Soft Batch Apple Cider Gingersnap Cookies

If you’re looking for the ultimate fall treat, let me introduce you to my Soft Batch Apple Cider Gingersnap Cookies. These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced with the warmth of ginger and cinnamon. Every bite is like a cozy hug on a chilly day! I love making these cookies for family gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or even just as a sweet pick-me-up during a busy week. They’re gluten-free and made with wholesome ingredients that everyone can enjoy.

Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that captures the essence of autumn. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up that you’ll want to make them again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, even beginner bakers can create magic in their kitchens.
• Family-Friendly: These cookies are a hit with both kids and adults alike, making them perfect for any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of apple cider and spices makes these cookies uniquely delicious—perfect for fall!
• Gluten-Free Delight: Everyone can indulge without worry thanks to this gluten-free recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted to know that these cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s gather everything we need to create these delicious Soft Batch Apple Cider Gingersnap Cookies!

For the Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup butter (softened to room temperature)
• 1-1/2 cups sugar (divided)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2-1/3 cups gluten free baking flour blend WITH binder (see notes)
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra indulgent treat, fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips before chilling the dough.
• Use Different Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist on flavor.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture for a vegan version.
• Incorporate Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

How to Make Soft Batch Apple Cider Gingersnap Cookies

Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming together your softened butter and 1 cup of sugar in a mixing bowl on high speed until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that lovely soft texture. Once fluffy, add in the applesauce, apple cider, molasses, egg, and vanilla. Mix until combined—don’t worry if it looks a bit curdled; that’s perfectly normal!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the rest of your dry ingredients: gluten-free flour blend, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt. This helps ensure everything is evenly distributed before adding it to your wet mixture.

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet mixture in three batches. This method keeps your dough from becoming too dense. Mix until just combined before adding more; over-mixing can lead to tough cookies! Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight—this step will help firm up your dough.

Step 4: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while you prepare your baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough into a bowl filled with the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar. Roll each portion to coat in sugar before placing them on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes but keep an eye on them—they’re best when they’re soft rather than overbaked!

Once baked, allow them to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them onto cooling racks. Enjoy this delightful treat fresh out of the oven or later as they become even chewier!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Batch Apple Cider Gingersnap Cookies

Baking these cookies can be a delightful experience, and with a few helpful tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least two hours helps to firm it up, making it easier to handle and ensuring your cookies maintain their soft and chewy texture.

• Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop allows for uniform cookie sizes, which ensures even baking. This will help all your cookies come out of the oven perfectly golden and delicious.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so measuring your ingredients precisely will give you the best results. Too much flour or sugar can lead to dry or overly sweet cookies.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they’re in the oven! They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out. They’ll continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can give these cookies an extra flavor boost.

How to Serve Soft Batch Apple Cider Gingersnap Cookies

Serving these delightful cookies is just as fun as baking them! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night at home, here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top right before serving adds an inviting sweetness that complements the spices in the cookies.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, serve these cookies alongside a dollop of whipped coconut cream. It adds a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the spiced flavors of the gingersnaps.

Side Dishes

• Apple Slices with Nut Butter: Fresh apple slices served with almond or peanut butter offer a crisp contrast to the soft cookies and make for a wholesome side.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: The warm flavors of pumpkin spice pair beautifully with these gingersnap cookies, creating a comforting fall-inspired treat.
• Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa makes for a cozy pairing that balances the spicy notes of your cookies.
• Caramel Corn: The sweet crunchiness of caramel corn complements the chewy texture of the gingersnap cookies perfectly, providing a great variety in flavors and textures.

Enjoy these Soft Batch Apple Cider Gingersnap Cookies with friends and family—they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Batch Apple Cider Gingersnap Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent treat to whip up ahead of time. With the right storage methods, you can enjoy these delicious cookies for days or even weeks!

Storing Leftovers

• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.
• For added moisture, you can place a slice of bread in the container.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, use the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but keep an eye on them to avoid overheating.

FAQs

If you’re curious about these delightful cookies, here are some common questions people have!

Can I make Soft Batch Apple Cider Gingersnap Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is already designed to be gluten-free using a gluten-free baking flour blend with a binder.

How long do Soft Batch Apple Cider Gingersnap Cookies last?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they will remain fresh for up to one week.

What makes these cookies soft and chewy?

The combination of butter, applesauce, and molasses gives these cookies their signature soft batch texture.

Can I substitute any ingredients in the Soft Batch Apple Cider Gingersnap Cookies recipe?

Yes! You can experiment with different sweeteners or add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips while keeping the base of the recipe intact.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Soft Batch Apple Cider Gingersnap Cookies as much as I do! They’re not only soft and chewy but also filled with warm autumn flavors that are sure to bring a smile. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them during a cozy evening at home, these cookies are bound to be a hit. Happy baking!