Apple Cider Cookies

INGREDIENTS

For the Apple Cider Cookies:

1/2 cup apple cider

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp apple pie spice

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon or apple pie spice

For the Apple Cider Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2–3 tbsp apple cider

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, optional

METHOD

Reduce the cider:

Pour the 1/2 cup apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium-low heat until reduced to about 1/4 cup. Let it cool completely. Reducing cider gives cookies a stronger apple flavor without adding too much liquid.

Prepare the oven:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Cream the butter:

Beat the softened butter and brown sugar for 2–3 minutes, until light and creamy.

Add the egg, vanilla, and cooled reduced cider. Mix until smooth.

Combine the dry ingredients:

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, apple pie spice, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until a soft cookie dough forms.

Make the coating:

Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and gently roll into balls.

Roll each dough ball generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Arrange about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Bake:

Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. Similar apple cider cookies are intentionally kept soft and chewy in the center.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Make the glaze:

Whisk the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons apple cider. Add a little more cider until the glaze is smooth and drizzleable.

Drizzle generously over the completely cooled cookies and sprinkle with a tiny pinch of cinnamon if desired.

SERVE:

Let the glaze set for about 15–20 minutes, then serve with coffee, tea, or a warm glass of apple cider. Perfect for fall baking, cookie trays, potlucks, or cozy weekend treats.