Savory Brown Butter Wassail Cookies Recipe

The scent of spiced apple cider simmering on the stove instantly transports me back to childhood holidays. I wanted to capture that exact cozy feeling in a handheld treat, which led to these soft Brown Butter Wassail Cookies.

By combining nutty browned butter with brandy-soaked dried apples, you get a depth of flavor that feels sophisticated yet nostalgic. The result is a chewy, spiced sweet that tastes exactly like Christmas morning feels.

What Makes These Brown Butter Wassail Cookies So Special

There is something undeniably comforting about the mix of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and allspice. These cookies deliver that classic holiday warmth in every single bite.

You can easily freeze the dough ahead of time, making holiday prep incredibly stress-free. I often keep a batch ready to bake whenever unexpected guests drop by.

The texture balances perfectly between chewy edges and a soft center, topped with a sweet glaze that cracks when you bite into it. It is a texture lover’s dream come true.

If you enjoyed this spiced treat, my Easy Caramel Apple Cookies offer another fantastic way to use autumn fruit. For more seasonal baking, the Easy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are always a hit with guests.

Everything You Need for Brown Butter Wassail Cookies

Here is a look at the pantry staples and fresh items required for this recipe:

• Dried apples: You will need apple rings chopped finely to rehydrate in the liquid.
• Apple cider: This forms the base for soaking the fruit and flavoring the glaze.
• Brandy: Adds a rich depth to the soaking liquid, though you can use extra cider instead.
• Unsalted butter: We brown this to create a nutty, toasted flavor base.
• Spices: A blend of ground cinnamon, ginger, and allspice provides the signature warmth.
• Citrus zest: Fresh lemon and orange zest brighten the heavy spices.
• Sugars: A mix of dark brown sugar and granulated sugar creates the perfect texture.
• Flour: Standard all-purpose flour forms the structure of the cookie.
• Egg: One large egg binds the dough together.
• Baking soda and powder: These leavening agents help the cookies puff and spread correctly.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Essential for creating the smooth finishing glaze.

My Method for Brown Butter Wassail Cookies

Let’s get the dough ready and the oven preheated:

1. Bring the apple cider to a simmer, then stir in chopped apples and brandy. Cover and let them soak for at least 30 minutes to rehydrate.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, cooking for 6 to 8 minutes until solids turn brown and smell nutty.
3. Whisk the spices and vanilla into the hot butter to bloom them, then whisk in the citrus zest.
4. Add the brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and egg to the butter mixture, whisking until well combined.
5. Drain the apples thoroughly and stir them into the wet mixture.
6. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then stir into the wet ingredients until just combined.
7. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to firm it up.
8. Scoop 2-tablespoon balls, roll them in the remaining granulated sugar, and bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
9. Whisk confectioners’ sugar with reserved soaking liquid and drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.

Pro Tips for Brown Butter Wassail Cookies

Be sure to drain the apples thoroughly after soaking so your dough doesn’t become too wet. I gently press them against the sieve mesh to extract extra liquid for the glaze.

When making Brown Butter Wassail Cookies, watch the butter closely as it transitions from brown to burnt very quickly. Once it smells toasted and amber specks appear, pour it into a cool bowl immediately.

If your glaze feels too thick to drizzle, add the reserved liquid just one teaspoon at a time. It should flow slowly off a spoon for the prettiest finish.

Best Ways to Serve Brown Butter Wassail Cookies

These cookies taste incredible when served alongside a hot mug of mulled cider or coffee. The warmth of the drink brings out the citrus notes in the Brown Butter Wassail Cookies.

I like to arrange them on a festive platter for holiday parties since the glaze sets firm. They travel well and look elegant without needing complicated decoration.