Description
These Chewy Apple Cider Cookies are a delightful autumn treat combining warm spices and the natural sweetness of apple cider. The cider is reduced to intensify the flavor, then baked into soft, chewy cookies with a perfect balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Ideal for a cozy snack or dessert during fall and holiday seasons.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Cider Reduction
- 1 cup apple cider
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to simmer and continue cooking until the cider has reduced to approximately 1/4 cup, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare Baking Sheets and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture until fully incorporated. Then, stir in the cooled, reduced apple cider to add moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure the cookies remain tender.
- Portion the Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers look set but still soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor and prevents the cookies from being too wet.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients to keep the cookies chewy and tender.
- Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for best freshness.
- You can substitute unsalted butter with salted butter but reduce added salt slightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple cider cookies, chewy cookies, fall cookies, spiced cookies, apple spice dessert
