Apple Cider Cookies

Soft and chewy with crisp edges, Apple Cider Cookies are the perfect fall treat. With their warm spices and delightful apple flavor, these cookies will charm your guests at any gathering or cozy evening at home. They embody the essence of autumn, making them a fantastic addition to your seasonal baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cookies come together quickly with simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Deliciously Spiced: The blend of warm spices like cinnamon and ginger creates a comforting flavor profile that’s perfect for fall.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 30 cookies in one batch, they’re ideal for parties, gatherings, or simply enjoying with family.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Serve them as dessert or with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
• Crisp Edges, Soft Center: Achieve that perfect texture combination that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Apple Cider Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and energy when creaming the shortening and sugar.
• Mixing bowls: Keeps ingredients organized and makes it easy to combine wet and dry components.
• Baking sheet: Essential for even baking; a good quality sheet prevents sticking and promotes browning.

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Ingredients

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

For the Dough

• ⅓ cup boiled apple cider
• 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 using an electric mixer for 3-4 minutes until creamy. Add in the boiled apple cider and continue mixing until well blended. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed until just combined.

Step 2: Chill Dough and Preheat Oven

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

Step 3: Shape and Roll Cookies

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

Step 4: Bake and Cool

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

How to Serve Apple Cider Cookies

Apple cider cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Their soft, chewy texture pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance their flavors.

With Hot Beverages

• Hot Apple Cider: Serve these cookies with a warm mug of apple cider for a complementary flavor experience.
• Coffee: The rich taste of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies, making it an ideal pairing.
• Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of herbal tea adds warmth and comfort alongside your apple cider cookies.

As Dessert Platter

• Mixed Cookies: Create a dessert platter with assorted cookies, including chocolate chip and oatmeal, to offer variety.
• Fruit Platter: Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

For Special Occasions

• Holiday Treats: Present these cookies as part of your holiday dessert spread for an inviting seasonal touch.
• Gift Boxes: Pack apple cider cookies in decorative boxes for thoughtful homemade gifts during festivities.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Cookies

To achieve the ultimate apple cider cookies, consider these helpful tips to enhance your baking skills.

• Use Fresh Cider: Opt for freshly boiled apple cider to intensify the flavor and aroma in your cookies.
• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Ensure you chill the dough for at least an hour. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to a dry texture.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. If you prefer softer edges, take them out closer to 9 minutes; for crispier edges, allow up to 11 minutes.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices according to personal taste or add nutmeg for extra warmth.
• Store Properly: To maintain their freshness, store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Cookies

Apple cider cookies can shine even brighter when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cheese Board: A selection of sharp cheddar and creamy brie pairs perfectly with the sweet notes of the cookies.
2. Pumpkin Soup: The warm spices in pumpkin soup create a comforting contrast that enhances the cookie’s flavors.
3. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over the cookies adds richness and decadence that everyone will love.
4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the apple cider cookies beautifully.
5. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside warm apple cider cookies makes for a delightful dessert experience.
6. Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote, especially made from apples or berries, brings out the cookie’s flavors while adding freshness.

These serving suggestions and side dishes will help you elevate your enjoyment of apple cider cookies!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Apple Cider Cookies can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect their texture and flavor. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Using warm ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the egg, are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to a dough that doesn’t mix well, affecting the final cookie texture.
• Skipping chilling time: Don’t skip the hour of chilling the dough. This step is crucial for developing flavors and ensuring the cookies hold their shape while baking.
• Overmixing the dough: Be careful not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Incorrect baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Baking them too long will make them hard; check them around 9 minutes for perfect softness.
• Not using parchment paper: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container: Keeps the cookies fresh for up to five days.
• Place parchment paper between layers: This helps prevent sticking.

Freezing Apple Cider Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer: Lay cookies flat on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• Use within three months: For best quality, consume frozen cookies within this time frame.

Reheating Apple Cider Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet on low heat for a minute or two, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Apple Cider Cookies.

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Yes, store-bought apple cider works fine! Just ensure it’s not flavored with spices or additives.

How long do Apple Cider Cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for up to five days at room temperature.

Can I freeze Apple Cider Cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Just ensure they are stored in a freezer-safe container and consume within three months.

What is the best way to customize Apple Cider Cookies?

Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added texture and flavor.

How do I know when my Apple Cider Cookies are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden brown while the centers may look slightly underbaked. They will continue cooking on the baking sheet after removing from the oven.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Cider Cookies are not only soft and chewy but also capture the essence of fall with every bite. Their versatility allows for various customizations, so feel free to experiment with different mix-ins. Enjoy these delightful treats with family and friends!