Apple Cider Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar and Apple Cider Butter Glaze Recipe

I absolutely love sharing the Apple Cider Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar and Apple Cider Butter Glaze Recipe because it’s like capturing the essence of a cozy autumn afternoon in a sweet bite. The warm fall spices combined with the subtle tang of apple cider create a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and just begging for a cup of tea or cider alongside it. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill cookie; the brown butter and apple cider glaze take it to the next level of indulgence.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the apple cider reduction adds a real depth of flavor without making the dough soggy or too sweet. It’s one of those recipes that works perfectly for everything from holiday parties to an easy weekend treat—you’ll find that it fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas. Trust me, once you try these Apple Cider Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar and Apple Cider Butter Glaze Recipe, it’ll become your go-to for fall baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together familiar pantry staples with a few special touches like apple pie spice and apple cider reduction, which really elevate the flavor. When shopping, make sure to grab a quality apple cider (without added preservatives or sweeteners) to get the best taste.

• Apple Cider: Choose a fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the richest and most natural flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness perfectly, and browning it adds a wonderful nutty aroma.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the perfect structure for chewy, tender cookies.
• Apple Pie Spice or Pumpkin Spice: This spice blend is key for that warm fall flavor – don’t skip it!
• Cornstarch: Helps keep these cookies soft and delicate.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Both work together to give just the right lift and texture.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness.
• Light Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: The brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, while granulated sugar helps with the crunch in the cinnamon sugar coating.
• Egg & Egg Yolk: They add richness and contribute to the soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor booster that rounds everything out.
• Powdered Sugar: For the delicate apple cider glaze drizzle on top.
• Cinnamon (Ground): Used both in the dough and for the cinnamon sugar coating.

Variations

I love how flexible this Apple Cider Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar and Apple Cider Butter Glaze Recipe is—don’t hesitate to add your spin! Whether you want it a little less sweet, spicier, or even gluten-free, there’s room for creativity here.

• Use Maple Syrup instead of sugar: I tried this once for a more natural sweetness, and it gave the cookies a lovely subtle maple note.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend; just watch the dough texture to add a bit more liquid if it feels dry.
• Add Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans make a great crunchy addition if you want a little texture contrast.
• Spice It Up: Increase the apple pie spice or add a pinch of ground cloves and nutmeg for an even more autumnal vibe.

How to Make Apple Cider Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar and Apple Cider Butter Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Reduce Your Apple Cider

Start by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan and gently bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat. Patience here is key — you want to reduce it down until you have about ¼ cup left, which usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. This concentrated cider packs a punch of flavor, so let it cool to room temperature before adding it to the dough to avoid curdling your eggs.

Step 2: Brown the Butter for Deep Flavor

While the cider reduces, melt your butter over low heat until it foams and then starts developing those beautiful brown bits on the bottom of the pan. It smells incredible — nutty and rich — and that’s exactly what you want. Let it cool, then pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes to solidify slightly; this helps when mixing it with the sugars and later for the dough consistency.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, apple pie spice, and salt. Pre-mixing these ingredients ensures even distribution and helps you avoid pockets of baking soda that can make the cookies taste bitter.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients and Sugars

Whisk the cooled browned butter with both the light brown and granulated sugars until smooth and somewhat fluffy. Add in the egg, egg yolk, reduced apple cider, and vanilla extract, mixing just until everything comes together. This wet mixture is the foundation of your cookie’s moist, tender texture.

Step 5: Bring the Dough Together and Rest

Stir your dry ingredients into the wet in halves, gently folding until just combined. Resist the urge to overmix — that’s the secret to keeping these cookies tender. Let the dough rest while your oven preheats to 375°F (190°C), about 30 minutes; this rest period really helps the flavors marry and the dough to hydrate.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Use a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) to drop dough balls onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet, spacing them at least 3 inches apart so they have room to spread. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly puffed—you want chewy, not crunchy. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Apple Cider Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the cookies cool, whisk melted butter and fresh (not reduced) apple cider together for a buttery glaze that will help the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly. Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl for the sugar coating. Having these ready side-by-side makes assembly a breeze.

Step 8: Coat the Cookies

Brush the top and sides of each cookie generously with the apple cider butter, then immediately press the buttered side into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Flip to coat the bottom side too, and transfer back to the wire rack. This double coating adds that iconic crisp, sweet cinnamon crunch that makes these cookies unforgettable.

Step 9: Drizzle with Apple Cider Glaze

Finally, whisk powdered sugar with vanilla extract and a little fresh apple cider to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a delicate sweetness and shiny finish. Add more powdered sugar if you like a thicker glaze. Now, you’re ready to enjoy these treats that are as beautiful as they are delicious!

How to Serve Apple Cider Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar and Apple Cider Butter Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I like garnishing these cookies with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar right after glazing if I’m serving them at a party—it adds a delicate sparkle and extra cinnamon punch. A little fresh thyme or small edible flowers also look lovely for seasonal occasions.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with warm spiced drinks like chai tea, hot apple cider, or even a creamy latte. Sometimes, I serve them alongside a sharp cheddar cheese board for a salty-sweet contrast that amazes guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these cookies in a rustic wooden tray with sprigs of fresh rosemary and mini pumpkins for a beautiful fall centerpiece. Wrapping them individually in parchment with twine makes a perfect homemade gift, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between parchment paper to keep them from sticking. They stay soft and flavorful for up to five days—perfect for snacking all week long!

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies before coating them in cinnamon sugar or after glazing. I usually freeze them uncoated in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags when solid. This way, they can last for 2-3 months without losing their fresh flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes to refresh their soft texture and melt the glaze slightly. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them chewy in an unappetizing way.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar and Apple Cider Butter Glaze Recipe really feels like a hug in cookie form, and I love how it brings a bit of that crisp fall magic to my kitchen. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do because it’s truly one of those recipes that impresses effortlessly while tasting like pure comfort. Trust me—once you bite into one of these, you’ll want to bake them all season long!

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