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Apple Cider Cookies

Apple Cider Cookies

These soft, chewy Apple Cider Cookies capture all the cozy flavors of fall in one delicious bite. Made with reduced apple cider, warm cinnamon spices, and a cinnamon-sugar coating inspired by classic apple cider donuts, these cookies are the perfect addition to your seasonal baking list. If you love unique cookie recipes, warm fall desserts, and anything apple-spiced, this cookie recipe will become your new favorite treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 2 minutes
Servings: 18 cookies
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Reduced Apple Cider:
  • 1 –1½ cups apple cider reduced to ¼ cup
  • Dry Ingredients:
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ⅛ tsp allspice optional
  • Wet Ingredients:
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup reduced apple cider cooled
  • Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Method
 

  1. Reduce the Apple Cider
  2. Add 1–1½ cups apple cider to a small saucepan.
  3. Simmer over medium heat for 15–20 minutes until thickened and reduced to about ¼ cup.
  4. Set aside to cool completely.
  5. Mix the Dry Ingredients
  6. In a bowl, whisk together:
  7. Flour
  8. Baking soda
  9. Salt
  10. Cinnamon
  11. Nutmeg
  12. Allspice
  13. Set aside.
  14. Cream Butter and Sugars
  15. In a mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  16. Add the egg, vanilla, and cooled reduced apple cider.
  17. Mix until smooth.
  18. Combine Wet and Dry
  19. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
  20. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  21. Chill in the refrigerator for 30–40 minutes.
  22. Shape and Bake
  23. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  24. Scoop dough into balls (1–1½ tbsp each) and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  25. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
  26. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
  27. Mix ¼ cup sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon.
  28. Roll warm cookies in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for the apple cider donut finish.

Notes

  • Do not skip reducing the cider—it gives the cookies their strong apple flavor.
  • For extra apple flavor, add 1–2 tbsp apple butter to the dough.
  • Cookies stay soft for days if stored in an airtight container.
  • Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months.
  • Add extra cinnamon for stronger fall spice.