Chewy Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These chewy apple cider cookies capture the warm, spiced flavors of fall in every bite. Soft and tender with a hint of cinnamon and cloves, they make a perfect treat for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 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
- 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
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer until the cider is reduced to about 1/4 cup, about 10-15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 4: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Then stir in the cooled, reduced apple cider.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Step 7: Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers appear set.
- Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the dough.
- Make sure to cool the reduced cider completely before adding it to prevent scrambling the egg.
- Substitute the cloves with allspice if preferred.
- Store dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking to enhance the flavors.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container. These cookies freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in a microwave or oven if you prefer them warm.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Apple cider has a more robust, spiced flavor than apple juice, which will affect the taste slightly. You can use apple juice in a pinch, but reducing it similarly will help concentrate the flavor.
Why do I need to reduce the apple cider?
Reducing the cider intensifies its flavor and removes excess liquid, which helps achieve the right cookie dough consistency and a richer taste in the final cookies.
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Chewy Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Chewy Apple Cider Cookies are a perfect fall treat with warm spices and a rich apple cider flavor. Moist and chewy with a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these cookies bring the cozy taste of autumn right to your kitchen. Made with reduced apple cider, they offer a unique twist on traditional spice cookies.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 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 Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer until the cider is reduced to about 1/4 cup, which should take approximately 10-15 minutes. Set the reduced cider aside to cool completely.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer at medium speed.
- Add Egg, Vanilla, and Apple Cider: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined. Then, stir in the cooled, reduced apple cider thoroughly to incorporate the flavor evenly.
- 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.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Scoop Dough: Use a tablespoon to scoop portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers appear set but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and maintain their chewy texture.
Notes
- Make sure the reduced apple cider is completely cooled before adding it to the butter mixture to prevent melting the butter.
- If you prefer a spicier cookie, feel free to increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of ground ginger.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- These cookies freeze well; wrap them tightly and store in the freezer up to 3 months.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple cider cookies, chewy cookies, fall cookies, spiced cookies, easy cookie recipe

