Reduce cider before measuring the glaze; using the full liquid amount makes it too thin to set on the rings.
Pressed shortbread rings bake pale and crisp before receiving a thin glaze made with reduced apple cider and a pinch of cinnamon.
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Apple Cider Glazed Shortbread Rings Recipe
Follow the tray sizes, portions and baking intervals in the instructions below.
Total time includes hands-on preparation, required chilling or resting, whole-batch cooking, cooling and finishing.
Kitchen tools you’ll need
- small saucepan
- mixer
- rolling pin
- ring cutters
- baking sheets
- pastry brush
Ingredients
US measures are approximate. Gram weights help keep portions consistent; spice weights vary with density.
Instructions
Cool and finish
- Cool and finish: Simmer cider until reduced to 2 tablespoons and cool.
Make the dough or filling
- Make the dough or filling: Beat butter and sugar smooth; mix in flour and salt.
Chill the dough
- Chill the dough: Roll dough to 1/4 inch, chill 25 minutes and cut 24 rings with a small center opening.
Bake and set
- Bake and set: Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 15–18 minutes until set and pale gold.
Cool and finish
- Cool and finish: Whisk reduced cider with glaze sugar and cinnamon; brush a thin layer over cooled rings and let dry fully.
Chef’s Science & Pro Tips
Ingredient science
Cool the reduction completely before mixing it into the glaze sugar.
Technique & texture
Cut a generous center hole because the dough can close it slightly as it bakes.
Finishing & serving
Apply a thin glaze and allow it to dry before stacking.
Storage and make-ahead
| Method | How long | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | up to 4 days | Airtight at room temperature up to 4 days once glaze is dry. |
| Refrigeration | As described | No refrigeration needed. humidity can soften glaze. |
| Raw freezing | up to 1 month | Freeze unglazed shaped rings up to 1 month. bake from frozen with 2 extra minutes. |
| Baked freezing | up to 2 months | Freeze baked, unglazed rings up to 2 months. |
| Restoring | As described | Thaw fully, then glaze and dry before packing. |
Notes
- Scale ingredients, including US measures, without changing cookie size or oven temperature. Extra trays increase whole-batch time.
Nutrition
Approximate values per portion from the listed ingredient weights divided into 24 equal portions. Includes required fillings and finishes. Brands, unused coatings and actual portion size affect the estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can apple juice replace cider?
Yes; reduce unsweetened apple juice to the same final quantity.
Why is the glaze runny?
The cider was not reduced enough or the cookies were still warm; adjust with sugar and glaze only when cool.
Can I make these without glaze?
Yes; the rings are lightly sweet and crisp plain.
Browse more cookie ideas in the Christmas Shortbread Cookies collection.
