These Sourdough Apple Cider Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and spicy! With cozy flavors from cinnamon and apple cider, they’re soft and chewy, making them a favorite for snack time.
I love baking these when the leaves start to turn. The smell in the kitchen is amazing! They’re great with a cup of tea, or if you’re feeling adventurous, try a scoop of ice cream on top!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter Discard: This is the star of the show! It adds flavor and helps with texture. If you don’t have this, you can use equal parts of all-purpose flour and water to make a simple dough.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness, but you could substitute it with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Just let it soften nicely before mixing!
Apple Cider: Apple cider gives these cookies a warm taste. If you can’t find cider, use apple juice, but reduce it the same way to intensify the flavor.
Chopped Apples: Fresh apples keep the cookies moist. If apples aren’t available, try dried apples or even pears for a different twist!
Nuts: I love adding chopped pecans for a bit of crunch, but you can skip them or use chocolate chips if you prefer something sweeter.
How Do You Get the Right Texture in Cookies?
Getting the perfect cookie texture is all about mixing properly and baking at the right temperature. Here are some important tips:
- Beat the butter and sugars until fluffy. This adds air and helps your cookies rise!
- Don’t overmix once you add flour. Just mix until it’s combined to keep them soft.
- Let your dough rest briefly—but not too long! Resting helps the flavors meld.
- Watch the baking time! Each oven is different, so check a couple of minutes early to avoid overbaking.
Following these steps will keep your cookies chewy and delicious. Happy baking!
How to Make Sourdough Apple Cider Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough starter discard (unfed, all-purpose flour based)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 cup apple cider (reduced to about 1/4 cup)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or allspice (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins:
- 1 cup chopped apples (peeled and diced small)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), optional
- Coarse sugar or sanding sugar for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10–12 minutes to bake, plus a little time to let the cookies cool. So, in total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
Start by pouring 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Keep an eye on it as it reduces down to about 1/4 cup. This will intensify the flavor—yum! Once it’s done, set it aside to cool.
2. Preheat the Oven:
While the cider cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats.
3. Cream the Sugars and Butter:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air to the dough which helps make your cookies nice and tender.
4. Mix in the Egg and Vanilla:
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and your sourdough starter discard. Beat everything together until it’s well combined.
5. Stir in the Apple Cider:
Now, add the cooled, reduced apple cider to the mix and stir it in until everything is blended.
6. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, take the whisk and combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, optional cloves, and salt. This ensures even distribution of flavors and leavening agents.
7. Mix the Dry Ingredients with the Wet:
Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps your cookies soft!
8. Fold in Add-ins:
Fold in your chopped apples and nuts (if using) with a spatula. This is where the fun flavors really come together!
9. Scoop the Dough:
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart for even baking.
10. Sprinkle with Sugar:
For an extra touch of sweetness and sparkle, lightly sprinkle the tops of the cookies with coarse sugar or sanding sugar.
11. Bake:
Pop the cookies in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. You want the edges to be golden and the centers to be set but still soft when you take them out.
12. Cool Before Eating:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up a bit!
These cookies will be soft, chewy, and bursting with the warm flavors of apple cider and spices. Perfect for sharing with family and friends—or keeping all to yourself! Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Fresh Apple Juice Instead of Apple Cider?
Yes, you can use fresh apple juice in place of apple cider! However, be sure to reduce the juice in the same way by simmering it until it thickens and concentrates the flavor. This will keep the cookies tasting great!
How Should I Store These Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking!
Can I Substitute the Sourdough Starter?
If you don’t have sourdough starter discard, you can substitute it with 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/3 cup of water to create a similar consistency. However, for the best flavor, using actual sourdough is recommended!
What Can I Use Instead of Nuts?
If you’re looking to omit nuts due to allergies or preference, you can simply leave them out or replace them with chocolate chips or dried fruit for added texture and sweetness. Enjoy customizing your cookies!