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Crispy Iced Apple Cider Sugar Cookies

crispy iced apple cider sugar cookies - featured image
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These holiday sugar cookies feature a shatteringly crisp texture and rich apple cider flavor, achieved by reducing cider into the dough. They are perfect for cookie exchanges and offer a nostalgic taste of autumn.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup apple cider, reduced to ¼ cup syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted (for icing)
  • 2–3 tablespoons apple cider syrup (for icing)
  • Milk, as needed for icing consistency

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until reduced by 75% to ¼ cup of thick syrup. Let cool completely.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Scrape down sides.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and cooled apple cider syrup.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 3 days).
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  9. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into shapes and place on sheets, 1 inch apart.
  10. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Centers should look slightly soft.
  11. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Whisk confectioners’ sugar and 2 tablespoons apple cider syrup. Add milk teaspoon by teaspoon until drizzling consistency is reached.
  13. Drizzle or pipe icing onto completely cooled cookies. Let set for at least 30 minutes.

Notes

Chilling the dough is crucial for crisp cookies. Ensure butter is softened, not melted, to prevent spreading. If dough cracks while rolling, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Rotate baking sheets halfway through for even browning. Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers for up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider cookies, crispy sugar cookies, holiday baking, fall desserts, iced cookies, autumn treats

Find it online: https://milaspoon.com/crispy-iced-apple-cider-sugar-cookies-5-best-holiday-treats/