Apple Cider Snickerdoodles are a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle cookie, infusing the warmth and comfort of apple cider into each soft and chewy bite. Ideal for fall gatherings or cozy evenings at home, these cookies perfectly capture the essence of the season with their spicy aroma and sweet flavor.

Why Make This Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun and festive cookie that evokes the spirit of autumn, look no further! These Apple Cider Snickerdoodles not only taste amazing but are also an excellent way to showcase the bountiful flavors of apple harvest season. The combination of warm spices, sweet apple cider, and sugary cinnamon coating makes these cookies irresistible. They also serve as a wonderful gift for friends and family or a delightful addition to any dessert table.

How to Make Apple Cider Snickerdoodles

Creating these delicious Apple Cider Snickerdoodles is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients. Here’s how you can make them from scratch:

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup reduced apple cider
2 large eggs
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
For rolling: 1/4 cup sugar mixed with 2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Beat in the reduced apple cider and eggs until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Roll the dough into balls and then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set and lightly golden.
Allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

How to Serve Apple Cider Snickerdoodles

These cookies are fantastic on their own or served with a warm cup of cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, consider sprinkling some extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving. They’re perfect for sharing at parties, enjoyed with friends over coffee, or to simply indulge in as a sweet treat during cozy evenings at home.

How to Store Apple Cider Snickerdoodles

To keep your Apple Cider Snickerdoodles fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to one week without losing their delightful flavor and texture. For longer storage, consider freezing them; simply layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper and place them in a resealable freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.

Tips to Make Apple Cider Snickerdoodles

Reduce Your Cider: To intensify the apple flavor, reduce your apple cider before using it in the recipe. Simmer it on the stovetop until it thickens.
Chill the Dough: If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and baking.
Add Some Crunch: Consider incorporating chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.

Variation

For a chocolatey twist, try adding cocoa powder to the dough to create Apple Cider Chocolate Snickerdoodles. You can also substitute the apple cider with pear cider for a unique flavor profile that still maintains the essence of fall.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other types of sugar instead of granulated sugar?
A: While granulated sugar is ideal for sweetness and texture, you can experiment with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, but this may alter the texture slightly.

Q: What if I don’t have cream of tartar?
A: You can substitute cream of tartar with an equal amount of baking powder (just omit the baking soda) for similar results in your cookies.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before rolling and baking.