Apple Cider Cookies are soft, chewy delights infused with reduced apple cider for tangy sweetness, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and studded with dried apple bits—ideal for fall baking, cookie swaps, or cozy snacks with make-ahead dough and easy glazing. This 40-minute recipe yields 3 dozen cookies, serving 12–18 at ~120 calories each, capturing cider’s warmth without sogginess. For more spiced baking, explore our Perfect Gingerbread Cookies Recipe, which shares similar dough techniques.
What is the Perfect Apple Cider Cookies Recipe?
The Perfect Apple Cider Cookies Recipe is a drop cookie dough where apple cider is reduced to concentrate flavor, creamed with butter and sugar, mixed with dry ingredients including spices, then baked to golden edges with a powdered sugar glaze—perfect for seasonal treats. This cozy essential uses the cider’s natural pectin for chew, avoiding extracts for authenticity. If you’re craving autumn essence, follow the Perfect Apple Cider Cookies Recipe to recreate this favorite at home. It’s a natural companion to fruit-infused bakes like our Perfect Cranberry Banana Bread Recipe, where dried fruits add texture.
Why You’ll Love Perfect Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
These cookies charm with simple mixing and bold fall flavors, making them a baking staple.
Quick Drop-and-Bake Ease
Mix in 15 minutes, bake 10–12—reduce cider ahead for speed. Ideal for holidays, like dough in our Perfect Sugar Cookie Recipe.
Tangy Spiced Warmth
Cider’s apple brightness with cinnamon-nutmeg chew—customize with raisins, akin to herb depth in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
Minimal Cleanup
One bowl and sheets; pantry staples like cider—stress-free, much like our Moist Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins.
Versatile Seasonal Snack
Yields 36; gluten-free with oat flour. Pairs with tea from our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide for contrast.
Light Indulgence
Fruit-forward at ~120 calories/cookie; cozy yet balanced, like citrus in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Showstopper Simplicity
Golden rounds with glaze drizzle—add cider leaves for flair, like layers in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
For gluten-free, see our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
Perfect Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 10 minutes cider reduction)
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12–18 (36 cookies)
Category: Dessert, Cookies
Method: Oven
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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Cider Reduction
- 1 cup apple cider (unsweetened)
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup chopped dried apples (or raisins)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp apple cider (or milk)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Reduce Cider: In a small saucepan, simmer 1 cup apple cider over medium heat 8–10 minutes until reduced to ¼ cup (syrupy). Cool completely.
- Cream Dough: Beat ½ cup softened butter and ¾ cup sugar 2 minutes until fluffy. Add 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, and 2 tbsp reduced cider; mix well.
- Add Dry: In a bowl, whisk 1½ cups flour, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, and ¼ tsp salt. Fold into wet until just combined. Stir in ½ cup dried apples.
- Chill and Scoop: Chill dough 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line sheets with parchment. Scoop tablespoon balls 2 inches apart.
- Bake and Glaze: Bake 10–12 minutes until edges golden (centers soft). Cool on racks. Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tbsp cider, and ½ tsp vanilla for glaze; drizzle over cooled cookies.
Nutrition (Per Cookie): ~120 calories.
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Detailed Ingredients Breakdown
Cider Reduction Ingredients
- Apple Cider (1 cup): Natural flavor base; reduce for intensity without alcohol.
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- Butter (½ cup, softened): For tenderness; unsalted for control.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens and aids spread.
- Egg (1 large): Binds for structure.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances warmth.
- All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups): Base; oat for GF like in our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
- Baking Soda (½ tsp), Cinnamon (½ tsp), Nutmeg (¼ tsp), Salt (¼ tsp): Leavening and spice.
- Dried Apples (½ cup chopped): Chewy fruit bits.
Glaze Ingredients
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Smooth sweetness.
- Apple Cider (2–3 tbsp) or Milk: Thins to drizzle.
- Vanilla Extract (½ tsp): Flavor tie-in.
These yield chewy, spiced cookies with cider essence.
How to Make Perfect Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
Focus on reduction and gentle mixing for essential chew.
Step 1: Cider Reduction
Simmer cider to syrup—essential for flavor without wetness.
Step 2: Dough Creaming
Beat butter/sugar fluffy; add egg, vanilla, reduced cider. Like in our Perfect Sugar Cookie Recipe, aeration is key.
Step 3: Dry Incorporation
Whisk dry; fold in to avoid toughness. Add apples last.
Step 4: Bake
Scoop and bake until edges set—centers stay soft for chew.
Step 5: Glaze
Drizzle after cooling; sets in 10 minutes.
Inspired by spiced cookies? Our Make-Ahead Ravioli Freezer Guide offers dough chilling tips. For a classic external take, try this Apple Cider Cookies recipe from Allrecipes, which reduces for authentic taste.
Storage and Shelf Life
Room temp airtight 3–4 days; refrigerate up to 1 week (glaze softens). Freeze baked up to 3 months (unglazed); thaw and glaze. Signs of spoilage: moldy glaze, stale crumb, off-smelling cider—discard. (Pro tip: Like storing in our Perfect Cranberry Banana Bread Recipe, freeze for freshness.)
Tips and Variations
Use tart cider for balance; chill dough for spread control. Variations: Add white chocolate chips or ginger. For vegan, use plant butter/egg replacer. Essential: Don’t overbake for chew. Like spice in the Perfect Gingerbread Cookies Recipe, adjust nutmeg.
Conclusion
Apple Cider Cookies are a spiced, chewy essential for fall treats—tangy, warm, and simple. With key steps, it’s your go-to cookie. From picks to storage, success every bite. Bake ahead, glaze and share with loved ones! Pair with our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide for savory