conclusion: Enjoy Apple Cider Cookies All Fall Long

Apple cider cookies are a perfect fall treat that captures the essence of the season in every bite. With their soft, chewy texture and warm cinnamon sugar coating, paired with the tangy apple cider glaze, these cookies will quickly become a favorite. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hot beverage or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are the ideal dessert to bring a little extra sweetness to your day. Easy to make, delicious to eat, and full of fall flavors, apple cider cookies are sure to be a hit at any occasion.

FAQs About Apple Cider Cookies

More Relevant Recipes

• Apple Pie Snickerdoodles: These cookies combine the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor of snickerdoodles with the comforting taste of apple pie. They’re soft, chewy, and perfect for autumn, offering the best of both worlds in one delicious treat.
• Easy Apple Crisp Bars: If you love the flavor of apples and cinnamon, these apple crisp bars are a great alternative to apple cider cookies. With a buttery, crumbly topping and sweet apple filling, they make a perfect dessert or snack for the fall season.
• Soft Molasses Cookies: These cookies bring a warm, spiced flavor similar to apple cider cookies, but with the added richness of molasses. They’re soft, chewy, and perfect for cozy fall afternoons, pairing beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.

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