Description
Apple Cider Cookies are soft, chewy treats perfect for fall, combining the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with the sweet and tangy flavor of apple cider. These cookies bring cozy autumn flavors to your kitchen and pair perfectly with a hot beverage or as a festive snack for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup apple cider (preferably concentrated)
For the Topping (optional):
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Mixtures and Add Apple Cider: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Stir in the apple cider until fully incorporated, which adds flavor and moisture.
- Scoop Dough and Add Optional Topping: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. If desired, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle lightly over each cookie for a sweet, spiced crust.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies will be soft and may appear slightly underbaked but will firm up while cooling.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy the comforting apple cider flavors.
Notes
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, raisins, or dried cranberries to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
- Try drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider over cooled cookies for added sweetness and shine.
- Experiment with other spices such as ground ginger or allspice to vary the cookie’s flavor profile.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple cider cookies, fall cookies, autumn dessert, soft cookies, cinnamon cookies, nutmeg cookies, holiday treats
