Apple Cider Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Looking for a cozy fall treat? These Apple Cider Cookies are perfectly soft, infused with warm spices, and bursting with fresh apple flavor. They’re simple to make and topped with a sweet apple cider glaze that makes them irresistible for any autumn occasion.

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 ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground 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 to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy—this helps create the perfect soft texture.
3. Step 3: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and apple cider until the dough is smooth. It may seem loose but will come together once dry ingredients are added.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the diced apples with a spatula to keep the dough tender and light.
6. Step 6: Scoop the dough into balls and place them a few inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are set.
7. Step 7: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Whisk powdered sugar and apple cider together to create the glaze, then drizzle over completely cooled cookies.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold their shape and balance the sweetness nicely.
• If the dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it for 20 minutes before scooping.
• For a richer apple flavor, reduce the apple cider on the stovetop before adding it to the dough.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for some crunchy texture.
• These cookies taste even better the next day after the flavors have blended.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them. If refrigerated, bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving. The glaze might soften over time but remains delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze Apple Cider Cookies?

Yes! You can freeze both the baked cookies and the raw dough. Thaw baked cookies at room temperature and raw dough before baking for best results.

What apples work best in Apple Cider Cookies?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady apples hold their shape well during baking and offer a nice tart-sweet balance that complements the spices.

Apple Cider Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 88 reviews

These Apple Cider Cookies are a perfect cozy fall treat, bursting with warm spices, fresh diced apples, and a delightful apple cider glaze. Soft, chewy, and subtly spiced, they’re ideal for holiday dessert trays, cookie exchanges, or a sweet snack enjoyed with a warm beverage.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 20 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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 ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup diced apples (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Glaze

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This step creates the perfect tender texture in the cookies.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and apple cider until well combined. The dough will appear slightly loose but don’t worry, it will come together once you add the dry ingredients.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined, ensuring the dough stays tender and soft.
6. Fold in the Apples: Using a spatula, gently fold in the diced apples. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the dough’s tender consistency and the integrity of the apple pieces.
7. Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place dough balls a few inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookie edges are golden and centers look set but still soft.
8. Cool and Glaze: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. While they cool, whisk the powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle this glaze over the completely cooled cookies for a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture as they hold their shape well.
• If the dough feels too sticky to handle or scoop, chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before baking.
• For a stronger apple cider flavor, reduce the apple cider on the stovetop before adding it to the dough to concentrate its taste.
• Optional: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy variation.
• The flavors intensify after resting; these cookies taste even better the day after baking.

Keywords: apple cider cookies, fall cookies, spiced cookies, soft cookies, apple cookies, autumn dessert, glazed cookies, cinnamon nutmeg cookies