Apple Cider Cookies

Indulge in the warm, spiced flavors of fall with these Apple Cider Cookies. Perfectly soft and chewy, these cookies are infused with concentrated apple cider, giving them a rich, tangy-sweet apple flavor. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves enhance their cozy autumnal aroma, while a touch of brown sugar adds a caramel-like depth. Finished with a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar or a drizzle of apple cider glaze, these cookies are perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a bite of fall.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup concentrated apple cider (see notes below)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves

For the Topping/Glaze:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp apple cider (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apple Cider Concentrate: Simmer 1 cup of apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to about 1/3 cup. Allow to cool before using.
2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the cooled apple cider concentrate and vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly puffed. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
5. Add the Topping or Glaze: For a cinnamon-sugar topping, sprinkle the mixture over the cookies while still warm. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and apple cider in a small bowl until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cookies.

Notes:

• Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor, making the cookies truly taste like autumn.
• For extra texture, you can add finely diced dried apples or chopped nuts to the dough.

Serve these cookies with a warm mug of apple cider or tea, and enjoy the cozy flavors of fall!