There’s something magical about autumn, isn’t there? The crisp air, the changing leaves, and the aroma of warm spices swirling around. For me, that scent always brings me back to childhood, baking with my grandmother. She’d press her face close to the oven, inhaling the perfume of apples and cinnamon. We’d always end up with a platter of her famous apple cider cookies – soft, chewy, and bursting with cozy flavors. This Apple Cider Cookies Recipe is inspired by those cherished memories. It’s the perfect way to capture the essence of fall and share a little sweetness with those you love.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Cider Cookies
These aren’t your average sugar cookies. They’re special! Here’s why:
- Intense Apple Cider Flavor: We’re not just adding a drop of apple extract. We use real apple cider and apple cider reduction to really pack in that tangy, fruity goodness.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies aren’t crisp – they’re delightfully soft and chewy, practically melting in your mouth.
- Warm, Cozy Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves create a truly autumnal vibe.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy baking skills. It’s great for beginners!
- Perfect for Sharing (or Not!): They’re beautiful, delicious, and ideal for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cider yourself.
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of these irresistible apple cider cookies:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but recommended!)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider reduction (see instructions below)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (for a little sparkle!)
Let’s Bake! Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get baking? Here’s how to make these delectable apple cider cookies:
1. Make the Apple Cider Reduction: This is key for intense flavor!
* In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of apple cider.
* Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the cider has reduced to about 1/4 cup and has a slightly syrupy consistency. Be careful not to burn it! Stir occasionally.
* Let it cool completely. You’ll only need 1/4 cup for the recipe, but extra will be delicious on pancakes or waffles!
2. Preheat & Prep:
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
* In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt. Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed.
4. Cream Butter and Sugars:
* In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. An electric mixer works best, but you can also do it by hand – it just takes a little more elbow grease!
5. Add Egg and Wet Ingredients:
* Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
* Slowly pour in the cooled apple cider reduction and apple cider. Mix until just combined.
* Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients:
* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
7. Mix in Add-ins (Optional):
* If you’re using nuts or dried fruit, gently fold them into the dough.
8. Drop Cookies onto Baking Sheet:
* Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
9. Sprinkle with Coarse Sugar (Optional):
* If desired, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with coarse sugar. This adds a nice visual appeal and a little extra crunch.
10. Bake:
* Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary.
11. Cool:
* Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Want to take your apple cider cookies to the next level? Here are a few ideas:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Citrus Zest: A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest would complement the apple cider beautifully.
- Glaze It: Once the cookies are cool, drizzle them with a simple apple cider glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a little apple cider reduction and water).
- Mini Cookies: Use a teaspoon-sized scoop to make mini cookies – perfect for kids or as a bite-sized treat. They’ll bake slightly faster, so keep an eye on them.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these cookies warm with a glass of apple cider, coffee, or hot chocolate. They’re also delicious alongside a slice of cheddar cheese!
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per cookie)
- Calories: 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 5-6g
- Carbohydrates: 18-22g
- Sugar: 10-12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1-2g
Please note: This is an estimate based on standard ingredient values and may vary slightly.
So there you have it – a simple, heartwarming Apple Cider Cookies Recipe you can enjoy all season long. Don’t be intimidated by the apple cider reduction step; it’s truly worth it for that intensified flavor. Gather your ingredients, put on some cozy music, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the sweet aroma of fall. Happy baking! We hope you love making and savoring these delicious treats as much as we do. Give this recipe a try, and let us know what you think in the comments below – we love hearing from our bakers!
