Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Apple Cider Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with the natural sweetness of fresh apples. These soft, spiced cookies feature a subtle apple cider glaze that adds a lovely tangy finish, perfect for autumn or any cozy occasion.

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)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup apple cider until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Step 6: Gently fold in the diced apples with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the dough.
- Step 7: Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cookie.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of ground cloves or ginger into the dough.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, add less apple cider; for a thinner glaze, add more gradually.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading and improves texture.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to one week. Reheat slightly in the microwave or oven before serving to soften the glaze and refresh the flavors.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, apple juice can be used as a substitute, but the flavor may be less robust since cider is typically more concentrated and spiced.
Can these cookies be frozen?
Absolutely! Freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and re-glaze if desired for best results.
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Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delightfully soft and flavorful Apple Cider Cookies infused with warm spices and tender chunks of fresh apple. These cookies boast a perfect balance of sweetness from brown and granulated sugars, enhanced by the fruity essence of apple cider both in the dough and as a light glaze finish, making them ideal for cozy autumn treats or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp apple cider
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create tender cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and apple cider into the creamed mixture until smooth and well combined. This liquid mixture adds moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined to form the cookie dough without overmixing.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the dough using a spatula to ensure they’re evenly dispersed without breaking them down.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider until smooth, then drizzle it over the cooled cookies to add a sweet, tangy finishing touch.
Notes
- Use firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor in the cookies.
- For an extra kick, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
- The glaze can be adjusted in consistency by adding more or less apple cider to achieve your preferred drizzle thickness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple cider cookies, autumn cookies, spiced cookies, apple desserts, holiday cookies, cinnamon nutmeg cookies

