Description
Delight in these soft and chewy Apple Cider Cookies, perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting treat. Featuring tender apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies are enhanced with a sweet apple cider glaze that adds a deliciously tangy finish. Easy to prepare and bake, they are ideal for sharing with family and friends during cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup diced apples
Apple Cider Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1–2 tbsp apple cider
- Optional: 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Then add 1/4 cup apple cider and mix thoroughly until fully incorporated into the mixture.
- Combine Dough & Add Apples: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the diced apples by hand to distribute evenly.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight until firm. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Preheat Oven & Scoop Cookies: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop rounded balls of chilled dough, about 1.5 tablespoons each, and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets. For an extra crunch, optionally roll dough balls in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing them on the sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still slightly soft. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with any remaining dough.
- Prepare Apple Cider Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider until the glaze is smooth and pourable. For extra flavor and a hint of spice, whisk in 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, if desired.
- Glaze and Serve: Ensure the cookies are completely cool before glazing. Either dip the top of each cookie into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over them using a spoon. Place the glazed cookies back on the wire rack lined with parchment paper or foil. Let the glaze set completely for 30 to 60 minutes before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure the butter is softened but not melted before creaming with sugars.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spreading and for flavor development.
- Use crisp, tart apples such as Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweetness.
- Adjust apple cider quantity in the glaze to achieve your preferred consistency.
- The glaze can be enhanced with a pinch of cinnamon for additional warmth and aroma.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; avoid refrigeration to retain softness.
- Optionally, roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Apple cider cookies, soft cookies, chewy cookies, fall desserts, spiced cookies, apple recipes, homemade cookies, apple cider glaze
