Apple Cider Infused Cookies

Dive into the flavors of autumn with these delectable Apple Cider Cookies. Enhanced with the warm notes of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, these cookies are complemented with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating and an apple cider glaze. They’re the perfect treat for those chilly afternoons.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 2½ cups apple cider (reduced to ¼ cup)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ginger
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup white sugar
• ⅓ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup apple butter or unsweetened applesauce
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla essence

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup white sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (to brush)

For the Apple Cider Glaze:

• ½ tablespoon apple cider (with extra as needed)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla essence
• ¾ cup icing sugar
• A pinch of salt (optional)

Method:

1. Preparation of Cookies: Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking trays with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring apple cider to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and let it simmer until reduced to ¼ cup. This should take about 35-45 minutes. Set aside to cool, or refrigerate for a quicker cooling process.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the spices.
4. In a larger bowl or with an electric mixer, beat together butter and the sugars until blended. Add in the vanilla, followed by the eggs. Then mix in the reduced apple cider and either apple butter or applesauce. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
5. Drop cookie dough in 1½ tablespoon portions onto the baking sheets, ensuring they’re spaced out. Bake for 11-13 minutes, rotating the tray halfway, until they’re set and bounce back when lightly touched. Let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Brush each cooled cookie with melted butter and either sprinkle with or dip into the cinnamon sugar mix.
7. Apple Cider Glaze: Combine icing sugar, apple cider, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Start with ½ tablespoon of cider, adding more if needed to get the right consistency. Drizzle this glaze over the cinnamon-sugar coated cookies.

Notes:

• Opt for real apple cider to capture the genuine spiced apple flavor. Apple juice is a possible substitute but may not provide the same depth of flavor.
• Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before applying the cinnamon sugar and glaze to avoid melting.
• Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If freezing, they can be stored for up to a month. Just thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.