Apple Cider Cookies: Delicious Fall Treats You Need to Try

Apple Cider Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly capture the essence of fall. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, these cookies bring warmth and comfort to any gathering. Originating from the heart of New England, where apple orchards abound, this recipe has been cherished for generations. The combination of sweet apple cider and warm spices creates a flavor profile that is both nostalgic and inviting.

What I love most about Apple Cider Cookies is their unique texture; they are soft and chewy, with a hint of crispness on the edges. The aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is simply irresistible, making it hard to wait for them to cool before indulging. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or shared at a festive gathering, these cookies are a favorite for their delightful taste and the convenience of being easy to make. Join me in exploring this scrumptious recipe that celebrates the flavors of the season!

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup apple cider (preferably fresh)
• 1 cup chopped apples (peeled and cored)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing, optional)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider (for icing, optional)

Preparing the Dough

Let’s get started on these delicious apple cider cookies! First, we need to prepare our dough. Follow these steps:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This will be our dry mixture.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue to beat until well combined.
4. Now, it’s time to incorporate the apple cider. Gradually add the apple cider to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed. This will help to keep the mixture from splattering everywhere!
5. Once the apple cider is fully incorporated, slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
6. Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using) with a spatula. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Chilling the Dough

Chilling the dough is an important step that helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Here’s how to do it:

1. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dough to an airtight container.
2. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. If you have time, letting it chill for up to 24 hours will enhance the flavors even more!

Baking the Cookies

Now that our dough is chilled and ready, let’s bake these cookies!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Once the oven is preheated, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
3. For a nice touch, you can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top of each cookie before baking. To make cinnamon sugar, simply mix 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
4. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
5. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Icing (Optional)

If you want to add a sweet glaze to your cookies, here’s how to make a simple apple cider icing:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of apple cider until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if it’s too thin or more apple cider if it’s too thick.
2. Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the icing over the top of each cookie using a spoon or a piping bag for a more decorative look.
3. Allow the icing to set for about 15-20 minutes

   Conclusion:

   In summary, these Apple Cider Cookies are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to embrace the flavors of fall in a delightful and delicious way. The combination of warm spices, sweet apple cider, and a soft, chewy texture makes these cookies not just a treat, but a cozy experience that will fill your home with the comforting aroma of autumn. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of hot cider, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of whipped cream, the serving possibilities are endless. Feel free to get creative with variations too! You can add chopped nuts for a delightful crunch, or even mix in some dried cranberries for a tart twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try drizzling a simple glaze over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how your Apple Cider Cookies turn out and any unique twists you add to make them your own. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let’s bake some memories together! Happy baking! Print
   

   Apple Cider Cookies: Delicious Fall Treats You Need to Try

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   • Author: Maria
   • Total Time: 95 minutes
   • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

   Print Recipe

   Pin Recipe

   Description

   Enjoy the cozy taste of fall with these soft and chewy Apple Cider Cookies, featuring warm spices and fresh apple chunks. Perfect for any gathering, they can be savored as is or topped with a sweet apple cider icing for an extra treat.

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
   • 1 teaspoon baking soda
   • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
   • ½ teaspoon salt
   • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
   • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
   • ½ cup granulated sugar
   • 1 large egg
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • 1 cup apple cider (preferably fresh)
   • 1 cup chopped apples (peeled and cored)
   • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
   • 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing, optional)
   • 2 tablespoons apple cider (for icing, optional)

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   Instructions

   1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This will be our dry mixture.
   2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
   3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue to beat until well combined.
   4. Gradually add the apple cider to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed to prevent splattering.
   5. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
   6. Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using) with a spatula until evenly distributed.
   7. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dough to an airtight container.
   8. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor.
   9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
   10. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
   11. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top of each cookie before baking (mix 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon).
   12. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked but will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
   13. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
   14. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of apple cider until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed.
   15. Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the icing over the top of each cookie using a spoon or piping bag.
   16. Allow the icing to set for about 15-20 minutes.

   Notes

   • For a more intense apple flavor, consider using a mix of different apple varieties.
   • These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

   • Prep Time: 20 minutes
   • Cook Time: 15 minutes