Name: Soft and Chewy Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ cups all purpose flour; 1½ cups granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 4 cups apple cider (to reduce into about ¼ cup apple cider syrup); 1 cup plus 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); 1 cup sugar; 3 tablespoons apple cider; 1 apple (chopped for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 79 reviews

If you have ever dreamed of a cookie that perfectly balances warm autumnal spices with the bright freshness of apple cider, your search ends here. This Soft and Chewy Apple Cider Cookies Recipe transforms simple ingredients into a magical treat with tender centers and a burst of apple flavor that lingers delightfully on your palate. Each bite brings a hug of cinnamon warmth and juicy apple essence wrapped in a soft, chewy texture that genuinely shines. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea, a family gathering, or just indulging yourself, these cookies are destined to become your new fall favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top-down view of a white marbled surface with a white plate holding several ingredients arranged around it. In the middle, there is a large mound of white flour with a rough texture. Surrounding the flour are small bowls with different contents: one bowl has dark chocolate chunks with a mix of large and small pieces, another holds light brown sugar that looks crumbly, a third has fine white powdered sugar, and a fourth contains soft brown sugar with a moist texture. There is a small bowl with fine white salt and two brown eggs placed next to each other on the surface. Nearby is a glass of milk with a smooth, creamy look and a rectangular stick of butter with a smooth, pale yellow color in a white dish. Also seen are a small bowl with a white frothy liquid and two small clear glasses, one with a dark amber liquid and the other with a clear liquid. The arrangement is clean and organized, capturing all the ingredients clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting these cookies right starts with a handful of simple, essential ingredients that each pack a punch. From the rich, creamy butter that ensures softness to the aromatic cinnamon that adds that signature spice, every element works together to create a cookie bursting with flavor and perfect texture.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of our dough, providing structure while keeping the cookies soft and chewy.
Apple cider: Reduced to a syrup, it infuses deep apple flavor and natural sweetness into the cookies.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth chewiness.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and aids in the browning of the cookie edges.
Egg: Binds ingredients together while contributing to the cookie’s tender crumb.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft texture without spreading too much.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
Ground cinnamon: A must-have warm spice that partners beautifully with apple cider.
Vanilla extract (optional): Adds depth and rounds out the apple and spice notes.
Fresh apple (for garnish): Adds a crisp, fresh contrast when placed atop the glazed cookies.
Additional granulated sugar and apple cider (for glaze): Create a sweet, tangy drizzle to finish the cookies with style.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Apple Cider Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Begin by pouring 4 cups of apple cider into a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Allow it to simmer until reduced down to about 1/4 cup, becoming a thick and intensely flavored syrup. This reduction usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. Once done, let it cool completely to room temperature so it won’t affect the dough’s texture later.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

While the cider reduces, whisk together 2½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1½ cups granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a large bowl. This combination creates the perfect spiced base for the cookies. Set this aside to mix with the wet ingredients soon.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter (1 cup plus 4 tablespoons) with another 1 cup of granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale—this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial to achieving those soft, chewy centers everyone loves.

Step 4: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Reduced Cider

Slowly beat in one egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract if using, and the cooled apple cider syrup into the butter mixture. Mix on low until everything is fully combined and has a luscious, smooth consistency, preparing the wet ingredients ready to embrace the flour blend.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. You’ll end up with a soft and slightly sticky dough that promises incredible chewiness once baked.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 15 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Step 7: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

Set your oven to 375°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 8: Form and Bake the Cookies

Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out dough balls and space them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep a close eye here—you want the edges just turning golden while the centers remain soft and chewy. Overbaking will lose that signature softness.

Step 9: Cool and Glaze

Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them gently to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare a simple glaze by whisking together 1 cup sugar and 3 tablespoons regular apple cider over medium-low heat until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cookies and top each with small diced fresh apple pieces for a fresh, crisp bite that completes the experience.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Apple Cider Cookies Recipe

The image shows a group of round, light brown cookies with a slightly cracked texture on top, each decorated with small chunks of red and white apple pieces scattered mainly in the center. The cookies rest on a black wire cooling rack placed over a white marbled surface. To the side, a white plate holds thinly sliced pieces of red and white apple stacked neatly. A whole red apple is also visible near the top right corner of the frame. The photo has a warm and soft lighting, giving the cookies a fresh and homemade feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A drizzle of apple cider glaze and a few tiny cubes of fresh apple not only add visual appeal but give an extra burst of fresh apple flavor that contrasts beautifully with the cookie’s warmth and softness. Sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon on top for an inviting aroma and spice.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cozy cup of hot apple cider, chai tea, or your favorite pumpkin-spiced latte. The warmth of the drinks complements the spices and sweetness of the cookies perfectly, making every bite feel like an autumn celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, sandwich two glazed cookies together with a smear of cream cheese frosting or spiced buttercream for an indulgent treat. You can also serve them alongside a bowl of whipped cinnamon cream or apple compote to scoop on top for an elevated dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They remain perfectly soft and chewy for up to 4 days. Layering them with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and keeps their delicate texture intact.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough in scooped balls, placed on a tray lined with parchment paper. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time, so you can always have fresh cookies on hand.

Reheating

To enjoy leftover cookies as if freshly baked, warm them briefly in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) or for a few minutes in a 300°F oven. The heat revives their tender softness and enhances the aromatic spices beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider for this recipe?

Apple juice tends to be sweeter and less spicy than apple cider, so the flavor might be milder. If using apple juice, try to reduce it similarly to concentrate the taste, but expect slightly different depth in flavor.

How important is reducing the apple cider before adding it to the dough?

Reducing the cider concentrates the natural apple flavor and sweetness, which is key to giving these cookies their signature taste. It also helps prevent excess liquid from making the dough too runny. Don’t skip this step!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures like regular flour. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the soft and chewy texture.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing after baking?

Absolutely. Once cooled, place cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment layers. They freeze well for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight or warmed slightly before serving.

What if I prefer a crisper cookie?

If soft and chewy is not your preference, bake the cookies a minute or two longer until edges are more deeply golden. Keep in mind they will lose some moisture and softness but will still taste delicious with the apple cider glaze.

Final Thoughts

This Soft and Chewy Apple Cider Cookies Recipe is one of those rare finds that feels like a warm, delicious hug baked into a cookie. With its perfect balance of soft texture, cozy spices, and fresh apple brightness, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re treating yourself or looking to impress friends and family, these cookies bring joy with every bite. So, grab your ingredients, prep that apple cider reduction, and make some magic happen in your kitchen—your new favorite cookie awaits!