The smell of cinnamon and apples always makes me think of fall. There’s just something so comforting about a warm, spiced treat on a cool day. That’s why I’m so excited to share my recipe for Apple Cider Cookies with you!
These cookies are packed with real apple pieces, a perfect blend of spices, and a soft, chewy texture that will melt in your mouth. From start to finish, you’ll need about 45 minutes, and I promise, every minute is worth it. These Apple Cider Cookies are the perfect autumn treat!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Apple Cider Cookies
I think you’ll absolutely adore these cookies. They are my go-to fall treat. Here’s why:
- Made with Real Apples: I use diced apple in the dough for a burst of fresh flavor and a touch of moisture.
- Perfect Spice Balance: My blend of cinnamon and nutmeg creates that classic, comforting fall flavor without being overpowering.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to the brown sugar and a touch of apple cider vinegar, these cookies stay soft and chewy for days, if they last that long!
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and simple, making it perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike.
What’s the Best Apple to Use for Apple Cider Cookies?
Choosing the right apple can really elevate your Apple Cider Cookies. Different varieties bring different flavor profiles to the mix. For a touch of tartness, I recommend Granny Smith apples. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, Honeycrisp apples are the way to go.
Fuji apples offer a nice balance of sweet and tart. You can even experiment with a blend of apple types for a more complex flavor!
If you enjoy baking cookies, you might also like this Incredible Andes Mint Chocolate Cookies Recipe.
Ingredients for Apple Cider Cookies
Before we get started, let’s gather our ingredients. I’ve divided them into two sections: one for the cookies and one for the icing. The brown sugar is key for a chewy cookie. The apple cider vinegar helps to activate the baking soda, giving the cookies a little extra lift!
Cookie Ingredients
- 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks, 226 grams) unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup (99 grams) granulated white sugar
- ¾ cup (160 grams) light brown sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- ¼ cup (60 mL) broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 apple (peeled and diced)
Icing Ingredients
- 2 cup confectioners sugar
- 3 tablespoons broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
How to Make Apple Cider Cookies: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now for the fun part! Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a batch of delicious Apple Cider Cookies in no time.
- Preheat and prepare cookie sheets. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or grease lightly.
- Combine dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars. In a second mixing bowl, with an electric mixer cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add egg and broth. Add egg and mix just until combined. Add broth and apple cider vinegar and combine. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Add in dry ingredients. Add the flour mixture and mix at low to medium speed until mixture is evenly moistened. Stir in chopped apple.
- Scoop the cookies. Using a 1-inch cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the cookies into 1 ½-inch balls. Place onto prepared cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake and cool the cookies. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges and centers are set. Remove from the oven and cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack to finish cooling completely. The edges should be set.
- Make icing. In a small bowl, whisk together icing ingredients. Spread or drizzle over each cooled cookie.
Recipe Variations for Your Apple Cider Cookies
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations on my Apple Cider Cookie recipe that I think you’ll love. If you are looking for some other bakes and sweets be sure to check out the bakes and sweets category!
Brown Butter Glaze Apple Cider Cookies
Brown butter adds a nutty, rich flavor that complements the apple cider beautifully.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Confectioners’ Sugar | 1 cup |
| Broth | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Whisk in the confectioners’ sugar and broth until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Maple Glaze Apple Cider Cookies
Maple glaze enhances the fall theme with its warm, caramel-like flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Confectioners Sugar | 1 cup |
| Broth | 2 tablespoons |
| Maple Syrup | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions: Whisk together all ingredients until smooth. Add more broth, one teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach desired consistency. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Apple Pie Spice Sugar Apple Cider Cookies
Rolling the cookies in apple pie spice before baking adds a textural element and enhances the spice notes.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Granulated Sugar | ¼ cup |
| Apple Pie Spice | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions: Combine sugar and apple pie spice in a shallow dish. Roll each cookie dough ball in the mixture before placing it on the baking sheet. Then bake as directed.
How to Make Your Own Apple Pie Spice
Making your own apple pie spice is so easy, and it allows you to customize the blend to your liking!
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
Simply combine all the spices in a small jar and shake well to combine. Store in an airtight container.
Tips for Baking Apple Cider Cookies with Kids
Baking with kids can be a blast! Here are some tips for making these Apple Cider Cookies a fun and successful activity for everyone:
- Let them measure ingredients: Measuring is a great way for kids to practice their math skills.
- Have them stir the dough: Mixing the ingredients is a great way to get kids involved.
- Let them decorate the cookies: Decorating is always a favorite activity. Provide sprinkles, icing, and other toppings for them to get creative.
- Prepare ahead of time: Measure out all the ingredients beforehand to make the process smoother.
