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Kid-Approved Apple Cider Cookies: Easy Brown Butter Icing Recipe

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These soft, cake-like apple cider cookies are packed with cozy fall flavor and topped with a nutty brown butter icing. They come together in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients, making them a perfect family-friendly treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup apple cider, reduced (from 1 cup)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter (for icing)
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt (for icing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup apple cider to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about 1/2 cup. Set aside to cool completely.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Beat in the room-temperature egg until fully combined. Add the cooled reduced apple cider and mix until smooth.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set and lightly golden. Centers should look soft. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. While cookies cool, make the icing: In the same small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat, swirling constantly. Cook until butter turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat immediately and pour into a heatproof bowl.
  10. Let brown butter cool for 5 minutes. Whisk in powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Add remaining milk if needed for desired consistency.
  11. Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread icing over tops. Let icing set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t rush the brown butter; it can burn quickly. Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling off. Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Let reduced cider cool completely before adding to batter. Bake one sheet at a time for even baking. Cookies taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider cookies, brown butter icing, fall cookies, easy cookie recipe, kid-approved cookies

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/kid-approved-apple-cider-cookies-easy-brown-butter-icing-recipe/