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Cozy Small-Batch Apple Cider Cookies

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Soft and chewy apple cider cookies with a concentrated apple flavor from reduced cider, topped with a simple glaze. Perfect for a cozy fall evening when you want a small batch of seasonal treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 1–2 teaspoons reduced apple cider (for glaze)
  • Splash of milk (for glaze, if needed)

Instructions

  1. Reduce the apple cider: Pour 1/2 cup apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about 2 tablespoons of syrupy liquid. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides as needed.
  4. Beat in egg yolk, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of the cooled reduced apple cider (reserve the rest for glaze). Mix until just combined.
  5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix. Dough should be soft but not sticky.
  7. Optional but recommended: Cover bowl and refrigerate dough for 15-20 minutes to prevent spreading.
  8. Portion dough into 6 equal balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each). Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers look just set. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  10. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and remaining 1 tablespoon reduced apple cider. Add a splash of milk if too thick. Glaze should be thick but drizzle-able.
  11. Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle glaze over them. Let set for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t rush the cider reduction—it should be syrupy, not watery. Chilling the dough is recommended for better shape. Watch the oven closely; cookies bake quickly. Glaze only when cookies are completely cool. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and dairy-free milk in glaze. Cookies taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider cookies, small batch cookies, fall cookies, easy cookie recipe, soft cookies, chewy cookies, apple cookies, autumn baking

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/cozy-small-batch-apple-cider-cookies-easy-fall-recipe/