Description
Apple Cider Cookies are soft, tender, and packed with the warm, comforting flavors of fall. Infused with real apple cider and classic autumn spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Ideal for cozy gatherings, seasonal gifts, or satisfying your autumn cravings, they offer a deliciously chewy texture and an inviting aroma that captures the essence of the season.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup pure apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Station: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and pure apple cider until the mixture is smooth and well combined, infusing the dough with flavor and moisture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixes: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Optional Add-ins: If using, gently incorporate chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
- Scoop and Bake: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, keeping them soft and preventing breakage.
Notes
- Use Real Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider adds the best natural flavor compared to artificial extracts.
- Measure Flour Carefully: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies from too much flour.
- Don’t Overmix: Combine ingredients until just incorporated to maintain a soft, tender crumb.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Customize cinnamon and nutmeg amounts to suit your personal taste preference.
- Chill Dough if Needed: For thicker cookies, refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore softness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: apple cider cookies, fall cookies, autumn treats, soft cookies, spiced cookies, apple dessert
