Apple Cider Cookies Recipe

Previous Next

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup apple cider
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• For the glaze:
• 1 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider (plus more if needed)

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients and prepare your workspace.
2. In a small saucepan, bring 3/4 cup apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until the cider reduces to 1/4 cup, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat, transfer to a heatproof bowl, and allow to cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes.
3. While the cider reduces, melt the butter in a separate small saucepan over medium-low heat. Alternatively, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave on 50% power, about 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Once melted, pour the butter into a stand mixer bowl and refrigerate until it reaches room temperature, about 10 minutes.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and ginger until no lumps remain.
5. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the stand mixer bowl with the butter. Using the paddle attachment, beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes fluffy, about 1 minute.
6. Add the egg, egg yolk, and the reduced apple cider to the mixer. Beat until the mixture is just combined.
7. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture. Continue mixing until everything is just combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. This should take about 2 minutes.
8. Cover the dough and chill it for about 30 minutes until firm.
9. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and place a rack in the center of the oven. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
10. Scoop chilled dough using a 1 1/3 oz. scoop (about 2 tablespoons) and place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 3 inches apart. Cover and chill the remaining dough while baking the first batch.
11. Bake the cookies, one baking sheet at a time, for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even baking.
12. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, about 20 minutes. Repeat with the remaining dough.
13. While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of apple cider in a small bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add additional apple cider, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until the consistency is loose enough to drizzle.
14. Once the cookies are fully cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over each cookie and let it set before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	218
Total Fat	8g (11%)
Saturated Fat	5g (25%)
Cholesterol	44mg (15%)
Sodium	89mg (4%)
Total Carbohydrate	34g (12%)
Dietary Fiber	1g (2%)
Total Sugars	21g
Protein	2g (5%)
Vitamin C	3mg (4%)
Calcium	17mg (1%)
Iron	1mg (5%)
Potassium	46mg (1%)

The Story Behind Apple Cider Cookies

Apple cider cookies are a delightful creation rooted in the autumn traditions of North America, particularly in regions where apple orchards flourish. The concept of combining baked goods with apple cider likely emerged in the 19th century, when cider was a common household staple and baking with seasonal ingredients was a way to celebrate harvest time. Over the years, these cookies became a symbolic treat of fall, capturing the essence of crisp air, colorful leaves, and festive gatherings.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

While apple cider cookies are popular throughout the United States, their preparation can vary by region. In New England, the cookies often incorporate warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, reflecting the area's rich autumnal flavors. In the Midwest, you might find them slightly denser and chewier, with a pronounced apple cider glaze. Southern versions sometimes include pecans or a hint of bourbon for a unique twist. Despite these regional differences, all versions share a characteristic soft, chewy texture and a distinct cider-infused sweetness.

What Makes Them Different From Similar Treats

At first glance, apple cider cookies may seem similar to other spiced or fruit-based cookies, such as snickerdoodles or pumpkin cookies. However, their defining feature is the concentrated apple cider reduction that infuses the dough, giving the cookies a natural fruity tang that cannot be replicated with extracts alone. Unlike apple pie cookies, which rely on chunks of fresh apple, apple cider cookies focus on a liquid apple flavor, often highlighted further with a drizzle of cider glaze for extra aroma and moisture.

Where These Cookies Are Typically Served

Apple cider cookies are most commonly enjoyed during fall festivals, holiday gatherings, and family-oriented celebrations. They are a popular treat at school bake sales, autumn-themed parties, and farmers markets. Many cafes and bakeries offer them alongside warm beverages like cider, coffee, or tea. Their comforting flavor and seasonal association make them particularly popular around Halloween and Thanksgiving, where they complement other classic harvest desserts.

Fun and Interesting Facts

• Apple cider cookies can be made using either fresh or store-bought cider, but reducing the cider intensifies the flavor and prevents the dough from becoming too wet.
• These cookies often pair perfectly with caramel or vanilla glaze, enhancing both sweetness and depth of flavor.
• The cookies warm spicescinnamon, ginger, and sometimes clovesreflect a long tradition of using spices to extend the shelf life of baked goods while adding aromatic complexity.
• Although modern recipes may include butter and sugar, traditional versions were simpler and often baked in cast-iron ovens or over open flames in colonial kitchens.
• Apple cider cookies have become a symbol of cozy, autumnal indulgence, often evoking nostalgia for family gatherings and seasonal celebrations.

FAQ about Apple Cider Cookies Recipe

Comments