Description
These Chewy Apple Cider Cookies are a delightful fall treat, bursting with warm spices and the rich flavor of reduced apple cider. Soft and chewy with a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these cookies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Ideal for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings, they are made with simple pantry ingredients and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
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. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the liquid is reduced to about 1/4 cup, which should take approximately 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare oven and baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender cookie texture.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Then stir in the cooled, reduced apple cider, mixing gently to combine all wet ingredients evenly.
- Combine 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 distribute the spices and leavening agents evenly.
- Mix dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain cookie chewiness.
- Scoop dough: Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each dollop about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for golden-brown edges and set centers as an indicator the cookies are done.
- Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and develop their chewy texture.
Notes
- Ensure the apple cider is fully cooled before mixing into the batter to avoid cooking the egg prematurely.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or allspice along with the other spices.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies or dough balls and bake/freeze as needed.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple cider cookies, chewy cookies, fall cookies, spiced cookies, holiday baking, cinnamon cookies
