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Apple Cider Cookies Recipe Easy Cozy Fall Treat with Crackled Tops

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These apple cider cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with real apple flavor, thanks to reduced apple cider in the dough and a crackled cinnamon-sugar top. Perfect for cozy fall afternoons, potlucks, or holiday gifting, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider
  • 2 1/2 cups (320 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (110 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup (70 g) granulated sugar (for crackled top)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for crackled top)

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 cup apple cider into a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about 1/4 cup (it should look syrupy). Let cool.
  2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
  4. In another bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  5. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
  6. Pour in cooled, reduced apple cider and mix until just combined.
  7. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low or by hand until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
  8. In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the crackle topping.
  9. Scoop dough into 1 1/2-inch balls (about 2 tablespoons each). Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Place on prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart.
  10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until tops are crackled and edges are set. Centers may look slightly underbaked.
  11. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For best flavor, don’t skip reducing the apple cider. Chill dough for 15-30 minutes for more dramatic crackled tops. Roll dough balls generously in cinnamon-sugar for extra crunch. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and substitute butter and eggs as needed. Cookies freeze well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider cookies, fall cookies, chewy cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, autumn dessert, easy cookie recipe, crackled top cookies

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/apple-cider-cookies-recipe-easy-cozy-fall-treat-with-crackled-tops/