As hard as it is to believe, fall is right around the corner in Delaware. The passing of Labor Day weekend signals the unofficial start of the season that’s all about indulging in pumpkin spice lattes, warm pies and plenty of apple cider donuts. While picking up a sweet treat at a local cafe or bakery is always fun, there’s something special about whipping up a seasonal confection yourself. If you’re in the mood to embrace your baking era, these vegan apple cider cookies are a great place to start.
Lean into the the comforting flavors of fall with these rich and sweet cookies enhanced by a luscious apple cider glaze. Provided by Kelly Leishear of Bella’s Cookies in Milton, this recipe is a perfect treat as we head into the autumn season.
Whether you’re an expert baker or just starting out, this apple cider cookie recipe is quick and simple. Although the recipe is manageable even for a beginner baker, your guests would never know it from the taste! Plus, in addition to being easy to whip up, these cookies are also completely vegan. It’s always a good idea to add a plant-based option to your dessert spread, and these sweets celebrate seasonal flavors perfectly.
With a blend of apple butter, apple cider, and a hint of apple pie spice, these vegan cookies offer a mouthwatering combination of sweet and warm flavors. The cider glaze adds a final touch of sweetness and takes the flavor up a notch from home baker to pastry expert.
For the best results, we recommend sourcing the apple-based ingredients like cider and apple butter from a local grower. Head to an orchard around Delaware for a day of apple picking, then return home with fresh ingredients from the farm store. With the help of some fresh apple cider, you’re ready to take your baking game to new heights.
Get out your mixing bowls and baking sheets and prepare to bite into the perfect fall treat as we look forward to crisp autumn air, stunning views and cozy evenings in the First State.
This recipe by Kelly Leishear was originally published in the October 2017 issue of Delaware Today.
Vegan Apple Cider Cookies
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
cookies25
minutes12
minutes37
minutesCelebrate fall in Delaware with this easy recipe for vegan apple cider cookies.
Ingredients
- Cookie Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon apple pie spice (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup apple butter
1/2 cup apple cider
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/3 cup oil (or applesauce to reduce the fat content)
3/4 cup light brown sugar
- Apple Cider Glaze Ingredients
1/4 cup apple cider
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups powdered sugar
- Apple Pie Spice
5 tablespoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons ginger
1 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Directions
- Apple Cider Glaze
- Whisk together the apple cider, sugar and powdered sugar. Set aside.
- Apple Cider Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Sift together dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and apple pie spice).
- In a large bowl, mix together the apple butter, apple cider, vanilla, oil (or applesauce), and sugar.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. You can use an electric mixer, but Leishear likes to stir by hand.
- Use a cookie scoop or your preferred method to scoop the dough (about four tablespoons per cookie) onto a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet.
- Bake for about 12–13 minutes if large, or about 9–10 minutes if small.
- Once the cookies have cooled, dip them into the apple cider glaze and place them onto a rack to set.
