If you’re craving a cozy treat that perfectly captures the warmth of autumn, then this Apple Cider Cookies with Spiced Icing Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These cookies are soft, tender, and bursting with the comforting flavors of reduced apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of orange zest, all coated with a sweet, spiced icing that brings every bite to life. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply want to infuse your kitchen with the scent of fall, these cookies deliver that perfect balance of spice and sweetness in each delightful mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is crucial in this recipe, but don’t worry—it’s all simple and familiar pantry staples. Each one plays a key role; from the rich, creamy butter that gives the cookies their tender crumb, to the carefully reduced apple cider that infuses incredible depth, these ingredients work together to create something truly magical.
- Apple cider: Reduced down to concentrate its sweet and tart flavor, this is the star that makes these cookies special.
- Cinnamon stick, clove, and orange peel: Optional, but they add a subtle aroma and complexity during the cider reduction.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies just the right structure and softness.
- Ground cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg: A cozy spice blend that carries the fall theme beautifully.
- Baking soda and kosher salt: Essential for the perfect rise and to balance the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter helps create a tender, rich dough.
- Light brown sugar and granulated sugar: A combination that delivers moistness and a slight crunch.
- Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warmth and sweetness.
- Powdered sugar and extra apple cider: For that luscious spiced icing to drizzle on top.
- Ground cinnamon for icing (optional): Adds an extra hint of spice to the glaze.
How to Make Apple Cider Cookies with Spiced Icing Recipe
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Begin by gently simmering the apple cider with the cinnamon stick, clove, and orange peel. This simple process intensifies the flavors and sweetness, giving those cookies a uniquely rich apple note. Once it’s reduced down to about a quarter cup, remove the spices and peel, then set it aside to cool completely—this ensures the cider’s essence is locked in before mixing with other ingredients.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
While your cider cools, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This spice blend is the backbone of flavor for the cookies, and combining them thoroughly here ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the unsalted butter with both light brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is fluffy and light. This step traps air into the dough, which gives those cookies that delightful tenderness and slight chew.
Step 4: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Reduced Cider
Mix in the egg and pure vanilla extract to boost richness and flavor, then carefully incorporate the reduced apple cider. The cider adds moisture and subtle fruitiness, which sets these cookies apart from your average sugar cookie.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and blend on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can toughen cookies, so take care to mix just enough to bring the dough together.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate it for an hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld while firming up the dough, so your cookies hold their shape beautifully while baking.
Step 7: Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Step 8: Scoop and Shape
Use a cookie scoop to portion out dough balls, then gently roll them smooth and arrange them on your baking sheet with some space to spread. This careful handling produces evenly sized cookies with the perfect texture.
Step 9: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 9 to 11 minutes until their edges are set but the centers remain soft. After removing them from the oven, let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—cooling is key for the icing step.
Step 10: Whip Up the Spiced Icing
Mix together powdered sugar, a tablespoon of apple cider, and a pinch of cinnamon, adjusting the cider to get the consistency just right for drizzling. This sweet and spiced glaze brings all the flavors together elegantly.
Step 11: Drizzle and Set
Drizzle the icing generously over your cooled cookies and allow it to sit for 30 minutes to fully set. This step transforms your cookies from delicious to absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Apple Cider Cookies with Spiced Icing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to these cookies. You can also dust a tiny bit of cinnamon or a light drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pair these spiced cookies with a hot cup of chai tea or rich coffee to complement the warm, autumnal spices. A glass of cold apple cider or creamy vanilla latte will also harmonize beautifully with the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board or inside a charming tin with decorative parchment paper for gifting. You could also present them alongside small jars of extra spiced icing or apple butter for a festive interactive treat that’s perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Apple Cider Cookies with Spiced Icing Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to five days, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying a little treat throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some dough or baked cookies for later, freeze the dough balls before baking or the cookies after cooling. Wrapped tightly and stored in a freezer-safe container, they will keep well for up to two months. When ready, thaw thaw dough overnight or baked cookies for a few hours before enjoying.
Reheating
Reheat cookies gently in a warm oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to regain their soft texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make them a bit chewy or tough, and the icing might melt away.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without the optional spices in the cider reduction?
Absolutely! The cinnamon stick, clove, and orange peel enhance the flavor but are not mandatory. The apple cider itself imparts plenty of sweetness and character for delicious cookies.
What if I don’t have light brown sugar on hand?
You can substitute with dark brown sugar or a combination of granulated sugar with a teaspoon of molasses to mimic the rich, caramel notes light brown sugar offers.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for edges that are set and lightly golden while the centers still feel soft to the touch; they’ll firm up as they cool, ensuring a tender texture inside.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, you can adapt the recipe. Just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for structure.
Is it okay to skip chilling the dough?
While it’s technically possible, chilling greatly improves flavor development and dough firmness, which makes for better-shaped and tastier cookies. If you’re in a hurry, do your best to chill the dough even for 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Apple Cider Cookies with Spiced Icing Recipe that evokes the warm feelings of crisp fall days and cozy moments with loved ones. Whether you’re an experienced baker or simply looking to try something deliciously new, these cookies are a wonderful way to bring a bit of autumn magic to your kitchen. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the most comforting cookie experiences around!
Print
Apple Cider Cookies with Spiced Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Cider Cookies are a perfect fall treat, infused with warm spices and the rich flavor of reduced apple cider. Soft, chewy, and topped with a cinnamon-spiced apple cider glaze, these cookies capture the essence of cozy autumn flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Apple Cider Reduction
- 2 cups apple cider (454 grams)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1 whole clove (optional)
- 1 (1-inch) strip orange peel (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (3 grams)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams, room temperature, 1 stick)
- ½ cup light brown sugar (100 grams)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 1 large egg (50 grams, room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
- ¼ cup reduced apple cider (from above)
Glaze Ingredients
- ½ cup powdered sugar (57 grams)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider (14 grams, more as needed)
- Pinch ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Reduce Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, cinnamon stick, clove, and orange peel. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. After 5 minutes, remove the cinnamon stick, clove, and orange zest. Continue simmering until the apple cider reduces to about ¼ cup, approximately 10-15 more minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Mix in the large egg, pure vanilla extract, and ¼ cup of the cooled reduced apple cider to the creamed butter mixture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary to combine everything evenly.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the prepared dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld and firms the dough for easier scooping.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Scoop and Shape Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, portion out dough and roll into balls. Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Remove from oven and let cool on the sheet pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: Once cookies have cooled, whisk together powdered sugar, apple cider, and a pinch of ground cinnamon if desired. Add more apple cider as needed to reach your preferred glaze consistency.
- Glaze the Cookies: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies. Allow the glaze to set for about 30 minutes before serving to ensure a slightly firm topping.
Notes
- For a more intense apple flavor, do not skip the apple cider reduction step.
- If you prefer a spicier cookie, feel free to increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of ground cloves to the dough.
- Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Glaze can be stored separately and added just before serving to keep cookies fresh longer.
