Apple Cider Cookies

Soft and chewy with crisp edges, Apple Cider Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. These cookies are perfect for gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. Their unique flavor profile combines the warmth of spices and the sweetness of apple cider, making them a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Flavorful Spices: The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves adds a warm, inviting flavor that’s perfect for fall.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy these cookies as snacks, desserts, or even gifts during the holiday season.
• Perfect Texture: Experience the delightful contrast of soft centers with crisp edges in every bite.
• Batch Friendly: This recipe makes about 30 cookies, making it ideal for sharing or stocking up.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Apple Cider Cookies, you will need a few essential tools. Ensuring you have the right equipment will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming together the shortening and sugar.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to separate wet and dry ingredients effectively.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet for easy removal.

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Ingredients

Soft and chewy with crisp edges, this is like a molasses cookie but made with apple cider. The perfect fall cookie.

For the Cookie Dough

• ⅓ cup boiled apple cider (see notes)
• ½ cup shortening
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

For Rolling

• ¼ cup sanding sugar (for rolling the cookies)

How to Make Apple Cider Cookies

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, beat together the shortening, granulated sugar, and egg with an electric mixer for 3-4 minutes until creamy. Add the boiled apple cider and continue beating until well blended. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on low until just combined.

Step 2: Chill Dough and Preheat Oven

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Towards the end of this chilling period, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the center of the oven.

Step 3: Shape and Roll

Shape the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball in sanding sugar before placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake for 9-11 minutes depending on your desired crispness at the edges. Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to five days.

How to Serve Apple Cider Cookies

Apple cider cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. They are perfect for fall gatherings, cozy evenings, or even as a sweet surprise for guests. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk enhances their flavor and texture, making each bite even more enjoyable.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include apple cider cookies on a dessert platter alongside other treats like brownies and fruit tarts for a well-rounded dessert experience.

Crumbled Over Ice Cream

• Crumble the cookies over vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert that combines warm spices and creamy goodness.

With Hot Apple Cider

• Serve these cookies alongside warm apple cider to create a comforting autumn vibe that warms both the heart and the palate.

Paired with Cheese

• Combining apple cider cookies with mild cheeses like brie or gouda offers a delightful contrast of flavors, making for an elegant appetizer.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Cookies

Making perfect apple cider cookies is an art that requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out soft, chewy, and full of flavor.

• Use fresh apple cider: Fresh apple cider adds more vibrant flavor than store-bought varieties. Look for local options when possible.
• Chill the dough properly: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker and chewier cookies.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them from the oven while they still look slightly underbaked; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding nutmeg or cardamom can give your cookies a unique twist.
• Use quality shortening: Opt for high-quality shortening for better texture and flavor in your cookies.
• Store correctly: To maintain freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Cookies

Apple cider cookies can be complemented beautifully with various side dishes. Here’s a selection of delicious options that pair well with them.

1. Spiced Chai Latte
   A warm spiced chai latte enhances the flavors of the cookies while providing a cozy drink option.

2. Pumpkin Soup
   The creamy texture of pumpkin soup offers a nice contrast to the chewy cookie consistency, perfect for fall menus.

3. Cheese Board
   A selection of cheeses such as cheddar and gouda paired with nuts and dried fruits can enhance snack time alongside apple cider cookies.

4. Caramelized Apples
   Sweet caramelized apples add another layer of flavor that complements the spices in the cookies beautifully.

5. Cranberry Compote
   The tartness of cranberry compote provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the apple cider cookies.

6. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait
   Layering vanilla yogurt with granola and fresh fruits creates a light and refreshing side dish that contrasts nicely with rich desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Apple Cider Cookies, it’s easy to make small mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Always ensure your egg is at room temperature. This helps in achieving a creamy texture when mixed with other ingredients.
• Skipping the Chill: Chilling the dough is essential. It helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors, so don’t skip this step.
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, while too little will affect their structure.
• Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them from the oven when they are just set and slightly soft; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Not Using Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking, leading to perfectly shaped cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Apple Cider Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to five days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Cider Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months for best quality.

Reheating Apple Cider Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft result.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for 1-2 minutes until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Apple Cider Cookies?

Apple Cider Cookies are soft and chewy treats made with boiled apple cider, perfect for fall celebrations.

How do I make my Apple Cider Cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, ensure you do not overbake them and consider adding an extra tablespoon of shortening or using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition while still maintaining great flavor.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Apple Cider Cookies?

For more flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or raisins, or even a drizzle of maple syrup on top after baking.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Cider Cookies are an irresistible treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. With their soft center and crispy edges, they make a delightful snack or dessert. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor!