Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and apple cider into the butter mixture, mixing until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the dough using a spatula, ensuring even distribution without breaking down the apple pieces.
- 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.
- 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