These Sourdough Apple Cider Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with fall flavors! The blend of apple cider and spices makes each bite feel like a warm hug.
Honestly, who can resist the smell of fresh cookies baking? I love serving these warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—pure happiness! 🍏🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Use an active, unfed starter for the best rise and flavor. If you don’t have sourdough, you could substitute with an equal amount of plain yogurt, but the taste will change slightly.
Apple Cider: You’ll reduce the cider, intensifying its flavor. If you don’t have cider, apple juice works in a pinch but might lack the deep taste. You can also use a mix of apple juice and a bit of vinegar for a tangy kick.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create that warming flavor. If you prefer, use a store-bought pumpkin spice blend instead, but keep an eye on the quantities as blends can vary.
Chopped Nuts: I personally love using walnuts for their earthy flavor, but pecans or almonds work great too. If nuts aren’t suitable, feel free to leave them out!
Caramel Bits: Adding caramel bits takes these cookies up a notch with extra sweetness. You could substitute with chocolate chips for a different flavor, though the caramel adds a unique fall vibe.
How Can I Get My Cookies to Bake Perfectly?
For perfectly baked cookies, follow these simple tips:
- Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat to ensure even baking. An oven thermometer can help you check that your oven’s temperature is accurate.
- Use Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and promotes even browning. If you don’t have any, lightly greasing the baking sheet also works.
- Don’t Overmix: When mixing dry and wet ingredients, stir just until combined. Overmixing could lead to tougher cookies.
- Add Toppings: Press in a few extra caramel bits or nuts into the scoops before baking to make cookies look beautiful and add flavor.
- Watch the Baking Time: Cookies continue cooking a bit after they’re out. Take them out when the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underdone.
How to Make Sourdough Apple Cider Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active, unfed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider (reduced to about 1/4 cup by simmering)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans recommended)
- 1/2 cup caramel bits or small caramel pieces
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Estimated Time:
This recipe will take you about 20 minutes to prep and around 10-12 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to set aside some time for reducing the apple cider, which may take about 10-15 minutes. Overall, you’ll spend around 35-45 minutes to get these delightful cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your cookies don’t stick.
2. Reduce the Apple Cider
Take 1 cup of apple cider and pour it into a small saucepan. Place it over medium heat and let it simmer until it reduces down to about 1/4 cup. This will intensify the flavor! Once done, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer (or a whisk and some elbow grease) to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, then beat everything together until well combined. Next, stir in your sourdough starter and the cooled apple cider, mixing until everything is nicely incorporated.
5. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures that your spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently just until everything is combined—be careful not to overmix, or your cookies could turn out tough.
7. Add Optional Ingredients
If you’re using chopped nuts and caramel bits, gently fold them into the dough now, making sure they are evenly distributed.
8. Scoop the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart.
9. Optional Toppings
If you like, you can press a few extra caramel bits into the tops of the cookies and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a beautiful finish.
10. Bake!
Now it’s time to bake! Place the cookies in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look soft.
11. Cooling
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Enjoy!
Your Sourdough Apple Cider Cookies are now ready! Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, ideally with a nice cup of tea or a glass of apple cider. They’re the perfect treat for fall!
These cookies are soft, slightly chewy, and wonderfully spiced. The sourdough adds a special tang that pairs beautifully with the rich flavor of apple cider and the warmth of the spices. Happy baking!
Can I Use Active Dry Yeast Instead of Sourdough Starter?
Not in this recipe! The sourdough starter contributes to both the flavor and texture. If you don’t have a starter, it’s best to use yogurt as a substitute, though the taste will be different.
How Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the blend has xanthan gum included for proper texture!
What Can I Do with Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness Level?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar or omit the caramel bits. Feel free to taste the dough (before adding the egg) and adjust to your liking—keeping in mind that flavors develop more once baked!
