Introduction
Indulging in the flavors of fall has never been easier with this delightful apple cider cookie recipe. These cookies combine the warm and comforting spices of apple pie with a soft, chewy texture, making them a perfect treat for any autumn gathering. With a hint of apple cider and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, these cookies will surely become a favorite in your household.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon apple pie spice
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Enjoy these scrumptious apple cider cookies that are perfect for sharing or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cider!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer until it reduces to 1/4 cup, which should take approximately 10 minutes. After reducing, allow it to cool completely.
Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 3: Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for the coating. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and the cooled, reduced apple cider to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix these ingredients together until well combined.
Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, apple pie spice, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 8: Form Dough Balls
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, form balls of dough. Roll each ball in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are evenly coated.
Step 9: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the coated dough balls about an inch apart on the prepared cookie sheet to allow room for spreading during baking.
Step 10: Bake Cookies
Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Step 11: Cool Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely on the rack before serving.
Notes
Note 1: Cooling Apple Cider
Make sure the reduced apple cider is completely cooled before adding it to the butter-sugar mixture to avoid melting the butter.
Note 2: Cookie Texture
The cookies will be soft in the center when removed from the oven. They will firm up as they cool, giving you a chewy texture.
Note 3: Storage
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them fresh.
Cook techniques
Reducing Apple Cider
Simmer apple cider in a small saucepan until it reduces in volume, concentrating its flavor. This technique intensifies the natural sweetness and acidity of the cider, enhancing the overall taste of the final product.
Creaming Butter and Sugars
Combine softened butter with granulated and brown sugars, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, helping to create a tender and airy texture in the baked cookies.
Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
Carefully combine the dry ingredients (flour, spices, baking soda, and salt) with the wet ingredients (creamed butter, sugars, egg, and reduced cider). Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.
Coating with Cinnamon-Sugar
Roll each cookie dough ball in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon before baking. This adds a sweet and spicy crust that enhances the flavor and presentation of the cookies.
Baking Techniques
Place the cookie dough balls on a prepared baking sheet with adequate spacing. This allows for even baking and prevents the cookies from merging into one another. Bake until the edges are golden while keeping the centers soft for a chewy texture.
FAQ
Can I substitute apple cider with another liquid?
Yes, you can use apple juice or another fruit juice, but the flavor profile may be different. It’s recommended to select something with similar sweetness and acidity.
What can I use instead of cream of tartar?
You can substitute cream of tartar with an equal amount of baking powder or replace it with an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or vinegar, but this might alter the cookies’ texture slightly.
How do I store the cookies to maintain freshness?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best consumed within a week, but can also be frozen for longer storage.
What if I don’t have apple pie spice?
You can make a substitute by mixing ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice or simply use cinnamon alone for a different but still delicious flavor.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free, ensuring that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
These delicious cookies, infused with the warm flavors of apple cider and spiced with apple pie spice, create a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. The light and fluffy texture combined with the cinnamon-sugar coating makes them irresistibly delightful. Enjoy baking and sharing these cookies with friends and family!
Apple Cider Donut Muffins
Combine the ingredients with a muffin base for a twist on traditional donut flavors. Add a glaze with more apple cider and cinnamon.
Cider-Infused Pancakes
Use the apple cider in a pancake batter for a breakfast treat. Serve with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar.
Apple Cider Scones
Incorporate the reduced apple cider into a scone recipe for a flaky pastry. Add diced apples and a glaze on top for extra sweetness.
Spiced Apple Cider Cake
Transform the cookie dough into a cake batter by adjusting the baking time. Decorate with cream cheese frosting for a festive dessert.
Apple Pie Spice Oatmeal Cookies
Mix in oats and raisins to the dough for a chewy texture. Enhance the flavors with nutmeg or cloves along with the apple pie spice.
Caramel Apple Cider Bars
Create a bar cookie by spreading the dough into a baking dish and layering with a caramel sauce and chopped apples for added sweetness.
