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Cozy Small-Batch Apple Cider Cookies: Best Easy Fall Recipe

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These soft, spiced apple cider cookies are a small-batch miracle that brings the cozy flavors of autumn into your kitchen in under 30 minutes. With a concentrated apple cider glaze and a tender crumb, they’re the perfect treat for a rainy day or a quiet evening in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup apple cider (unfiltered is best)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider (for glaze)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
  • Pinch of cinnamon (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Reduce the apple cider: Pour 1/2 cup apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then lower heat to medium-low. Let it reduce to about 2 tablespoons, roughly 8-10 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes with a hand mixer on medium speed.
  5. Beat in egg yolk, vanilla extract, and cooled reduced apple cider. Add applesauce and mix until just combined.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  8. Scoop dough into 8 equal balls using a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop. Place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers look just set. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together sifted powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  11. Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies. Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon while glaze is wet. Let set for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip chilling the dough—it prevents spreading and ensures a chewy texture. Reduce the apple cider carefully to avoid burning; if over-reduced, add a teaspoon of water. For even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through. Cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Unglazed cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider cookies, small batch cookies, fall cookies, easy cookie recipe, soft cookies, apple cider glaze

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