Easy Apple Cider Cookies you can prepare in minutes. Fresh chopped apples and a dry apple cider mix combine to create a cozy fall cookie with warm spice and tender texture.
Apple Cider Cookies
This Apple Cider Cookie recipe is similar in spirit to fall snickerdoodles but uses a pre-made sugar cookie mix to save time. Combining pantry shortcuts with fresh apples makes a quick, flavorful cookie perfect for autumn.
Fall baking is one of the best seasons for apples, pumpkins and warming spices. Once the weather cools, these cookies are a wonderful treat to bake and share.
Ingredients
Below is an overview of the simple ingredients you’ll need. Exact quantities and step-by-step instructions are included in the recipe card further down.
- Sugar cookie mix
- Dry apple cider drink mix
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Egg
- Fresh apple, finely chopped
Optional: add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla for extra depth.
Notes:
– We use a dry apple cider mix for concentrated flavor. If you prefer, try a flavored cookie mix or a gluten-free mix to meet dietary needs.
– Softened butter blends easily into the dough. Fresh apples add moisture and a burst of apple flavor; they can be omitted if necessary.
Equipment
Whisk or wooden spoon, measuring spoons, peeler and corer if desired, large mixing bowl, hand or stand mixer (optional), cookie scoop, parchment paper, baking sheets, heat-resistant potholders, and a cooling rack.
How to make Apple Cider Cookies
Quick version of the method — full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 1 – Peel, core and finely chop the apple; set aside.
Step 2 – In a small bowl, whisk together a portion of the dry apple cider mix with granulated sugar and a little cinnamon to make a coating. Set aside.
Step 3 – In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, softened butter, egg, the remaining apple cider mix and the remaining cinnamon. Mix until a soft dough forms, scraping the bowl as needed. Gently fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed.
Step 4 – Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough into balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar-apple-cider coating to evenly coat the outside.
Step 5 – Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 7–9 minutes, or until the edges are set. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
These cookies are irresistibly good — expect to sample a few while they’re fresh from the oven.
Preparation and Storage
Make ahead: You can prepare dough a day ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container, then bake the next day.
Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Place parchment between cookies to prevent sticking.
Recipe Variations
Substitutions: Swap granulated sugar for brown sugar for a deeper caramel note. Use your favorite baking apple (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or a firm baking apple).
Dietary options: Vegetarian: recipe is already vegetarian. Vegan: use vegan butter and an egg substitute. Gluten-free: substitute a gluten-free sugar cookie mix. For sugar-free, choose an alternative sweetener and a compatible cookie mix.
Scaling: This recipe is easy to double for groups but more difficult to scale down because it uses a pre-made mix.
Recipe Tips
For caramel-apple flavor, add caramel chips to the dough or drizzle caramel over cooled cookies. A simple apple cider glaze or a light cream cheese drizzle also complements these cookies beautifully.
What to serve with
Drinks: Coffee, warm apple cider, hot chocolate, or a spiced latte pair wonderfully.
Dessert pairings: Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or other fall desserts like apple cider donut cake and apple crisp.
When to serve
These Apple Cider Cookies are ideal for any fall occasion: seasonal parties, Thanksgiving, potlucks, office gatherings, apple-picking outings, or an easy after-school treat.
- Fall parties
- Thanksgiving
- Potlucks and office parties
- Autumn events and harvest gatherings
Recipe card
Apple Cider Cookies
Ingredients
- 17.5 oz Sugar cookie mix
- 2 Tablespoon White sugar
- 1 Apple cider mix (dry)
- 1 – 1.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ½ cup Butter softened
- 1 Egg
- ¾ cup Apples finely chopped
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cut apples into small pieces and set aside.
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In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon apple cider mix, 2 tablespoons sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon; whisk and set aside for coating.
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In a large bowl, mix sugar cookie mix, softened butter, egg, remaining apple cider mix and remaining cinnamon until a soft dough forms.
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Gently fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed.
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Use a cookie scoop to form dough balls and roll each in the cinnamon-sugar-apple-cider coating.
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Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 7–9 minutes, until edges are set. Cool on a wire rack.
Kitchen Tools
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Large mixing bowl
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Parchment paper
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Baking sheets
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Hand or stand mixer (optional)
Nutrition
