Apple Cider Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Apple Cider Cookies are a delightful treat that capture the warm flavors of fall. Soft, spiced, and studded with juicy apple pieces, these cookies are perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup diced apples
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1–2 tbsp apple cider (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and apple cider until the mixture is smooth.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Step 6: Gently fold the diced apples into the dough using a spatula.
7. Step 7: Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith to add a bright contrast to the sweet dough.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the dry ingredients.
• If diced apples make the dough too wet, gently squeeze out excess juice before folding them in.
• Omit the glaze for a softer cookie or replace it with a simple cinnamon sugar sprinkle.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in a microwave for 10–15 seconds to enjoy them warm and soft.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use apple sauce instead of diced apples?

It’s not recommended, as apple sauce will add extra moisture and can change the texture of the cookies. Diced apples provide a nice bite and keep the dough balanced.

How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Adjust the glaze thickness by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or more apple cider to thin it out until you reach your desired consistency.

Apple Cider Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 145 reviews

Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of these Apple Cider Cookies, featuring tender chunks of fresh apple and a spiced apple cider glaze. Perfectly soft and subtly sweet with cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies offer a unique twist on classic fall treats that are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup diced apples

Apple Cider Glaze

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp apple cider

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the base for a tender cookie.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and apple cider into the butter mixture, mixing until the batter is smooth and well blended.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing and keep the cookies tender.
6. Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the dough using a spatula, ensuring even distribution without breaking down the apple pieces.
7. Shape and Bake: Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
8. Cool and Glaze: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with apple cider until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cookies for a sweet, tangy finish.

Notes

• For best flavor, use fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith for the diced apples.
• If apple cider is unavailable, fresh apple juice can be used as a substitute.
• Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for the creaming step to properly aerate the dough.
• Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• The glaze can be adjusted for thickness by adding more powdered sugar or apple cider as needed.

Keywords: apple cider cookies, fall cookies, spiced cookies, apple recipes, cinnamon cookies, soft cookies, holiday baking