Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 (.74 oz) packets instant apple cider drink mix, divided
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons apple cider
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 4 tablespoons turbinado sugar, coarse sugar, or sanding sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, apple pie spice, salt, and 1 packet of the instant apple cider drink mix. This mixture provides the flavorful and tender base for the cookies.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and half of the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aerates the dough for a tender crumb.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the molasses, apple cider, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined, incorporating moisture and flavor into the dough.
- Combine dry and wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and beat until the dough is fully combined and uniform.
- Chill dough: Cover the dough and chill it for 1 hour in the refrigerator. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping cookies keep their shape during baking.
- Prepare sugar coating: While the dough chills, whisk together the remaining 2 packets of instant apple cider mix and the turbinado sugar in a small bowl to create the cookie coating.
- Scoop and coat dough: Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop (or equivalent), scoop portions of the dough and toss each piece in the cider sugar mixture to coat evenly. Place coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them well to allow for spreading.
- Bake cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 9 minutes. The edges should become dark and set, while the centers remain lighter in color.
- Add finishing sugar and cool: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, sprinkle extra sugar on top while they are still warm for added texture and sweetness. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Be sure to chill the dough for at least 1 hour; this prevents spreading and improves texture.
- For richer flavor, use fresh apple cider instead of the instant drink mix, though the mix gives a stronger concentrated flavor.
- You can substitute apple pie spice with a homemade blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice if desired.
- Coating the dough balls thoroughly in the cider sugar mixture creates a delightful sugary crust.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a softer cookie, reduce bake time by a minute; for crispier edges, bake slightly longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
