Nothing says autumn like the warm, spiced flavors of Apple Cider Cookies!
Soft, chewy, and bursting with the comforting taste of apple cider and cinnamon, these cookies are the perfect treat for fall.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, baking for a cozy night in, or looking for a snack to enjoy with your favorite warm drink, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite that everyone will love.
P.S. In a hurry? Click the “Jump to Recipe” button to skip ahead to the recipe.
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Why You’ll Love These Apple Cider Cookies
These Apple Cider Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with the comforting flavors of fall.
Infused with spiced apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg, they deliver a warm, sweet taste that makes them ideal for cozy evenings or festive gatherings.
These cookies are versatile and easy to make, and they’re perfect for family events, school lunches, or as a treat with your morning coffee or tea.
The recipe doesn’t require any special equipment, and you can customize it by adding nuts, caramel bits, or even a sweet glaze for extra indulgence.
Ingredients for Apple Cider Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Apple Cider Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) – Adds richness and moisture for a soft, chewy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar & 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed) – Provide sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
- 1/4 cup reduced apple cider – Concentrates the apple flavor, giving the cookies their distinct autumn taste.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base that gives structure to the cookies.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda & 1/2 tsp baking powder – Help the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon & 1/4 tsp nutmeg – Add warm, spiced flavors.
- 1/4 tsp salt – Enhances the overall taste.
- 1 egg – Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and flavor.
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped nuts & 1/2 cup caramel squares (cut into small pieces) – Adds texture and extra indulgence for a delicious variation.
The key to these cookies is using reduced apple cider, which concentrates the flavor, ensuring every bite is packed with spiced apple goodness.
How to Make Apple Cider Cookies
Follow these steps to make delicious Apple Cider Cookies:
Reduce the apple cider:
Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces to 1/4 cup. This concentrates the flavor, giving the cookies their distinct apple taste.
Stir occasionally and keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Let the reduced cider cool before adding to the dough.
Prepare the cookie dough:
In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the cooled, reduced apple cider, 1 egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms. For variations, fold in 1/2 cup chopped nuts or caramel pieces.
Chill the dough:
Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.
Bake the cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop the dough and place it on the sheet, leaving space between each scoop.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
Tip: For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and let them set on the tray for a few minutes before transferring.
Tips & Recipe Variations
These Apple Cider Cookies are versatile and can be customized to suit your taste:
- Add-ins: Mix in caramel bits, white chocolate chips, or chopped pecans to enhance flavor and texture. The caramel will melt into gooey pockets, while nuts add a delightful crunch.
- Glaze: Drizzle the cookies with a glaze made of powdered sugar and a bit of apple cider for extra sweetness. It adds a shiny, delicious finish.
- Make ahead: Prepare the dough and freeze for up to a month. Bake directly from the freezer, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
- Apple cider substitution: Can’t find apple cider? Use spiced apple juice for a slightly different but still delicious twist.
Caramel Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
Caramel Apple Cider Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup reduced apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Caramel bits optional
- White chocolate chips optional
- Pecans optional
Instructions
- Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat until it reduces to 1/4 cup (about 10-15 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Let the reduced cider cool completely before using.
- In a mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and the cooled, reduced apple cider.
- Mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- If desired, fold in 1/2 cup caramel bits, white chocolate chips, or chopped pecans.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!