Apple Cider Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a cookie that’s bursting with cozy fall flavors, you’re going to adore these Apple Cider Sugar Cookies. They blend the sweet tang of fresh apple cider with warm cinnamon and buttery goodness to create a treat that feels like a comforting hug in every bite. These cookies are soft, aromatic, and packed with that subtle spicy-sweet flavor that makes you reach for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just to fill your home with irresistible aromas, this recipe is your ticket to apple-inspired bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these Apple Cider Sugar Cookies starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to deliver amazing flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s giving the dough structure, adding sweetness, or contributing that unmistakable apple cider essence.

• All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, provides structure and helps the cookies hold their shape perfectly.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents work together to create a soft, tender crumb with just the right rise.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds that warm, cozy spice that complements the apple cider beautifully.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in every bite.
• Unsalted butter: Softened and rich, it adds moisture and buttery flavor for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar and brown sugar: A blend for classic sweetness and a hint of molasses depth.
• Egg: Binds everything together and gives the cookies a tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla heightens the overall flavor and adds sweetness without sugar.
• Apple cider: The star ingredient, infusing the dough with authentic apple flavor and a bit of tang.
• Granulated sugar and cinnamon (for rolling): A cinnamon-sugar coating that gives the cookies a delightful, sparkling finish and extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Apple Cider Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Getting this blended well ensures every cookie has balanced flavor and no surprise salty or uneven spice pockets. Trust me, this simple step sets up your Apple Cider Sugar Cookies for cookie success.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This step is where the cookies start gaining that irresistible soft texture. Don’t rush it — the air you whip in here is what gives the finished cookies that melt-on-your-tongue feel.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Then, slowly drizzle in the apple cider. The mixture might look a bit curdled at first, but don’t worry—keep mixing and scraping the sides to incorporate everything smoothly. The cider is what makes these cookies truly stand out, so use a good quality, preferably local and unfiltered apple cider for best results.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet bowl while mixing on low speed. Mix just until the dough comes together—there’s no need to overdo it because overmixing can make your cookies tough. When you still see a few streaks of flour, stop mixing and finish folding the dough by hand with a spatula.

Step 5: Chill Dough and Prepare Coating

Cover the dough tightly and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential as the chill helps the dough firm up, making the cookies spread less during baking and giving them a lovely shape. While chilling, mix up the cinnamon and granulated sugar for rolling the dough balls.

Step 6: Roll, Coat, and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well-coated, then place them 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden color and the cookie tops look set. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack—your whole kitchen will smell like fall paradise!

How to Serve Apple Cider Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Try finishing your Apple Cider Sugar Cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a soft snowy effect or a drizzle of maple glaze for a sweet, sticky twist. The warm cinnamon in the sugar coating makes these cookies look and taste like they belong at a festive autumn table.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of apple cider or your favorite hot tea to complement their apple-cinnamon flavor. For a decadent dessert option, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or cinnamon whipped cream for an indulgent treat that will wow any sweet tooth.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these Apple Cider Sugar Cookies in a pretty tin lined with parchment paper as a thoughtful homemade gift. You can also dip half of each cooled cookie in melted white chocolate or arrange them on a festive platter with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a charming fall dessert display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your cookies have fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay wonderfully fresh and soft for up to 5 days if you add a slice of bread to the container, which helps keep moisture balanced and the cookies tender.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. You can freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container or freeze the dough balls individually on a sheet before transferring to a bag. Both methods keep your Apple Cider Sugar Cookies fresh for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To warm frozen or day-old cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or heat in a low oven (300°F) for 5 minutes. This refreshes the soft, chewy texture and brings back that fresh-baked flavor you love.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Apple juice is sweeter and lacks the depth and subtle tang of real apple cider, which is crucial for the signature flavor of these cookies. For best results, use authentic apple cider.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Yes! Chilling the dough is key to preventing the cookies from spreading too much and helps them maintain their soft, puffy shape. It also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, so don’t skip this step.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture might be slightly different—perhaps a bit more crumbly—but they’ll still taste delicious and have that wonderful apple cider essence.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for edges that are just turning golden and a set top. The center might look slightly soft but will firm up as they cool. Overbaking will make them dry and hard, so keep a close eye in those last minutes.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Just make sure you have enough baking sheets and oven space. Baking in batches is a breeze, and doubling means you’ll have plenty of these crowd-pleasing Apple Cider Sugar Cookies to share or stash for later.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Apple Cider Sugar Cookies is like inviting a little bit of autumn magic into your kitchen. They’re comforting, flavorful, and easy to make, perfect for sharing with friends, family, or simply enjoying with a quiet cup of cider. Give this recipe a try soon, and I promise you’ll have a new cookie favorite that will make your seasonal baking shine!

Print