Apple cider cookies are the cozy, chewy treats your autumn dessert table is begging for. With the irresistible warmth of cinnamon, the nostalgic sweetness of apple cider, and a delightful sugar coating, these cookies taste just like your favorite apple cider donuts — but in soft, buttery cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a fall gathering, the holidays, or just a sweet weekday treat, these apple cider cookies are the perfect seasonal comfort food.
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Why These Apple Cider Cookies Are a Must-Bake
These soft apple cider cookies bring together texture and flavor in every bite. The brown butter adds a deep, nutty richness, while the reduced apple cider infuses each cookie with concentrated apple flavor. Topped with apple cider glaze and a coating of cinnamon sugar, they’re layered, nostalgic, and satisfyingly spiced. Best of all? They’re simple to make and require minimal chilling, so you’ll have warm cookies ready to enjoy in under an hour.
Ingredients That Make These Cookies Unforgettable
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the sturdy yet tender structure
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Provide the perfect lift and chew
• Apple Pie Spice (or Cinnamon): Brings cozy fall flavor
• Cornstarch: Ensures soft, tender centers
• Salt: Balances and enhances sweetness
• Brown Butter: Adds deep, nutty flavor
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and caramel tones
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and creates crispy edges
• Egg & Egg Yolk: Binds and enriches the dough
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens the overall flavor
• Reduced Apple Cider: Delivers strong apple flavor
• Apple Cider Butter: Brushed on for flavor infusion
• Cinnamon Sugar: Adds a nostalgic, donut-like crunch
• Powdered Sugar: Base for a smooth glaze
• Extra Apple Cider (unreduced): Used for the glaze and brushing
Smart Substitutions for Any Pantry
• Flour Alternatives: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed. Bob’s Red Mill is a great option.
• Spice Options: Swap apple pie spice with chai spice or pumpkin spice for a new twist.
• Butter Swap: No time for browning? Use unsalted melted butter cooled in the fridge.
• Sugar Alternatives: Maple sugar is a natural, refined sugar-free option.
• Apple Cider: If unavailable, use unfiltered apple juice (not apple cider vinegar!).
How to Make Apple Cider Cookies: Step-by-Step
- Reduce the Cider: Simmer 2 cups of apple cider until it reduces to ¼ cup. This intensifies the apple flavor. Cool it completely before using.
- Brown the Butter: Melt butter over low heat until it foams and browns. Let it cool at room temp, then chill in the fridge briefly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, spices, and salt in a bowl.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix the cooled brown butter with sugars, then whisk in egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and reduced cider.
- Form the Dough: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined. Let the dough rest while the oven preheats.
- Preheat and Prep: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop and Bake: Use a medium scoop to portion dough balls and place 3 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges set and centers puff slightly.
- Cool and Coat: Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the tray, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Make Apple Cider Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Whisk melted butter with apple cider. In another bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar.
- Coat the Cookies: Brush each cooled cookie with cider butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
- Glaze to Finish: Whisk powdered sugar with cider and vanilla to make a glaze. Drizzle over each cookie and enjoy!
Tips to Get the Best Apple Cider Cookies Every Time
• Don’t Skip Reducing the Cider: It’s essential for a concentrated apple flavor without making the dough too wet.
• Use a Food Scale: For perfect texture, especially with flour and sugar.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine ingredients to prevent tough cookies.
• “Scoot” Your Cookies: Use a round cutter to shape cookies immediately after baking for that perfect circle.
• Assemble One at a Time: Brush, coat, and glaze individually for the neatest, most flavorful finish.
Fun Variations and Delicious Pairings
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or use chai spice for warming heat.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute flour with a trusted gluten-free blend.
• No-Glaze Option: Skip the glaze for a more donut-like feel.
• Pair With: Hot apple cider, chai tea, or vanilla bean ice cream for dessert.
• Make Ahead: Freeze unbaked dough balls or fully baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Why Apple Cider Cookies Are the Perfect Fall Treat
Apple cider cookies bring together the best flavors of the season: crisp apples, cinnamon spice, and buttery sweetness. They’re inspired by old-fashioned apple cider donuts, making them not only a delicious dessert but a nostalgic bite of fall tradition. With a chewy center, crisp sugar coating, and sweet cider glaze, they’re guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.
Perfect for bake sales, holiday cookie trays, or cozy evenings at home, these apple cider cookies deliver on flavor, texture, and charm — just like fall should.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about baking with apple cider, and these apple cider cookies prove it with every bite. They capture the essence of fall in a chewy, spiced, and sweet treat that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. With layers of flavor from the browned butter, cinnamon sugar, and apple cider glaze, these cookies aren’t just another seasonal dessert — they’re a celebration of autumn’s coziest moments. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, gifting a homemade treat, or indulging in some self-care, apple cider cookies are the ultimate comfort cookie for the season. Bake a batch and taste the warmth of fall.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cider Cookies
How do I store apple cider cookies for maximum freshness?
Store your apple cider cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and add the glaze fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use regular apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, you can substitute apple cider with unsweetened apple juice. For best results, use unfiltered or unpasteurized juice to mimic the depth of apple cider. Keep in mind that the apple flavor may be slightly milder, but the cookies will still taste delicious.
What should I do if my cookies turn out flat?
Flat cookies often result from incorrect flour measurement or warm butter. Make sure your flour is measured accurately using a scale, and that the brown butter is completely cooled before mixing. Allowing the dough to rest and chill while the oven preheats also helps maintain structure.
More Relevant Recipes
- Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies: The Ultimate Fall Cookie Recipe
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Apple Crisp Cookies: The Perfect Fall Treat
Apple Cider Cookies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 22 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy Apple Cider Cookies taste like your favorite fall apple cider donuts. Coated in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with an apple cider glaze, these cookies are cozy, flavorful, and easy to make with a comforting blend of apple, cinnamon, and brown butter.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (474 ml) apple cider
- 20 tablespoons (283 g) unsalted butter
- 2½ cups (300 g) 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 (250 g) light brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, melted (for cider butter)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider, not reduced (for cider butter)
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar)
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
- 1 – 2 tablespoons (15 – 30 ml) apple cider, not reduced (for glaze)
Instructions
- Pour apple cider into a saucepan and reduce over medium-high heat until it reaches ¼ cup. Cool completely.
- Brown the butter by melting it over low heat until foamy and nutty in aroma. Cool at room temperature, then chill briefly.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, spices, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk the browned butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar. Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and reduced cider. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually stir in dry ingredients until just combined. Let the dough rest while preheating oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment. Scoop dough (2 tbsp each) and place 3 inches apart.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set and centers puffed. Cool on sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to rack.
- Mix melted butter with apple cider for brushing. In another bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
- Brush each cooled cookie with cider butter, roll in cinnamon sugar on all sides, and return to rack.
- Whisk powdered sugar, cider, and vanilla to make glaze. Drizzle over cookies and serve.
Notes
- Let cider reduce fully for optimal flavor and cookie texture.
- Use a food scale for precise measurements.
- Don’t overmix the dough — mix until just combined.
- Cool butter completely before mixing with sugars.
- Assemble cookies one at a time for best coating results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
