Chewy Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
These Chewy Apple Cider Cookies capture the warm, spiced flavors of autumn in a soft and delightful treat. Made by reducing apple cider to concentrate its flavor, then blending it into a spiced cookie dough, these cookies deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and comforting fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. They are easy to make and perfect for cozying up during cool weather or sharing with friends and family.
- Author: Kai
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Then reduce the heat and simmer until the cider reduces to about 1/4 cup, which takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies do not stick and bake evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg, Vanilla, and Apple Cider: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Then stir in the cooled, reduced apple cider carefully to incorporate the rich apple flavor into the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies chewy rather than tough.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, place dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the centers appear set but still soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart and finishes the setting process.
Notes
- These cookies offer a wonderful aroma that perfectly evokes the essence of autumn.
- Enjoy them plain or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a touch of apple cider for extra sweetness.
- To keep the cookies extra chewy, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
- If you cannot find ground cloves or nutmeg, you can substitute with additional cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a similar flavor profile.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.
Keywords: apple cider cookies, chewy cookies, fall recipes, autumn desserts, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe