Apple Cider Cookies (Print-Friendly Version)

Soft cookies with concentrated apple cider, brown butter, and warm spices, finished with cinnamon sugar coating and sweet glaze.

# Ingredients List:

01 - 1 1/2 cups apple cider (to reduce to 1/4 cup)
02 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter
03 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
04 - 2 teaspoons apple pie spice or pumpkin spice
05 - 2 teaspoons cornstarch
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 3/4 cup light brown sugar
10 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1 egg yolk
13 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

→ Toppings

14 - 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter + 1 tablespoon apple cider (for Apple Cider Butter)
15 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar + 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for Cinnamon Sugar)
16 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar + 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract + 1 to 2 tablespoons apple cider (for Apple Cider Glaze)

# How to Make It:

01 - In a saucepan over medium-high heat, reduce the apple cider to 1/4 cup. Let it cool completely.
02 - In another saucepan, brown the butter until golden and nutty. Pour into a bowl and refrigerate until it firms slightly.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, spice, and salt.
04 - In a large bowl, mix the cooled brown butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
05 - Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and reduced apple cider to the butter mixture. Stir until well combined.
06 - Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Let it rest while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
07 - Scoop dough using a medium cookie scoop onto lined baking sheets, spacing them 3 inches apart.
08 - Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set and centers look puffed but soft. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
09 - Brush cookies with apple cider butter and press into cinnamon sugar to coat both sides.
10 - Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Reducing apple cider is essential for intense flavor—don’t skip it.
02 - Browning the butter adds rich, nutty depth but can be replaced with melted butter in a pinch.
03 - Chill dough ahead of time for chewier cookies and deeper flavor.
04 - Cookies can be frozen and thawed at room temperature before serving.

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