As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, there’s nothing more comforting than the aroma of spiced cookies baking in the oven. These Spiced Apple Cider Cookies embody the flavors of the season, combining the warmth of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves with the rich, tangy sweetness of boiled apple cider. With their soft, chewy texture and a crunchy sugar topping, these cookies are sure to become a favorite autumn treat, perfect for sharing or savoring on your own with a warm cup of tea.

Photo bypinterest

Boiled apple cider is the star of this recipe, adding a concentrated apple flavor that’s both sweet and slightly tart. It’s the secret ingredient that gives these cookies their depth of flavor and a hint of caramel-like richness. If you’ve never used boiled apple cider before, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through how to make it at home, or offer a quick and easy substitution if you’re short on time.

Whether you’re preparing for a fall gathering, baking for the holidays, or just looking for something delicious to enjoy on a chilly afternoon, these Spiced Apple Cider Cookies will fill your kitchen with the warm scents of autumn and satisfy any sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Spiced Apple Cider Cookies

The blend of spices in these cookies creates a warming, cozy flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the apple cider. Cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves are the perfect spices to complement the tangy sweetness of the cider, making each bite a delightful combination of sweet and spice. The cookies have a soft and chewy texture, with just enough crispness around the edges for a satisfying contrast.

The addition of boiled apple cider gives these cookies their unique flavor. It’s essentially concentrated apple cider that’s been simmered down until thick and syrupy, intensifying the natural sweetness and tartness of the apples. If you can’t find boiled cider at the store, you can easily make it yourself or substitute it with apple juice concentrate, though the homemade version is worth the extra effort for its rich, robust flavor.

To make boiled apple cider, pour 4 to 5 cups of fresh apple cider into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan. Bring the cider to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the cider simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 60 to 90 minutes, or until it reduces down to about 1/4 of its original volume and thickens into a syrupy consistency. Be careful not to let it burn toward the end as it thickens. Once done, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool before using it in recipes. You can store boiled apple cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.

These cookies are simple to make, but the result is something truly special. The dough comes together quickly, and the sanding sugar adds a lovely sparkle and crunch on top, making these cookies as beautiful as they are delicious. Plus, they’re perfect for gifting, bringing to a fall potluck, or enjoying as a cozy snack on a cool day.

Photo byClay BanksonUnsplash

What Makes Spiced Apple Cider Cookies So Special?

Spiced Apple Cider Cookies bring together the best of autumn flavors in a cookie that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The boiled apple cider adds a complexity to the flavor that pairs perfectly with the warm spices, creating a cookie that’s both sweet and slightly tart, with a deep caramel-like finish.

Boiled apple cider is what sets these cookies apart. It’s made by reducing apple cider into a thick, concentrated syrup that enhances the flavor of any recipe it’s added to. The process is simple, and you only need one ingredient—apple cider. Just simmer the cider until it reduces by half or more, leaving you with a rich, syrupy liquid that’s packed with apple flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use apple juice concentrate as a substitute, though it won’t have the same depth of flavor as boiled cider.

In addition to the boiled cider, the combination of warm spices—cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves—gives these cookies their signature fall flavor. The dough is rolled in sanding sugar before baking, adding a delightful crunch and sparkle to each cookie. The result is a cookie that’s soft and chewy on the inside, with just the right amount of crispness on the outside.

Photo byPriscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦onUnsplash

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 24 Cookies): 

Calories: 130 kcal Fat: 5g Carbohydrates: 19g Protein: 1g Sugar: 13g Sodium: 60mg

These cookies are the perfect balance of indulgent and light, making them a guilt-free treat you can enjoy any time of day.

Serving Suggestions

Spiced Apple Cider Cookies are wonderful on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a warm drink. Serve them with a hot cup of spiced apple cider, chai tea, or even a cozy mug of hot chocolate for a truly indulgent fall treat. You can also enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more decadent dessert.

For a festive touch, you can drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a dash of cinnamon. Or, if you’re a true apple lover, serve these cookies with a side of warm, spiced apple slices for an extra apple-flavored treat.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to meld over time, making them even more delicious the next day.Freezing: These cookies freeze well, making them perfect for batch baking. Simply place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once frozen. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let the cookies thaw at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness.

Photo bypinterest

Spiced Apple Cider Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup boiled apple cider (see notes above)
• ½ cup shortening
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg, room temperature
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sanding sugar (for rolling the cookies)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and boiled apple cider until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and ginger.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the sanding sugar to coat.
7. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and the tops have cracked.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Extra Tips:

• For an added apple flavor, try adding 1-2 tablespoons of finely diced dried apples to the dough.
• If you don’t have boiled apple cider, use ¼ cup of apple juice concentrate mixed with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup as a substitute.
• You can also drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple cinnamon glaze (powdered sugar, cinnamon, and a little milk) for an extra layer of sweetness.

These Spiced Apple Cider Cookies are perfect for any fall occasion or holiday gathering. With their chewy texture, warm spices, and the unique flavor of boiled apple cider, they’re bound to become a family favorite. Enjoy!