Apple Cider Sugar Cookies – A Cozy and Sweet Fall Treat

Apple Cider Sugar Cookies capture the warmth and essence of fall with every bite. These chewy, spiced cookies are infused with the rich flavor of apple cider, topped with cinnamon sugar, and finished with a sweet apple cider glaze. Perfect for any autumn gathering or as a special treat, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

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The key to these cookies is reducing apple cider into a syrupy consistency, which concentrates its flavor and adds a delightful apple essence to the dough. Paired with brown butter, warm spices, and a cinnamon-sugar coating, these cookies are not only flavorful but also have a wonderful texture—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cider Sugar Cookies

These cookies offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The reduced apple cider intensifies the apple flavor, while brown butter adds a nutty richness. The cinnamon sugar coating brings a sweet, spicy crunch, and the apple cider glaze gives each bite a sweet finish. Whether you're baking for a holiday party or just want to indulge in something cozy, these cookies are a delightful fall dessert.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Cookies):

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Sugar: 19g

These cookies are a sweet treat, perfect for sharing, with balanced sweetness and a warm spice flavor that will complement any fall day.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These cookies are delicious on their own but are even better when paired with a hot cup of apple cider, coffee, or tea. You can also serve them with vanilla ice cream for a warm and cold contrast. For a festive fall dessert, try pairing them with a caramel apple dip or a warm mug of spiced chai.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
If you’d like to store them longer, these cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.
To enjoy them after freezing, simply thaw at room temperature and drizzle with fresh glaze for added flavor.

Fun Fact: The Tradition of Apple Cider in Baking

Apple cider has long been used in fall baking, especially in regions where apple harvests are a seasonal tradition. The process of reducing apple cider brings out its natural sweetness and tartness, making it a great ingredient for adding depth of flavor to cakes, cookies, and other baked goods.

Cooking Tips

Reduce Cider Slowly: When reducing the apple cider, keep it at a gentle simmer to avoid burning and ensure the flavors concentrate properly.
Chill the Dough: Allow the cookie dough to rest while the oven preheats to help the flavors develop and ensure a better texture.
Use Brown Butter: For added depth and richness, brown the butter until it develops a nutty aroma before adding it to the dough.

Optional Variations

Swap the Spices: For a twist, try using pumpkin pie spice instead of apple pie spice to give the cookies a slightly different flavor.
Add Nuts: Stir in finely chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
Drizzle Caramel: For a decadent touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the cookies along with the apple cider glaze.

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Apple Cider Sugar Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (474 ml) apple cider
• 20 tablespoons (283 g) unsalted butter, browned and cooled
• 2½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons apple pie spice or pumpkin spice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1¼ cups (250 g) light brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider (not reduced)

For the Apple Cider Glaze:

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) apple cider (not reduced)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the apple cider over medium-high heat until it reduces to ¼ cup (about 15–20 minutes). Set aside to cool.
2. Brown the butter by melting it in a saucepan over low heat. Once the butter begins to foam and develop a nutty aroma, remove from heat and cool for 15 minutes at room temperature. Then, refrigerate for an additional 15 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, apple pie spice, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, whisk the cooled brown butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg, egg yolk, reduced apple cider, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), scoop the dough onto the sheet, spacing cookies about 3 inches apart.
7. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers are slightly puffed. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and apple cider. In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Brush the cooled cookies with the apple cider butter and coat each side with cinnamon sugar.
9. For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and apple cider until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cookies and allow it to set before serving.

These Apple Cider Sugar Cookies are a delightful combination of rich apple flavor, warm spices, and sweet glaze, perfect for any fall occasion!