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Apple Cider Sugar Cookies Recipe

Apple Cider Sugar Cookies Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 14 reviews

These Apple Cider Sugar Cookies combine the warm flavors of autumn spices with the sweet tang of real apple cider, creating a soft, aromatic, and delicious treat perfect for fall baking. Made with a blend of cinnamon, buttery dough, and rolled in a cinnamon-sugar coating, these cookies are tender, flavorful, and ideal for cozy gatherings or holiday treats.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Dough

  • 2 3/4 cups (345g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (preferably European-style)
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) apple cider, preferably local and unfiltered

For the Sugar Coating

  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined to avoid uneven flavors in the cookies.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy, which ensures a tender cookie texture.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Slowly pour in the apple cider while continuing to mix; although the dough might look slightly curdled, keep mixing until smooth, scraping down the sides to fully incorporate.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.
  5. Chill and Roll: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll each in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.
  6. Bake and Cool: Place the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Use quality apple cider (local and unfiltered if possible) for the best flavor; apple juice does not provide the same depth.
  • Chilling the dough is essential to prevent excessive spreading and to maintain soft, puffy cookies.
  • Do not overbake; cookies are done when edges are golden but centers are still soft.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • Butter can be partially replaced with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat and keep cookies soft.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Experiment with variations like adding apple pie spice, chopped apples, dried cranberries, or a maple glaze for unique twists.
  • If doubling the recipe, ensure adequate oven space and baking sheets to avoid crowding.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider sugar cookies, fall cookies, cinnamon cookies, autumn baking, soft cookies, holiday treats, spiced sugar cookies, homemade cookies

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/apple-cider-sugar-cookies-recipe/