Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups apple cider
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 3 tablespoons for rolling
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons finely chopped red and green crispy apple chips, plus whole chips for garnish
  • 2 teaspoons apple pie spice

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Heat the cider in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil.
  • Continue to cook until syrupy and reduced to about 2 tablespoons, 12 to 14 minutes.
  • Set aside to cool slightly.
  • Whisk the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl until smooth.
  • Beat the butter with 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar and the light brown sugar in a separate bowl on medium-high speed until fluffy and smooth, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Beat in the reduced cider and the egg (the mixture may look slightly curdled).
  • Stir in the flour mixture and 1/4 cup of the chopped apple chips until combined.
  • Stir together the remaining 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of chopped apple chips and the apple pie spice in a small bowl.
  • Roll heaping tablespoons of dough into balls, using lightly moistened hands if the dough is too sticky, and then roll in the spiced sugar mixture.
  • Place the dough balls 3 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets and top with a few pieces of whole apple chips.
  • Bake until the edges are just set but centers are still soft, 11 to 13 minutes, rotating pans halfway through the baking time.
  • Cool 2 to 3 minutes on the baking sheet, and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.