Apple Cider Cookies - The Recipe Critic (2024)

These soft and delicious Apple Cider Cookies are a delightful blend of apple cider, warm spices, and drizzled with a sweet glaze. These cookies are a cozy and irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Isn’t autumn the best? I love all of the apple recipes that come out at this time of year! You have to check out this delicious Fuji Apple Chicken Salad, this yummy Apple Bread and these classic Apple Dumplings!

Apple Cider Cookie Recipe

If you love fall and you love apples then you must try this apple cider cookie recipe. Pumpkin recipes tend to take over this time of year, so if you are looking for a recipe that screams fall but isn’t pumpkin, this is it!

These cookies have a deliciously sweet taste that includes some cinnamon and nutmeg to really take that fall flavor to the top. The cookies are so soft, and once you add on that delicious glaze, I know that you won’t be able to resist having more than one!

Ingredients in Apple Cider Cookies

These ingredients should all be in your pantry during the fall season! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.

Cookie Dough

• Apple Cider: This makes it so the cookies have a slight apple flavor.
• Butter: I used unsalted butter in this recipe.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Gives the cookies a deep and sweet flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: The sugar adds sweetness to the cookies.
• Egg: The egg binds the dough together.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds in a sweet flavor.
• Applesauce: This adds moisture and a bit of additional apple flavor to the cookies.
• Flour: I used all-purpose flour in these apple cider cookies.
• Baking Powder: This acts as a leavening agent and makes the cookies soft.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies get their texture and rise a bit.
• Salt: Balances the sweet and savory flavors in the cookies.
• Cinnamon: Makes the cookies warm and spicy.
• Nutmeg: Adds a special nutty flavor to the cookies.
• Apple Cider Drink Mix: Makes the apple flavor in the cookies stronger.

Glaze

• Powdered Sugar: Makes a sweet and smooth topping.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds extra tasty flavor to the glaze.
• Apple Cider: Gives the glaze a tangy taste that makes you know this is a fall recipe!
• Apple Cider Drink Mix: This extra flavor complements the flavor in the apple cider cookie.

How to Make Homemade Apple Cider Cookies

These cookies are simple to make. Just make sure that you don’t skip out on chilling the dough, it’s necessary so that the cookies don’t spread in the oven.

1. Boil the Apple Cider: Add the apple cider to a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower to medium-low and simmer until it reduces to ¼ cup. Remove from the heat and let cool.
2. Beat: Use a hand or stand mixer to beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on high for 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the reduced apple cider, egg, vanilla, and apple sauce and mix until combined.
3. Combine and Chill: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, spices, and drink mix. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix just until fully incorporated. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
4. Prep Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit after the dough has chilled, and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Scoop the Dough: Remove the dough from the fridge and use a large cookie scoop to scoop onto the baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between them.
6. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. The edges should be just barely set and slightly golden brown. The center of the cookies will look very underdone, but they will continue to cook as they cool.
7. Cool on Baking Sheet: Let the cookies cool on the pan for 3-4 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
8. Make Glaze: While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze by whisking the powdered sugar, drink mix, vanilla, and apple cider together until smooth. Drizzle over the top of the cooled cookies.