Apple Cider Cookies – Soft & Chewy Fall Cookie Recipe

Introduction

These Apple Cider Cookies are a cozy fall treat packed with warm apple flavor and comforting spices. The apple cider is reduced to concentrate its flavor, then combined with rich butter, flour, brown sugar, and seasonal spices to create soft, chewy cookies. A cinnamon-sugar coating and sweet drizzle make them extra special.

They’re perfect for fall baking, holiday cookie trays, afternoon coffee, or simply enjoying a homemade dessert with a warm drink.

 Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 2 cups apple cider
• 20 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2½ cups 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 light brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Cider Butter

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons apple cider

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons apple cider

 Instructions

1. Reduce the apple cider: Pour the 2 cups of apple cider into a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until reduced to about ¼ cup. Let it cool completely.
2. Brown the butter: Melt the butter in a saucepan over low to medium heat until it becomes golden brown and fragrant. Transfer it to a bowl and allow it to cool.
3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, apple pie spice, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and cooled reduced apple cider. Mix until smooth.
5. Make the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until a soft cookie dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
6. Chill: Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 30–60 minutes, until firm enough to scoop and shape.
7. Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Shape and bake: Scoop the dough into balls and place them several inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for approximately 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft.
9. Make the cinnamon sugar: Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the cookies have cooled slightly, brush them with the apple cider butter and coat with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
10. Add the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough apple cider to make a smooth drizzle. Drizzle over the cooled cookies and let the glaze set.

 Conclusion

These Apple Cider Cookies are the perfect combination of soft, buttery texture, concentrated apple flavor, and warm fall spices. The cinnamon-sugar coating and sweet apple cider glaze add the finishing touches that make every bite irresistible.