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Apple Cider Cookies Recipe

5 from 85 reviews

These Apple Cider Cookies are a delightful autumn treat featuring the rich flavor of reduced apple cider and nutty browned butter. Spiced with apple pie seasoning and baked to perfection, these soft cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Liquids and Fats

  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 20 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons apple pie spice or pumpkin spice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1¼ cup light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

Eggs

  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)

Optional

  • Powdered sugar for icing

Instructions

  1. Reduce Apple Cider: Pour the apple cider into a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Let it simmer until the liquid reduces down to about ¼ cup, concentrating its flavor. Allow the reduced cider to cool completely before using.
  2. Brown the Butter: In a separate saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Continue cooking until the butter starts to brown and emit a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly to prevent cooking the eggs later.
  3. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, apple pie or pumpkin spice, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the cooled browned butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the large egg, egg yolk, cooled reduced apple cider, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. Make the Cookie Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just incorporated. Let the dough rest while you preheat the oven, allowing the flavors to meld and the dough to hydrate.
  6. Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Scoop the dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats, spacing cookies to allow for slight spreading. Bake for 9-11 minutes, watching for edges to set while the centers remain soft.
  7. Cool and Finish: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool briefly on the baking sheet. Optionally, dust with cinnamon sugar and drizzle or coat with powdered sugar icing to add an extra touch of sweetness and spice.

Notes

  • Make sure both the reduced cider and browned butter are cooled before combining with eggs to prevent scrambling.
  • You can substitute apple pie spice with pumpkin spice for a slightly different seasonal flavor.
  • Resting the dough before baking improves texture and flavor absorption.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • For the icing, mix powdered sugar with a bit of the reduced cider or milk to create a thin glaze.

Keywords: apple cider cookies, browned butter cookies, fall cookies, spiced cookies, autumn treats, easy baked cookies