Autumn air, crisp leaves crunching underfoot… and the irresistible aroma of warm apple cider cookies baking in the oven. There’s nothing quite like it! This easy recipe delivers the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making these cookies ideal for cozy nights in or festive gatherings. Get ready to experience homemade happiness with these delicious and surprisingly simple treats!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can certainly achieve great results with a good old-fashioned hand mixer or even vigorous elbow grease!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Incorporate the Apple Cider
Gradually add the apple cider to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Add Nuts (Optional)
If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary!
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm, delightful cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm mug of apple cider!
Tips for the Best Apple Cider Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this will ensure that it cremes well with the sugar, resulting in lighter, fluffier cookies.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will give your cookies a more vibrant flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweet cookies, you can reduce the sugar by ¼ cup.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Apple Cider Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Spiced Apple Cider Cookies: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for an extra layer of warmth.
- Glazed Apple Cider Cookies: Once cooled, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on size and additions)
This recipe is a great addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts looking for easy recipes and best recipes. These apple cider cookies offer a delightful and comforting treat, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!