Indulge in the essence of fall with our Apple Cider Cookies recipe! Featuring browned butter, apple cider reduction, and a blend of apple pie spices, these soft, chewy cookies are finished with a cinnamon sugar coating and a delightful apple cider glaze. Perfect for welcoming the autumn season.
Every autumn, as the leaves start their vibrant display, my kitchen transforms into a cozy den of baking experiments. The inception of these Apple Cider Cookies began on a chilly evening, wrapped in a plaid blanket, sipping on hot cider, and longing for something sweet. Inspired by the comforting flavors of the season, I experimented with reducing apple cider to infuse a concentrated burst of fall into every bite. The result was these heavenly cookies that have since become a tradition. They're not just cookies; they're a warm hug on a crisp autumn day, a perfect companion to your coffee or tea, and a delightful treat that brings smiles at every family gathering.
Why You'll Love These Apple Cider Cookies
Our Apple Cider Cookies are more than just a treat; they are a celebration of fall itself! Here’s why they stand out:
- Rich Flavor: The process of browning the butter and reducing the apple cider deepens the flavors, creating a rich, caramel-like undertone that complements the sweetness of the apple and spices.
- Texture Perfection: Achieving the perfect chewy texture with a slightly crisp edge makes these cookies a satisfying treat for texture enthusiasts.
- Seasonal Appeal: With ingredients like apple pie spice and apple cider, these cookies scream autumn, making them perfect for seasonal gatherings or a nostalgic treat.
- Homemade Glaze: The homemade apple cider glaze adds an extra layer of moistness and flavor, setting these cookies apart from any store-bought variety.
Ingredients Notes
To get the best out of your Apple Cider Cookies, understanding the role of each ingredient can enhance your baking experience:
- Browned Butter: Browning the butter is a crucial step. It should be amber-colored, not burnt, to infuse the dough with a nutty, caramelized flavor.
- Reduced Apple Cider: Reducing the apple cider concentrates its flavors, making the cookies burst with a distinct apple sweetness that's crucial for the authentic fall taste.
- Flour Measurement: Be accurate with your flour measurement to avoid overly dense cookies. Spooning the flour into the measuring cup and leveling it off is more precise than scooping.
- Spices: The quality of cinnamon and nutmeg can greatly affect the flavor. Freshly ground spices are more aromatic and will enhance the cookies' taste profile.
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How To Make Apple Cider Cookies
Follow these detailed steps to ensure your Apple Cider Cookies come out perfectly chewy and flavorful every time:
- Browning the Butter: Start by melting the butter over medium heat until it turns a rich amber color. This not only imparts a deep, nutty flavor but also forms the base of your cookie’s character.
- Reducing the Cider: Simmer the apple cider until it reduces to a quarter cup, intensifying the apple essence crucial for the cookies.
- Mixing Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. This not only combines them evenly but also helps prevent overmixing later.
- Creaming Wet Ingredients: Blend the cooled brown butter with sugars, apple cider, and other wet ingredients until smooth. This step is essential for a uniform texture in the cookies.
- Combining Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Baking: Scoop the dough onto lined baking sheets and bake until just set. This results in a chewy center with slightly crisp edges.
Storage Options
For best results, store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature where they will keep for up to 5 days. If you prefer your cookies extra chewy, you might consider adding a slice of bread in the container, which helps retain moisture. For longer storage, these cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months, either baked or as dough balls, ensuring you can enjoy the taste of fall any time of the year.
Variations and Substitutions
Whether you have dietary restrictions or just prefer a little variety, there are plenty of ways to customize your Apple Cider Cookies:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs without compromising on taste.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoon water) instead of regular butter and eggs.
- Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon or nutmeg, or add a pinch of cloves for an even more robust fall flavor.
- Sugar Alternatives: For a less refined option, coconut sugar can replace both brown and granulated sugars, offering a deeper flavor and slightly healthier profile.
Apple Cider Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup plus 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter browned
- Begin with 1 cup of apple cider reduced to ¼ cup
- 1 ¼ cups Brown sugar packed (light or dark)
- ¼ cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract pure
- 1 large Egg at room temperature
- ¼ cup Apple Sauce unsweetened
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon Baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Ground nutmeg
For the Apple Cider Butter:
- 2 tablespoons of browned butter reserved from above
- 1 tablespoon of regular apple cider not reduced
For the Cinnamon Sugar:
- ½ cup Granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
For the Apple Cider Glaze:
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 2 ½ tablespoons Apple cider regular, not reduced
Instructions
- Preparation of Browned Butter: Begin by melting the butter in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Continue heating until the milk solids separate and acquire an amber color. Transfer the butter to a separate container, reserving 1 cup for the cookie dough and 2 tablespoons for the apple cider butter. Allow to cool completely.
- Reduction of Apple Cider: Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Allow the cider to simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until it reduces to ¼ cup. Set aside to cool.
- Sifting Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Sift together to ensure even distribution and set aside.
- Combining Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cooled browned butter, reduced apple cider, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, egg, and apple sauce until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Forming the Cookie Dough: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula, mixing until just combined to form a cohesive dough. Avoid over-mixing to ensure the cookies maintain a tender texture.
- Preheating and Preparing Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Shaping the Cookies: Using a large cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls and arrange them on the prepared cookie sheets, allowing space for slight spreading.
- Baking: Place one tray in the oven and bake for 13-15 minutes or until the cookies are just set. Repeat with the remaining tray. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a cooling rack before assembling.
Assembly of Apple Cider Cookies:
- Preparing Apple Cider Butter: In a small bowl, combine the reserved brown butter and tablespoon of apple cider. If the mixture has solidified, gently warm in the microwave for 10 seconds until liquid.
- Preparing Cinnamon Sugar: In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Coating the Cookies: Use a pastry brush to apply the apple cider butter to each cookie, then immediately dredge the buttered cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring generous coverage.
- Glazing: Prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and apple cider in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cookies, allowing it to set before serving.
