Ah, welcome, my dear baking enthusiasts! Gather around in my cozy kitchen, where the magic of Christmas baking comes alive. Imagine the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg mingling in the air, reminiscent of a festive market. The gentle jingle of carols plays in the background, setting a merry rhythm as we embark on our culinary adventure. The soft glow of holiday lights casts a cheerful radiance, creating the perfect ambiance for baking our star of the show: the Spiced Apple Cider Cookies.
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour – 3 cups (360g)
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon (5g)
- Baking soda – 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g)
- Ground cinnamon – 1 1/2 teaspoons (3g)
- Ground nutmeg – 1/2 teaspoon (1g)
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g)
- Unsalted butter, softened – 1 cup (226g)
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup (200g)
- Brown sugar – 1/2 cup (100g), packed
- Eggs – 2 large
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon (5ml)
- Concentrated apple cider – 1/2 cup (120ml), reduced from 1 1/2 cups (360ml)
- Optional: Chopped dried apples – 1/2 cup (65g)
For the Apple Glaze:
- Powdered sugar – 2 cups (240g)
- Concentrated apple cider – 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml)
Yield: This recipe makes about 36 delightful cookies.
The Secret Touch: The key to these cookies lies in the concentrated apple cider. Begin by gently simmering 1 1/2 cups of fresh apple cider in a saucepan until it reduces to 1/2 cup. This process intensifies the flavor, infusing the cookies with the essence of a crisp, autumn apple orchard.
Instructions:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. These spices are the soul of our cookies, evoking the quintessential Christmas spirit.
- Creaming: In a larger bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture.
- Adding Eggs and Flavor: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Then, stir in the concentrated apple cider. The aroma is simply divine!
- Combining: Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until just combined. If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in the chopped dried apples for an extra burst of apple flavor.
- Shaping: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. I like to use a cookie scoop for uniformity.
- Baking: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The anticipation as they bake is part of the joy!
- Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Glazing: Whisk together powdered sugar and apple cider to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cookies. Watch as they glisten with this sweet, apple-kissed topping.
- Serving: Serve these beauties with a warm cup of mulled cider or your favorite holiday beverage.
As you bite into these Spiced Apple Cider Cookies, let the flavors transport you to a winter wonderland of joy and warmth. Each cookie is a blend of festive cheer and culinary love, a treat to be shared with friends and family during this magical season.
Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with sweetness and delight! 🍪✨🎄