A cozy, soft cookie with warm apple and spice.

introduction

These Apple Cider Cookies are soft, mildly spiced, and topped with a light cider glaze. They taste like fall in every bite. The dough uses real apple cider and small apple pieces for fresh flavor.

why make this recipe

You should make this recipe when you want a simple seasonal cookie. It uses common ingredients and bakes quickly. The cider gives a clear apple note without extra fuss.

how to make Apple Cider Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup apple cider. Mix until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp salt.
Add dry mix to wet mix and stir until combined.
Fold in 1 cup diced apples gently with a spatula.
Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes, until edges set but centers stay soft.
Let cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then move to a wire rack.
Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp apple cider to make a thin glaze. Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies.

Ingredients :

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup apple cider
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup diced apples
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1–2 tbsp apple cider (for glaze)

Directions :

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
Add egg, vanilla, and apple cider; mix until smooth.
Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until combined.
Fold in diced apples gently with a spatula.
Scoop dough onto baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes.
Let cookies cool, then drizzle with apple cider glaze.

how to serve Apple Cider Cookies

Serve warm or at room temperature. They pair well with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. Stack a few on a plate for guests or pack a few in a box for a gift.

how to store Apple Cider Cookies

Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Store up to 1 week in an airtight container.
Freeze: Freeze baked cookies in a freezer bag up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

tips to make Apple Cider Cookies

Use firm, crisp apples so they hold shape in the cookie.
Dice apples small to keep dough texture even.
Do not overbake; remove when edges set and centers look slightly soft.
If dough is sticky, chill for 15–20 minutes before scooping.
Adjust glaze thickness by adding more or less cider.

variation (if any)

Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Stir in 1/2 cup raisins or craisins for chew and sweetness.
Replace half the butter with applesauce for a lighter cookie (texture will change).
For a spicier cookie, add 1/4 tsp ground clove or ginger.

FAQs

Q: Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
A: Yes. Apple juice works if you do not have cider. The flavor is a bit milder.

Q: Can I skip the glaze?
A: Yes. The cookies are tasty without glaze. The glaze adds extra apple sweetness and shine.

Q: How do I keep diced apples from making dough soggy?
A: Pat the diced apples dry with a paper towel. Use small dice and fold them in gently.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Yes. Chill the dough up to 24 hours. Let it sit a few minutes at room temperature before scooping.

Q: Can I use frozen apples?
A: Thaw and drain them well first. Squeeze out extra liquid and pat dry.

Conclusion

For more ideas and similar apple cookie recipes, you can see this simple version on Apple Cider Cookies – i am baker. If you want another take with step-by-step photos, try Apple Cider Cookies – Brunch & Batter. For a soft, glazed style with a video, check Glazed Apple Cider Cookies -Soft And Chewy! (+video!).

Apple Cider Cookies