Cinnamon, apple cider, and sugar? Be still my heart! These Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Cookies are the ultimate fall treat, bringing together all the cozy flavors of the season in a delightfully crispy-yet-chewy package. As a home baker myself, I know how easy it is to get caught up in the pursuit of perfection, but these cookies are a beautiful reminder that homemade treats don’t have to be flawless to be absolutely delicious. So let’s dive in and bake up a batch of these insanely good cookies together!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Cookies
These Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Cookies are an absolute feast for the senses! The combination of warm cinnamon, tangy apple cider, and sweet sugar is truly irresistible. But beyond the incredible flavor, these cookies are also incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers. With just a few simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you’ll be whipping up batches of these legendary cookies in no time. And the best part? They’re the perfect treat to share with family and friends, spreading joy and connection with every delicious bite.
Ingredients
To make these Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Cookies, you’ll need just a handful of everyday ingredients: butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, an egg, apple cider, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. The apple cider and cinnamon work together to create a warm, cozy flavor that’s simply out of this world.
- 1 cup (226g) – Unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) – Light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) – Granulated sugar
- 1 large (50g) – Egg
- 1/4 cup (60ml) – Apple cider
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) – Vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (281g) – All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5g) – Baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) – Salt
- 2 teaspoons (10g) – Ground cinnamon
Ingredient Substitutions
- Apple cider: You can substitute an equal amount of apple juice or a high-quality apple juice blend.
- Cinnamon: If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg, ginger, or even a touch of cardamom.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Cookies
Let’s dive into the simple steps to bake up a batch of these incredible cookies!
Step 1: Prep Work
Let’s start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this aside for later.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no dry pockets remain. Finally, stir in the apple cider until the dough comes together.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the cookies are cooled, you can roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful, sparkling finish.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Apple Cider Glaze: For an extra indulgent twist, you can drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple apple cider glaze.
- Nutty Twist: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a delightful crunch.
- Customizable Flavors: The beauty of homemade cookies is that they’re completely customizable – so feel free to experiment and find your own unique spin on this classic recipe.
- Chilled Dough: To keep your Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Cookies nice and thick, make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A hot cup of apple cider, coffee, or milk.
Storage: These cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
Reheat: You can enjoy the cookies at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Make-Ahead: The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as directed.
Nutrition Information
These Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Cookies are a delicious indulgence that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. One serving (about 1 cookie) contains approximately 120 calories, 5 grams of fat, 16 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of protein.
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Carbs: 16 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Sodium: 115 mg
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Cookies | Delightful Fall Treat
These Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with fall flavors. Perfect for any autumn gathering or just as a sweet treat!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: 🍪 Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the apple cider, until a dough forms.
6. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
7. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for rolling.
8. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
9. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
These cookies stay soft for days! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Feel free to add chopped apples or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cookies, apple cider, fall, dessert
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular apple juice instead of apple cider?
Absolutely! If you don’t have apple cider on hand, you can substitute an equal amount of high-quality apple juice or apple juice blend. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly less pronounced.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
To keep your Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Cookies nice and thick, make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and develop a lovely, chewy texture.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as directed. The chilled dough will result in perfectly soft, thick cookies every time.
How do I achieve the perfect cinnamon sugar coating?
For a truly sensational cinnamon sugar coating, mix together equal parts ground cinnamon and granulated sugar. Roll the baked cookies in the mixture while they’re still warm, so the sugar can adhere beautifully.
Can I use a different spice instead of cinnamon?
Absolutely! While cinnamon is the classic choice, you can experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg, ginger, or even a touch of cardamom. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of the alternative spice and adjust to your personal taste preferences.