Apple Cider Cookies

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 cup apple cider - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional) These ingredients come together to create a warm and cozy cookie. Each one plays a key role in flavor and texture. The all-purpose flour gives the cookies structure. Baking soda helps them rise. The spices add that classic warm taste. Butter, sugars, and egg make the dough rich and soft. Apple cider brings a lovely sweetness and moisture. Optional nuts and fruits add crunch and sweetness. You can find the full recipe below for more details. - Calories: 120 - Fat: 5g - Carbohydrates: 18g - Protein: 1g This nutritional info helps you keep track of what you eat. - Mixing bowls - Electric mixer - Baking sheets - Parchment paper Having the right tools makes baking easier. Mixing bowls help combine the ingredients well. An electric mixer saves time and energy. Baking sheets and parchment paper help cookies bake evenly. With these items ready, you can enjoy making apple cider cookies! 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the cookies not stick. 2. In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk them together well. Set this bowl aside. 3. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. Stop when it looks creamy and fluffy. 4. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on low speed until it blends into a smooth batter. 5. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup apple cider. Mix on low speed until the batter is smooth and well combined. 6. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix. This helps keep your cookies soft. 7. If you want, fold in optional mix-ins. You can add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans and/or 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins for extra flavor and crunch. 8. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each dough ball. 9. Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges and soft centers. 10. After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. Enjoy baking these delightful apple cider cookies! To avoid tough cookies, mix the dough gently. Overmixing can make cookies chewy. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended. This keeps them soft. After baking, cool cookies on a wire rack. This helps them stay soft and fluffy. You can add spices like cardamom or allspice for more flavor. A teaspoon of pure almond extract adds a nice twist. If you like sweeter cookies, add more brown sugar. For a zesty touch, mix in a bit of lemon zest. Once they've cooled, place cookies on a pretty plate. Dust with ground cinnamon for a lovely look. Serve with warm apple cider for a cozy treat. This makes a perfect snack for fall gatherings. {{image_4}} For gluten-free apple cider cookies, you can use alternative flours. Almond flour or oat flour works well. You may also try a gluten-free blend. These flours will change the texture a bit. To bind the dough, add an extra egg or some apple sauce. This keeps your cookies soft and chewy. To make vegan apple cider cookies, swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of an egg. This keeps the recipe plant-based while still tasting great. Add a bit more apple cider for moisture. This helps maintain the flavor and consistency you love. Adding different nuts or dried fruits can boost your cookies' flavor. Try pecans, walnuts, or even hazelnuts for crunch. Dried cherries or apricots add a sweet twist. You can also experiment with spices. Cardamom and allspice give a warm taste. Mixing these can create a unique cookie experience. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To keep your apple cider cookies fresh, store them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This will help keep the cookies soft and chewy. You can also add a slice of bread to the container. The bread will help maintain moisture. If you want to freeze your cookies, let them cool completely first. Then, wrap each cookie in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped cookies in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This keeps them tasty for up to three months. When stored properly, apple cider cookies last about one week at room temperature. In the freezer, they can last up to three months. Check for signs of staleness before eating. If the cookies feel hard or have an off smell, it’s best to toss them. Fresh cookies should be soft, sweet, and fragrant. To enjoy soft cookies again, you can reheat them. The oven works best for this. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes. This will bring back their fresh-baked flavor. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat one cookie for about 10-15 seconds. Keep an eye on it to avoid overheating. Overcooked cookies can become hard. Enjoy your warm apple cider cookies with a cup of cider or tea! For the full recipe, check above. To make your cookies thicker, you can adjust the dough. Here are some simple techniques: - Add more flour: Start with an extra 1/4 cup of flour. This helps the cookies hold their shape. - Chill the dough: After mixing, chill the dough for 30 minutes. This cools the fats and helps prevent spreading. - Use less sugar: Reducing sugar by 1/4 cup can lead to thicker cookies. Sugar helps with spreading, so this can help. Yes, you can add chocolate chips! They blend nicely with the apple cider flavors. Here’s how: - Mix in chocolate: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips when adding nuts or fruit. - Choose dark or milk chocolate: Each type brings a different flavor. Pick what you like best! - Adjust sweetness: If you add chocolate, you might want to reduce the sugar a bit. Softening butter quickly can be easy. Here are some methods to try: - Cut into cubes: Slice the butter into small pieces. Leave it out for about 15 minutes. - Use the microwave: Microwave on low power for 5-10 seconds. Check often to avoid melting. - Warm water method: Place the butter in a bowl and cover it with warm water for a few minutes. Preventing cookies from spreading is key to perfect texture. Here are my top tips: - Do not overmix: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to thin cookies. - Chill the dough: As mentioned, chilling the dough can help cookies stay thick. - Check oven temperature: Ensure your oven is at the right temperature. Too low can cause spreading. For more details on making these cookies, refer to the Full Recipe. You now have a solid guide to make delicious apple cider cookies. We covered essential ingredients, steps, and tips for great texture. Don’t forget to try variations like gluten-free or vegan options. These cookies not only taste amazing but also offer room for fun with spices and mix-ins. Store them well, and they will stay fresh longer. Armed with these recipes and tips, you can create the perfect treats for any occasion. Enjoy baking and sharing your tasty creations!$

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these delicious cinnamon-spiced apple cider cookies! Packed with warm spices, butter, and a hint of apple cider, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a warm cup of cider, they’re easy to make and irresistibly tasty. Click through to discover the full recipe and treat yourself to a delightful baking experience!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup apple cider, preferably fresh

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added crunch)

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until evenly mixed, then set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is creamy and fluffy, ensuring the sugars are well incorporated.

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on low speed until fully blended into a smooth batter.

Pour in the apple cider and mix on low speed until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

If you choose to include them, fold in the chopped nuts and dried cranberries or raisins with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges and soft in the center.

Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

- Presentation Tips: Once cooled, arrange the cookies on a decorative plate. For an inviting look, dust a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon over the top. Pair with a small glass of warm apple cider for a cozy and delightful treat!