These apple cider cookies are soft, spiced treats that bring the cozy fall flavors right to your kitchen. They’re perfect for enjoying with a warm drink!
I love how easy they are to make, and the smell of cinnamon and apples baking is simply irresistible. You might even want to share, but I can’t promise I will! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: The star of the show! Look for fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor. If you don’t have cider, you can substitute with apple juice, but the taste won’t be as rich.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves give the cookies warmth. If you’re missing any, don’t worry! You can use pumpkin pie spice as a blend instead. Just adjust based on your taste.
Butter: I prefer unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, swap it with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here, but a gluten-free flour blend can be used for a gluten-free version. Just ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for better texture!
How Do I Reduce Apple Cider Properly?
Reducing apple cider is crucial to concentrate its flavor. Here’s how to do it successfully:
- Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan.
- Heat it over medium. Bring it to a gentle simmer, and don’t let it boil.
- Stir occasionally and keep an eye on it, allowing it to cook down to about 1/4 cup. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Patience is key!
- Once reduced, let it cool completely before using it in the cookie dough.
Reducing enhances the sweetness and flavor, making your cookies even more delicious!
How to Make Delicious Apple Cider Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tsp milk or apple cider, to achieve drizzle consistency
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes for preparation, plus another 10-12 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to factor in 1 hour for chilling the dough, which helps make your cookies soft and chewy. Total time is about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
Start by pouring 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat and allow it to simmer gently. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally until it reduces down to about 1/4 cup (approximately 60 ml). This will take around 15-20 minutes. Once it’s reduced, let it cool completely.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This blend of spices will give your cookies their delightful flavor!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together with a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important for getting that nice texture in your cookies!
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Now, add in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat everything together until it’s fully combined.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Next, stir in the cooled apple cider reduction. Make sure it’s cool to avoid cooking the egg! Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, and mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
6. Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. If you prefer, you can leave it overnight. This will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
7. Preheat the Oven:
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking!
8. Shape the Cookies:
Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball.
9. Bake:
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until they’re set and the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
10. Cool the Cookies:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 2-3 teaspoons of milk or apple cider until you get a nice drizzle consistency. Not too runny, but not too thick either!
12. Drizzle the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over them with a spoon or piping bag. Let the glaze set before serving.
Enjoy these delightful, soft, and spiced apple cider cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the fall season!
img src=”https://spiceandbloom.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/apple-cider-cookies.webp” alt=””>
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s not overly sweetened or spiced, as you’ll want to maintain the rich apple flavor in your cookies.
Can I Substitute the Butter for Oil?
You can substitute butter with a neutral oil, but it may change the texture slightly. For best results, use a light oil like vegetable or canola oil. Use about 1/3 cup of oil for every 1/2 cup of butter.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Just check that it includes xanthan gum or add it yourself to help with the structure and texture.