This shortcut version of Apple Cider Cookies starts with a sugar cookie mix but tastes like a homemade recipe! Soft and chewy on the inside with a slightly crisp, cinnamon sugar and apple cider-coated outside.
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Spiced apple cider instant drink mix is the magic ingredient!
With just 5 ingredients, plus the shortcuts, I think you'll agree this is the best EASY recipe for apple cider cookies for fall, Christmas and the entire holiday season.
My other favorite cookies include scratch made Sugardoodles, a cross between a Snickerdoodle and a sugar cookie, Coffee and Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies and Double Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies.
Be sure to check out the section below for some tasty and creative substitutions and flavor variations including Caramel Apple Cider Cookies!
Of all the Apple Cider Cookies recipes out there, this shortcut version has the most apple cider flavor!
Shortcuts
- Starts with a pre-measured sugar cookie mix package.
- Cinnamon Sugar can be bought in the spice section next to ground cinnamon. (To make your own cinnamon-sugar see NOTES in the printable recipe below.)
Ingredients for cider cookies
Scroll down to printable recipe for exact ingredient quantities.
What you will need to make these easy spiced apple cider cookies:
- Sugar cookie mix
- Cinnamon sugar
- Apple cider drink mix (powdered), I used Alpine
- Butter
- Egg
If you love homemade crisp sugar cookies, try my Sugardoodles. They are a cross between a sugar cookie and a Snickerdoodle.
How to make shortcut apple cider cookies
Scroll down to the bottom for the printable recipe with detailed instructions.
IGNORE the directions on the cookie mix package! Follow these steps.
- Be sure butter is very soft. See my pro tip below for a shortcut.
- Beat the butter with a hand or stand mixer until creamy. Add egg and beat 1 minute.
Pro Tips
How to soften butter in seconds in the microwave:
Don't have time to let the butter sit at room temperature for an hour? No problem. Decrease times slightly if your microwave is more than 1100 watts.
Soft Butter: (1100 watts) Microwave one stick of butter on HIGH for 8 seconds, flip over. Microwave 7 seconds.
Very Soft Butter: (1100 watts) Microwave one stick of butter on HIGH for 8 seconds, flip over. Microwave 8 seconds.
- Add sugar cookie mix and one package of apple cider drink mix. Beat the mixture with the mixer just until the texture is soft crumbles and holds together when pinched.
- Combine the remaining package of apple cider mix with the cinnamon sugar.
- Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop or by measuring out 2 tablespoons, roll the cookie dough into 23 balls. Then roll the balls in the apple cider mixture.
- Place the cookie dough balls on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
- Bake according to printable recipe below.
Substitutions & Variations
Trade "this" for "that" in this recipe for apple cider sugar cookies.
- Caramel Apple Cider Cookies - Stir in ½ cup caramel bits into the cookie dough. You can also make Caramel Stuffed Apple Cider Cookies by pressing half of a Kraft caramel square into the cookie dough ball and covering it up as you roll it back into a ball before baking.
- Apple Cider Snickerdoodles - If you're starting with a sugar cookie mix, stir in ½ teaspoon cream of tartar to the cookie mix. This gives the cookie the signature crinkle tops, tangy flavor and soft texture.
Helpful Information
For every ½ cup granulated sugar stir in 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
Storage Tips
- To Store. Store cookies covered at room temperature in an air tight container or resealable plastic zip-top bag for 4 to 5 days.
- To Freeze. Freeze in an air tight container or resealable plastic zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Tip: To keep cookies soft and chewy, add a slice of loaf bread to the container.
More apple recipes
- Fried Apple Rings
- Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing
- Easy Slow Cooker Apple Butter
- Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs
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Apple Cider Cookies
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Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, very soft
- 1 large egg
- 1 17.5 ounce package sugar cookie mix (I used Betty Crocker)
- 2 .74 ounce packages spiced apple cider instant drink mix (I used Alpine)
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (See notes below to make your own)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
- Ignore the directions on the cookie package!
- To achieve “very soft” butter, microwave it at HIGH (1100 watts) for 8 seconds, turn it over, then microwave it an additional 8 seconds. You want it very soft without melting it.
- Beat the butter and egg together in a large bowl for 1 minute with an electric hand mixer. Add the cookie mix and ONE of the apple cider drink mix packages. Mix together with the hand mixer until the mixture is soft crumbles and sticks together when pinched.
- Add the cinnamon sugar to the remaining package of apple cider drink mix in a small bowl.
- Make 1-inch balls with the cookie dough using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop or measure out about 2 tablespoons of dough and shape into balls. Then, roll the balls in the cinnamon sugar and apple cider drink mix mixture.
- Place the cookie balls on parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheets. Bake for 11 minutes or until edges are set are barely golden. They will still be soft in the center but will firm up when cooled.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet 1 minute before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Notes
Stir in ½ cup finely chopped apple. No need to peel them! Stir in ½ cup caramel bits for a Caramel Apple Cider Cookies recipe. Make your own cinnamon sugar: 2 tablespoons granulated sugar + ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
Nutrition
Nutrition analysis on GritsAndGouda.com recipes are mostly calculated on an online nutrition calculator. I am not a dietitian and nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on products used.
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