Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
Delight in the warm, cozy flavors of these Apple Cider Cookies, featuring rich browned butter and spiced apple cider reduction for a perfect autumn treat. These soft and flavorful cookies combine the aromatic spices of apple pie with a hint of sweetness, finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar icing for an irresistible finish.
- Author: Lena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider
- 20 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups 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 cups light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For Finishing
- Powdered sugar for icing
- Cinnamon sugar (optional, for coating)
- Reduce the apple cider: Pour the apple cider into a medium saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces to about ¼ cup. This concentrates the flavor and adds sweetness. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Brown the butter: In a separate saucepan or skillet, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Continue cooking it until it turns a deep golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, being careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, apple pie spice (or pumpkin spice), baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine sugars and wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the cooled browned butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined. Then add the egg, egg yolk, cooled reduced apple cider, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and well incorporated.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. Allow the dough to rest while the oven preheats to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape and bake cookies: Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough portions onto the baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Cool and finish: Remove the cookies from the oven and cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, optionally coat with cinnamon sugar and drizzle or dust with powdered sugar icing for extra sweetness and festive presentation.
Notes
- Browned butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the sweetness of the apple cider reduction.
- Be careful not to burn the butter—watch it closely during the browning step.
- Allowing the dough to rest slightly helps improve texture by hydrating the flour.
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure smoother incorporation into the batter.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan butter and replace eggs with flax eggs, though texture will vary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 25g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: apple cider cookies, browned butter cookies, fall dessert, spiced cookies, autumn treats, soft cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies