When the leaves start crunching underfoot and the crisp air carries the scent of cinnamon, there’s one thing my kitchen can’t go without: Apple Cider Cookies. These sweet little gems are everything I love about fall wrapped into one cozy, bite-sized treat. Whether you’re trying to impress your coworkers at the next potluck or just want to spoil your family with something warm and homey, this recipe is your go-to.

And the best part? They taste like the lovechild of an apple cider donut cookie and a soft, chewy cinnamon sugar cookie. So grab your coziest sweater, pour yourself a mug of cider (yes, more cider), and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cider Cookies

These cookies don’t just hint at fall flavors—they shout them from the rooftop. With reduced apple cider, browned butter, and a double hit of spice, each bite is like a warm hug. The cider reduction adds a deep, caramelly tang while the cinnamon sugar coating and glaze make them feel downright festive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

474 ml (2 cups) apple cider
283 g (20 tbsp) unsalted butter
300 g (2½ cups) all-purpose flour
2 tsp apple pie spice or pumpkin spice
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
250 g (1¼ cups) light brown sugar
50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
1 large egg (room temp)
1 large egg yolk (room temp)
5 ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract

Apple Cider Butter:

57 g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
30 ml (2 tbsp) apple cider (not reduced)

Cinnamon Sugar:

150 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon or spice blend

Apple Cider Glaze:

120 g (1 cup) powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
15–30 ml (1–2 tbsp) apple cider (not reduced)

Let’s Make Magic: Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by reducing your cider. In a saucepan, simmer the 2 cups of apple cider over medium-high heat until it’s down to ¼ cup—this takes about 15–20 minutes. Cool to room temp.
Brown the butter on low heat until golden and fragrant. Cool it for 15 minutes at room temperature, then chill for 15 more in the fridge.
In a bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, spices, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, mix browned butter with both sugars. Add the egg, yolk, reduced cider, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
Fold the dry mix into the wet until just combined. Let it rest while you preheat your oven to 375°F.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop 2-tablespoon portions, spacing them 3 inches apart.
Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are just set. Cool 5 minutes on the tray, then transfer to a rack.
Mix the melted butter and cider. Brush this onto each cookie, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mix.
Finally, whisk together the glaze ingredients and drizzle over the cookies. Let them set and get ready to swoon.

Baking Tips from My Kitchen to Yours

Don’t skip reducing the cider—that concentrated flavor is what makes these cookies sing.
If your browned butter solidifies too much in the fridge, let it sit out a few extra minutes before mixing.
For a more cake-like texture, use a touch more flour; for chewier cookies, reduce it slightly.
Letting the dough rest (even for 10-15 minutes) helps prevent over-spreading in the oven.
These cookies make great gifts—wrap them in wax paper and tie with twine for a rustic, homemade vibe.

Olivia’s Cozy Fall Memory Lane

I first made these on a chilly October afternoon, the kind where all you want is something warm in your hand and something sweet in your belly. My kids were arguing over the last apple cider donut, and I thought—why not turn that flavor into a cookie we can all enjoy (and maybe share)?

The smell alone was enough to stop the bickering. By the time the glaze was setting, they were sneaking cookies off the cooling rack with cinnamon-dusted fingers. And just like that, it became a fall tradition in our house.

What to Serve With Apple Cider Cookies

These cookies are practically begging to be served alongside warm drinks. Think chai lattes, hot cocoa, or even a spiced apple cider to double down on the fall vibes. They also pair wonderfully with vanilla or butter pecan ice cream if you’re feeling fancy.

If you’re hosting a fall brunch, set out a cookie tray with these, pumpkin bread, and fresh fruit. Instant hostess with the mostest.

How to Store Your Cookies (If They Last That Long)

Keep them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them warm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings them right back to life.

For longer storage, freeze them (unglazed) in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. When ready to eat, thaw and add the glaze fresh—you’ll never know they were frozen.

FAQs About Apple Cider Cookies

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s not spiced or sweetened too much—you want that tart apple punch.

Can I substitute apple pie spice?

Yes, pumpkin spice works just as well! The key is getting that cinnamon-nutmeg-clove combo in there.

Can I skip the glaze or cinnamon sugar?

Sure can. But just know: the glaze and sugar coating really take these from “yum” to “OMG.”

How do I make them more like an apple cider donut cookie?

You can shape the dough into flattened rounds and bake a bit longer for a more cakey center, mimicking a donut texture.

Ready to Bake Your New Favorite Fall Dessert?

These Apple Cider Cookies aren’t just another sweet treat—they’re a bite of autumn magic. Between the spiced sugar coating and that tangy apple glaze, every nibble is comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just indulging in a solo treat-yourself moment, they’re the fall dessert that always delivers. So, tie on that apron and let’s turn a chilly day into a warm memory, one cookie at a time.

Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.

Apple Cider Cookies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Amanda Thompson
Total Time: 36 minutes (plus cooling and cider reduction)
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Apple Cider Cookies capture the warm, spiced magic of fall in every bite. With reduced apple cider, browned butter, cozy spices, and a final dusting of cinnamon sugar and sweet cider glaze, they’re soft, chewy, and full of comforting flavor. The perfect fusion of an apple cider donut and a chewy cookie, these treats are ideal for autumn gatherings, cozy afternoons, or thoughtful homemade gifts.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

474 ml (2 cups) apple cider
283 g (20 tbsp) unsalted butter
300 g (2½ cups) all-purpose flour
2 tsp apple pie spice or pumpkin spice
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
250 g (1¼ cups) light brown sugar
50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
1 large egg (room temp)
1 large egg yolk (room temp)
5 ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract

Apple Cider Butter:

57 g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
30 ml (2 tbsp) apple cider (not reduced)

Cinnamon Sugar:

150 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon or spice blend

Apple Cider Glaze:

120 g (1 cup) powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
15–30 ml (1–2 tbsp) apple cider (not reduced)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Simmer 2 cups of apple cider until reduced to ¼ cup (15–20 minutes). Cool.
Brown butter in a pan, let cool 15 minutes at room temp, then chill for 15 more.
In a bowl, whisk flour, spices, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, mix browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add egg, yolk, reduced cider, and vanilla; whisk smooth.
Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Rest dough 10–15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line trays with parchment.
Scoop 2-tbsp dough balls, spaced 3 inches apart.
Bake 9–11 minutes until edges set. Cool 5 minutes on tray, then move to rack.
Mix melted butter with cider. Brush cookies, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
Whisk glaze ingredients. Drizzle over cookies once cooled. Let set.

Notes

Reducing cider concentrates flavor—don’t skip!

Dough resting prevents over-spreading.

Store unglazed cookies in freezer; add glaze fresh when serving.

Pair with chai, hot cocoa, or vanilla ice cream.

These make excellent edible gifts!

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Warm Up Your Fall With These Cozy Apple Cider Cookies