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Apple Cider Cookies Recipe

Apple Cider Cookies Recipe

4.9 from 14 reviews

These Apple Cider Cookies are soft, subtly spiced treats infused with the rich, concentrated flavor of reduced apple cider and browned butter. Perfectly balanced with apple pie spice and a cinnamon sugar topping, they offer a warm, comforting taste of autumn in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 20 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1¼ cup light brown sugar
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons apple pie spice or pumpkin spice
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Topping

  • Ground cinnamon (for rolling)
  • Optional: cinnamon sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Reduce Cider: In a medium saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until it has reduced to about ¼ cup. This concentrates the apple flavor. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
  2. Brown Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a pan over low heat, cooking until it turns a light golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 15 minutes to reach room temperature.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, apple pie or pumpkin spice, and salt. Ensure even distribution of ingredients.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the browned butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Then stir in the cooled, reduced apple cider until fully incorporated.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
  6. Form Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly soft.
  8. Cool & Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. While still warm, roll them in ground cinnamon or cinnamon sugar. Optionally, drizzle with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and apple cider for extra sweetness and presentation.

Notes

  • For a more intense apple flavor, use freshly squeezed apple cider.
  • Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking will help improve texture and control spreading.
  • You can customize the cookies by adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans or mixing in chocolate chips for a richer treat.
  • Ensure the browned butter is cooled but still pourable before combining with sugar to avoid cooking the egg.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: Apple cider cookies, spiced cookies, brown butter cookies, autumn desserts, fall baking, cinnamon sugar cookies