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Apple Cider Cookies 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 12 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