Name: Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour; 1½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp Kosher or fine sea salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp ground allspice; ¼ tsp freshly ground nutmeg; ¾ cup (1½ sticks or 6 ounces) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 large egg, room temperature; ¼ cup (2 ounces) boiled cider (apple molasses/cider syrup); ½ cup (4 ounces) white granulated sugar; ½ cup (4 ounces) dark brown sugar; ⅓ cup white granulated sugar or turbinado sugar for rolling

Jump to Recipe

If you adore warm, cozy spices and the nostalgic flavors of fall, you are absolutely going to love these Apple Cider Cookies. Bursting with fragrant cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, each bite delivers a soft, chewy texture elevated by the richness of boiled cider and a delightful sugary crust. These Apple Cider Cookies perfectly capture the essence of crisp autumn days and are a heartwarming treat that’s surprisingly simple to whip up any time you crave that familiar, comforting taste.

Apple Cider Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet pivotal in creating the unique taste and texture of Apple Cider Cookies. From the blend of warm spices to the special touch of boiled cider, each ingredient plays a crucial role in making this cookie stand out.

All-purpose flour (2 cups or 250 grams): The base of our dough providing structure and softness.
Baking soda (1½ tsp): Ensures the cookies rise just right and get that perfect tender crumb.
Kosher or fine sea salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances the spices.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): The quintessential spice that invites that warm, cozy aroma.
Ground allspice (1 tsp): Adds a deep, complex flavor that complements cinnamon beautifully.
Freshly ground nutmeg (¼ tsp): For a subtle depth and nuttiness.
White granulated sugar (½ cup or 4 ounces): Helps sweeten and tenderize the cookie.
Dark brown sugar (½ cup or 4 ounces): Brings moisture and a rich molasses note to the dough.
Unsalted butter (¾ cup or 6 ounces, room temperature): Adds richness and helps achieve a soft, luscious texture.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
Boiled cider (¼ cup or 2 ounces): The star ingredient that infuses the cookies with authentic apple flavor and a hint of molasses sweetness.
Granulated or turbinado sugar (⅓ cup for rolling): Creates a delightful crunchy coating on the outside of each cookie.

How to Make Apple Cider Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating the oven to 350℉ to ensure even baking. Line two to three large baking sheets with a silicone mat or parchment paper for easy clean-up and to prevent sticking. This simple prep step lays the groundwork for perfectly baked cookies.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and freshly ground nutmeg. Whisking not only blends these ingredients evenly but also helps your spices bloom, enhancing their flavors throughout the dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter together with the white and dark brown sugars at medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about two minutes. This creaming incorporates air that results in a light texture and depth of sweetness in your final cookie.

Step 4: Add Egg and Boiled Cider

Mix in the egg followed by the boiled cider. The dough will look a bit clumpy here, but don’t worry—that’s exactly what you want. The boiled cider adds a unique sweetness and tang that makes these Apple Cider Cookies stand out from ordinary spiced treats.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Chill

Add the flour mixture in two batches, mixing on medium until just combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl to fully integrate all ingredients for even flavor and texture. Once combined, pop the dough into the refrigerator for at least an hour and a half; resting helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and intensifies the flavors.

Step 6: Shape, Sugar Coat, and Bake

Remove dough from the fridge and roll it into heaping tablespoon-sized balls. Then roll each ball in extra granulated or turbinado sugar, which adds a sparkly crunch on each cookie’s surface. Place them spaced about 2½ to 3 inches apart on your baking sheets, then bake for 11 to 13 minutes. Look for edges that appear set while the centers still feel soft—that’s the telltale sign they will finish baking perfectly as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets them firm up just right and keeps them moist inside, ready for you to savor every bite.

How to Serve Apple Cider Cookies

Garnishes

While these cookies are perfect on their own, you can elevate their presentation with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze. A small sprinkle of crushed crystallized ginger on top adds a zingy contrast that complements the apple and spice beautifully.

Side Dishes

Apple Cider Cookies pair wonderfully with a creamy cup of chai tea or a steamy mug of freshly brewed coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the spicy notes and add a luxurious texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy gathering, arrange these Apple Cider Cookies on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of spiced nuts and seasonal fruits like sliced apples or pears. You could also stack them in a festive jar tied with a ribbon to gift your friends and family a bite of autumn’s best flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep your Apple Cider Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to five days, maintaining their softness and spicy aroma—a perfect sweet nibble whenever you need a little pick-me-up.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by rolling them and placing them on a tray to freeze individually. Once solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to three months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time for perfect fresh cookies anytime.

Reheating

If you want to warm the baked cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300℉ for 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes their soft, chewy texture and brings out those cozy spice notes as if just baked.

FAQs

What is boiled cider and can I substitute it?

Boiled cider, also called apple molasses or cider syrup, is reduced apple cider with a concentrated sweet-tart flavor. You can find it in specialty stores or online. If you don’t have it, you could substitute with a mixture of apple sauce and a bit of brown sugar or honey, but the authentic depth will be somewhat missed.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

To make Apple Cider Cookies vegan, replace butter with a vegan butter substitute and the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseeds + 3 tbsp water). Keep in mind the texture and flavor will vary slightly, yet still deliciously spiced.

Are Apple Cider Cookies gluten-free friendly?

With a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can adapt this recipe. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help replicate the chewy texture of traditional versions.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for edges that are set and slightly firm while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked—you’ll find they harden gently as they cool, resulting in that perfect chewy bite.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the dough?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins work wonderfully with Apple Cider Cookies, adding texture and extra bursts of flavor. Fold them in just after incorporating the dry ingredients.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Cider Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of everything cozy and delicious about fall wrapped into one soft, spiced package. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of biting into the perfect blend of warm spices and sweet apple flavor. Once you do, they might just become your new favorite cookie to share with loved ones all year round.

Apple Cider Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: Isabella
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these soft and warmly spiced Apple Cider Cookies, bursting with cozy autumn flavors from cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Perfectly sweetened with a mix of brown and white sugar and enriched with apple cider syrup, these cookies offer a tender crumb and a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line 2 to 3 large baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and freshly ground nutmeg until well blended. Set this mixture aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the room temperature unsalted butter, white granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar. Beat at medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes.
Add Egg and Boiled Cider: To the creamed butter and sugar, add the large egg and the boiled cider (apple molasses). Mix at medium speed until just combined. The mixture may appear slightly clumpy but that is normal.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two batches, beating on medium speed until just well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure an even mix.
Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1½ hours, or up to 24 hours. This step enhances flavor development and improves texture.
Form and Roll Dough Balls: Remove chilled dough from the refrigerator. Using about a heaping tablespoon of dough, roll it into balls. Then roll each ball in white granulated sugar or turbinado sugar to coat well.
Arrange and Bake: Place the sugared dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2½ to 3 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes, until the edges appear set but the centers remain soft.
Cool the Cookies: Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes to firm up slightly. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

Boiled cider is a concentrated apple syrup that adds depth and unique flavor; if unavailable, substitute with apple butter or reduce apple juice by simmering until thickened.
Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent excessive spreading and to allow flavors to meld.
For a spice variation, feel free to adjust cinnamon and allspice quantities according to preference.
Cookies will be soft right out of the oven and firm up upon cooling.
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American