# Apple Cider Cookies: The Ultimate Cozy Fall Treat!
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## Introduction
I still remember the first time I pulled a batch of Apple Cider Cookies out of the oven. The warm, sweet scent of baking apples and cinnamon wafted through the house, instantly drawing my family to the kitchen. It wasn’t long before my eldest, with flour still dusted on her nose, declared these to be “the best cookies ever!” And honestly, who could argue? These cookies embody everything I love about fall: the crunch of apples, the warmth of spices, and that irresistible apple cider tang.
What sets my version apart from the myriad recipes out there is the combination of fresh diced apples and a delicate apple cider glaze that makes each bite a cozy experience. For me, they evoke memories of family gatherings filled with laughter, hearty conversations, and leaves crunching underfoot as we brought the apple harvest home.
In this post, not only will I share my cherished recipe for these delightful Apple Cider Cookies, but I’ll also let you in on some tips and tricks to ensure your batch turns out perfectly every time. Let's dive into these little bites of fall magic!
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## What Are Apple Cider Cookies?
Apple Cider Cookies have become synonymous with autumn baking for good reason! Originating from the simple joy of incorporating seasonal flavors into classic recipes, these cookies offer a delightful blend of sweet and spicy. Imagine sinking your teeth into a chewy cookie that tastes like a crisp fall morning, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg dancing on your palate.
What makes these cookies truly unique is the addition of fresh diced apples, which creates a tender, moist texture, while the apple cider infuses them with a fruity essence. Whether you're baking them for a weekend gathering or craving a comfort treat on a rainy day, these cookies can brighten up any occasion, bringing warmth and nostalgic flavors into every bite.
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## Why You'll Love This Recipe
1. **Homemade Goodness**: There’s something genuinely special about making cookies from scratch. Unlike store-bought versions that can be overly sweetened or packed with preservatives, my Apple Cider Cookies feature simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
2. **Flavor Explosion**: The combination of apple cider, fresh apples, and warm spices creates a uniquely delicious flavor profile that can't be replicated by factory-made options. You'll get cozy notes of autumn that just scream, "Take a moment and enjoy life!"
3. **Cost-Effective**: Store-bought cookies can add up quickly, especially when you’re entertaining. With this recipe, you can make a large batch for a fraction of the cost, and trust me, your guests will appreciate the homemade touch.
4. **Easy to Customize**: Want to spice things up? Add nuts, dried cranberries, or even a dash of caramel drizzle. The base cookie is incredibly forgiving, meaning you can experiment and find your perfect blend.
5. **Perfect for Any Skill Level**: Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving. It requires only basic baking skills and minimal time investment for maximum flavor reward!
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## Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a fantastic batch of Apple Cider Cookies:
- **1 cup unsalted butter** (softened to room temperature – I love **Kerrygold** for its rich flavor)
- **1/2 cup brown sugar**
- **1/2 cup granulated sugar**
- **1 large egg** (at room temperature)
- **1/4 cup apple cider** (freshly pressed makes all the difference!)
- **1 tsp vanilla extract** (use pure vanilla for the best flavor)
- **2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour**
- **1/2 tsp baking soda**
- **1 tsp cinnamon** (I prefer **Saigon cinnamon** for a bolder taste)
- **1/4 tsp nutmeg**
- **1/4 tsp salt**
- **1 cup diced apples** (about 1 medium apple, preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a tart balance)
- **1/2 cup powdered sugar** (for glaze)
- **1–2 tbsp apple cider** (for glaze)
**Prep Notes**: Make sure your butter is softened—this is key for a fluffy cookie. Also, room temperature egg helps the batter come together seamlessly.
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## Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Preheat Your Oven**: Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)** and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. **Cream the Butter and Sugars**: In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a handheld mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
3. **Mix in Wet Ingredients**: Add in your room temperature egg, vanilla extract, and apple cider; mix until fully combined and smooth.
4. **Whisk Dry Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until they are well mixed.
5. **Combine**: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
6. **Fold in the Apples**: Gently fold in the diced apples with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. **Scoop Dough**: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
8. **Bake**: Bake for **10–12 minutes**, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
9. **Cool and Glaze**: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar mixed with apple cider after they have cooled completely.
**Chef’s Tip**: For perfectly round cookies, take the warm cookies and gently reposition them into a perfect circle with the edge of a spatula!
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## Expert Tips & Tricks
- **Storage**: These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment to keep them from sticking together.
- **Make Ahead**: The dough can be made ahead of time and chilled in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month. This is perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- **Troubleshooting**: If your cookies spread too much, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. If they are too thick, slightly reduce the flour next time.
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## Serving Suggestions
These Apple Cider Cookies are delicious on their own, but serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert or alongside a warm mug of spiced apple cider. For a fall-themed gathering, display them on a rustic wooden board, sprinkled with cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices for added flair. Perfect for cozy nights in or festive occasions!
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## Variations & Substitutions
- **Flavors**: Feel free to switch up the spices—add a hint of ginger for a spicy kick or cardamom for a unique twist.
- **Dietary Adaptations**: For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can use applesauce instead of butter for a vegan adaptation.
- **Seasonal Variations**: During the winter months, a splash of peppermint extract can transform these cookies into a holiday favorite!
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## Nutrition & Storage Info
- **Prep Time**: 15 minutes
- **Cook Time**: 12 minutes
- **Total Time**: 27 minutes
- **Yield**: About 24 cookies
- **Estimated Calories**: Approximately 120 calories per cookie
**Storage Instructions**: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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## FAQ Section
1. **Can I use store-bought apple cider?**
Yes! Store-bought apple cider works just as well as homemade for this recipe.
2. **What type of apples should I use?**
I recommend using a tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness.
3. **How do I prevent my cookies from flattening?**
Ensure your butter isn’t too soft, and consider chilling the dough before baking.
4. **Can I replace butter with a non-dairy alternative?**
Definitely! Use a non-dairy butter substitute or coconut oil, though this may change the flavor slightly.
5. **What if I don’t have cinnamon?**
You can omit it or substitute with pumpkin spice for a different twist.
6. **Can I add nuts?**
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch!
7. **How can I make the glaze thicker?**
Add more powdered sugar to your apple cider until the desired consistency is reached.
8. **Are these cookies freezer-friendly?**
Absolutely! Just flash freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
9. **How long do they last?**
In an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature.
10. **Can I make a smaller batch?**
Yes! You can halve the ingredients for a smaller batch of cookies.
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## Conclusion
These Apple Cider Cookies are more than just a treat; they are a celebration of fall, family, and the comfort that homemade baking brings. I hope you take the time to whip up a batch for yourself; trust me, you won’t regret it! Let me know how they turn out in the comments below, and if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other fall favorites like Pumpkin Spice Muffins and Maple Pecan Bars. Happy baking!
Apple Cider Cookies
Delightful cookies that capture the essence of fall with fresh diced apples, warm spices, and a tangy apple cider glaze.
Ingredients
For the Cookies Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature Kerrygold for rich flavor
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup apple cider, freshly pressed Makes all the difference!
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Use pure vanilla for best flavor
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon Saigon cinnamon for a bolder taste
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup diced apples About 1 medium apple, preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar For glaze
- 1–2 tbsp apple cider For glaze
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in your room temperature egg, vanilla extract, and apple cider; mix until fully combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Baking
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Drizzle with a glaze made of powdered sugar mixed with apple cider after they have cooled completely.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.