Print

Apple Cider Cookies Recipe: Easy Cinnamon Glazed Treats

apple cider cookies - featured image

Tender, spiced apple cider cookies topped with a silky cinnamon glaze. These easy cookies capture the flavors of autumn and are perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or cozy family treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup apple cider (reduced from 1 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for glaze)
  • 23 tablespoons apple cider (or milk, for glaze)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 cup apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 10-12 minutes. Let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In another bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes with a mixer).
  4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Add cooled reduced apple cider and mix until smooth.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, beating on low speed or folding gently until a soft dough forms. Do not over-mix.
  6. Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), drop dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
  7. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers are soft but not wet. Rotate pan halfway through baking.
  8. Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
  9. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, apple cider (or milk), and vanilla until smooth and pourable.
  10. Drizzle or spread glaze over cooled cookies. Let sit for 15 minutes for glaze to firm up. Optionally, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top before glaze sets.

Notes

Reduce apple cider for concentrated flavor; use room temperature butter and eggs for best texture. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, substitute flour and butter as needed. Do not overbake—cookies should be soft in the center. Glaze only after cookies are cool. Store in airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider cookies, cinnamon glaze, fall dessert, easy cookies, autumn baking, apple cookies, glazed cookies, comfort food, bake sale, potluck