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+ servings
Close-up of a soft, chewy cookie with a slightly cracked surface.

Apple Cider Cookies

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
These Apple Cider Cookies are soft, chewy, and infused with the rich flavor of reduced apple cider. Coated in a delicate cinnamon sugar topping, they offer a warm, spiced treat perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy afternoons.
18 Servings

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 cups 240 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¾ cup 160 g packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup 113 g unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup 100 g granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • ½ cup 100 g granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

Reduce the Apple Cider

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the apple cider to a boil. Continue boiling until it has reduced to approximately ½ cup. This process typically requires 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely before use.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, kosher salt, and ground nutmeg. Set aside.

Combine the Wet Ingredients

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the packed brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, and granulated sugar until thoroughly combined. Add the large egg and the cooled, reduced apple cider, whisking until smooth.

Incorporate Dry into Wet Ingredients

  1. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until the dough is just combined, ensuring not to overmix. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or up to 12 hours for optimal results.

Preheat the Oven

  1. Arrange the oven racks in the upper and lower thirds. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Form and Bake the Cookies

  1. Using a medium cookie scoop (approximately 2 tablespoons), portion the chilled dough and roll it into uniform balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the baking sheets from top to bottom halfway through the baking time. Cookies are done when they appear slightly puffed and the edges are set. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 15 minutes.

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

  1. In one small bowl, combine the melted butter with 2 tablespoons of any remaining reduced apple cider. In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

Coat the Cookies

  1. Brush the tops of each cooled cookie with the butter-cider mixture, then dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat. Allow the coating to set before serving.

Notes

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to maintain the structure and texture of the cookies. Additionally, confirm that all other ingredients, particularly baking soda and spices, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
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