Storing Your Delicious Apple Cider Cookies
To keep your Apple Cider Cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Freezing Cookie Dough: Scoop the cookie dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake the frozen cookie dough directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Preventing Freezer Burn: To prevent freezer burn, make sure the cookies and dough are tightly sealed in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Thawing: Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Thaw frozen cookie dough in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Dough in Fridge: The dough will last up to 2 days in the fridge.
Troubleshooting Common Apple Cider Cookie Problems
Sometimes, baking doesn’t go exactly as planned. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
- Cookies Spreading Too Much: This could be due to using butter that is too soft or not chilling the dough. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Cookies Not Spreading at All: This could be due to using too much flour. Make sure you are measuring your flour correctly, using the spoon and level method.
- Cookies Not Soft and Chewy: This could be due to overbaking or not using enough brown sugar. Be careful not to overbake the cookies, and make sure you are using the correct amount of brown sugar.
- Cookies Sticking to the Pan: Make sure you are using parchment paper or greasing the cookie sheets well.
- Glaze Too Thin: Add more confectioners’ sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Glaze Too Thick: Add more broth, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Dough Too Dry: Add more broth, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Dough Too Wet: Add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky.
- Cookies Burnt: Lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees and bake for a few minutes less.
Baking Apple Cider Cookies at High Altitude
Baking at high altitude can be tricky because the lower air pressure can cause baked goods to rise too quickly and then collapse. To adjust this Apple Cider Cookies recipe for high-altitude baking, try these tips:
- Reduce baking powder by ¼ teaspoon.
- Increase the broth by 1-2 tablespoons.
- Increase oven temperature by 25°F.
What Else Can You Do With Leftover Broth?
Don’t let that leftover broth go to waste! Here are a few creative ideas for using it:
- Make a glaze for pork or chicken: Brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Add it to a smoothie: It adds a touch of sweetness and nutrients.
- Use it as a marinade: Marinate meat in apple cider to tenderize it and add flavor.
- Make apple cider donuts: Use it in the batter for a delicious fall treat.
If you want more ideas, check out this article on Wonderful Stovetop Potpourri.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions for Apple Cider Cookies
These Apple Cider Cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some serving and pairing suggestions to take them to the next level:
- Beverages: Pair them with a warm glass of milk, hot coffee, chai tea, or a mug of hot chocolate.
- Desserts: Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a slice of apple pie, or a bowl of whipped cream.
- Savory Pairings: Create a cheese board with sharp cheddar cheese, brie, and walnuts for a delicious contrast to the sweet cookies.
Can I Make These Apple Cider Cookies Gluten-Free or Vegan?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be gluten-free or vegan!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
- Vegan: Replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute. Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken). Ensure your sugar is vegan.
FAQs About Apple Cider Cookies
Here are some frequently asked questions about Apple Cider Cookies:
Can I Skip Reducing Apple Cider In This Recipe?
No, you should not skip reducing apple cider. The reduced broth concentrates the apple flavor, adding a depth and richness to the cookies.
Can I Use Apple Juice Instead of Apple Cider In The Cookies?
Apple cider is unfiltered, giving it a richer flavor and darker color than apple juice. Apple juice can be used as a substitute, but it will impact the flavor. The cookies will be missing some of the robust flavor.
Can I Omit the Apple?
Omitting the apple will affect the texture and flavor of the cookies. The apple adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall taste.
How Long Do Apple Cider Cookies Stay Fresh?
Apple Cider Cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
Can You Freeze Apple Cider Cookie Dough?
Yes, you can freeze Apple Cider Cookie Dough. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake the frozen cookie dough directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
These Apple Cider Cookies are the perfect way to welcome fall. With their soft, chewy texture, warm spices, and real apple pieces, they are sure to be a hit with everyone. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious treats!
I’d love to hear how your Apple Cider Cookies turn out! Please leave a comment below with any questions or share your baking results with me. Happy baking!
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Ultimate Apple Cider Cookies Recipe For Fall
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat and prepare cookie sheets. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or grease lightly.
- Combine dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars. In a second mixing bowl, with an electric mixer cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add egg and broth. Add egg and mix just until combined. Add broth and apple cider vinegar and combine. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Add in dry ingredients. Add the flour mixture and mix at low to medium speed until mixture is evenly moistened. Stir in chopped apple.
- Scoop the cookies. Using a 1-inch cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the cookies into 1 ½-inch balls. Place onto prepared cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake and cool the cookies. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges and centers are set. Remove from the oven and cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack to finish cooling completely. The edges should be set.
- Make icing. In a small bowl, whisk together icing ingredients. Spread or drizzle over each cooled cookie.
