The Magic of Apple Cider: 10 Recipes to Sweeten Your Holiday Season

ByHeather Schiefelbein

As the holiday season arrives, kitchens everywhere fill with the aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and simmering apple cider. This humble drink isn’t just for sipping around the fire—it’s a versatile ingredient that brings warmth, sweetness, and depth to countless dishes. From savory glazes to indulgent desserts, apple cider captures the very essence of fall and winter, making it the perfect culinary companion for holiday cooking.

Below, we’ve gathered ten festive recipes that showcase the magic of apple cider. Each one brings its own charm to the holiday table—whether you’re preparing a feast for friends, baking treats with the kids, or simply cozying up with a warm mug in hand.

1. Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet, sear chicken on both sides until golden.
  3. Whisk apple cider, mustard, garlic, and thyme in a bowl.
  4. Pour mixture into skillet, reduce heat, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until chicken is cooked and cider thickens into a glaze.
  5. Spoon glaze over chicken before serving.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, approx.):
Calories: 285 | Protein: 29g | Fat: 11g | Carbs: 15g

2. Apple Cider Braised Pork Tenderloin

Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size: 1 slice (about 5 oz)
Ingredients:

  • 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 lb each)
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Season pork with salt, pepper, and rosemary.
  3. Heat oil and butter in a Dutch oven, sear pork until browned.
  4. Add onions and cook until softened.
  5. Pour in apple cider, cover, and transfer to oven.
  6. Bake 25–30 minutes until pork reaches 145°F internal temperature.
  7. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 32g | Fat: 11g | Carbs: 10g

3. Apple Cider Doughnuts

Yield: 12 doughnuts
Serving Size: 1 doughnut
Ingredients:

  • 1 cup apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup buttermilk

For coating:

  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Simmer cider until reduced to ½ cup; cool.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, soda, spices, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar, add eggs, cider, and buttermilk.
  4. Stir in dry ingredients; dough will be sticky.
  5. Chill for 1 hour.
  6. Roll dough and cut into doughnuts.
  7. Fry at 350°F until golden (about 2 min each side).
  8. Toss in cinnamon sugar while warm.

Nutritional Facts (per doughnut):
Calories: 220 | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 38g | Protein: 4g

4. Apple Cider Caramel Sauce

Yield: 1 cup
Serving Size: 2 tbsp
Ingredients:

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 6 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Simmer cider until reduced to ¼ cup.
  2. In a saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat until golden.
  3. Stir in butter and reduced cider.
  4. Slowly whisk in cream.
  5. Simmer until thickened.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):
Calories: 140 | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 20g | Protein: 0g

5. Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Yield: 1 cup
Serving Size: 2 tbsp
Ingredients:

  • ½ cup apple cider
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Whisk cider, mustard, honey, and vinegar.
  2. Slowly whisk in olive oil.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):
Calories: 90 | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 6g | Protein: 0g

6. Apple Cider Beef Stew

Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat
  • 3 cups apple cider
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 potatoes, cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Coat beef with flour, sear in oil until browned.
  2. Add onion, cook 3 minutes.
  3. Stir in cider, broth, tomato paste, carrots, and potatoes.
  4. Add bay leaves, season, and simmer 2 hours until tender.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 33g | Fat: 15g | Carbs: 38g

7. Apple Cider Brined Turkey

Yield: Serves 10–12
Serving Size: 6 oz turkey
Ingredients:

  • 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
  • 1 gallon apple cider
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 4 sprigs rosemary
  • 2 tbsp peppercorns

Instructions:

  1. Combine cider, salt, sugar, garlic, rosemary, and peppercorns.
  2. Submerge turkey, refrigerate 12–24 hours.
  3. Remove turkey, rinse, and pat dry.
  4. Roast turkey as desired.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 40g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 6g

8. Warm Spiced Apple Cider Punch

Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: 1 cup
Ingredients:

  • 2 quarts apple cider
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 6 cloves
  • 1-inch ginger piece, sliced
  • Optional: ½ cup rum or bourbon

Instructions:

  1. Combine cider, orange, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger in a pot.
  2. Simmer for 20 minutes.
  3. Strain and serve warm.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, non-alcoholic):
Calories: 110 | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 28g | Protein: 0g

9. Apple Cider Muffins

Yield: 12 muffins
Serving Size: 1 muffin
Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups flour
  • ½ cup apple cider
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup applesauce
  • ¼ cup butter, melted

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
  3. In another bowl, whisk egg, sugar, applesauce, butter, and cider.
  4. Combine and spoon into muffin tins.
  5. Bake 18–20 minutes.

Nutritional Facts (per muffin):
Calories: 160 | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 26g | Protein: 3g

10. Apple Cider BBQ Sauce

Yield: 2 cups
Serving Size: 2 tbsp
Ingredients:

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
  2. Simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.
  3. Use on ribs, chicken, or pulled pork.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):
Calories: 45 | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 11g | Protein: 0g

A Holiday Ingredient Worth Celebrating

From savory meats to sweet indulgences, apple cider has a way of weaving warmth into holiday cooking. Whether you’re basting a turkey, stirring up a comforting stew, or simply sipping a steaming mug, this seasonal staple brings coziness to every dish it touches. Add a splash of apple cider to your kitchen this holiday season and discover just how versatile and magical it can be.

As an author for CyrusRamsey.com, I specialize in interviewing restaurant owners to uncover the unique stories behind their culinary creations. Through these in-depth conversations, I dive into diverse culinary cultures and traditions, bringing fresh insights to my readers. I am dedicated to researching the most accurate and up-to-date information, ensuring my articles are rich, authentic, and informative for both modern food lovers and those who appreciate the classic, old-fashioned ways of cooking. I strive to create content that offers a little something for everyone, from seasoned foodies to kids who love joining us in the kitchen. Blending current trends with timeless techniques, I aim to make my writing relatable and engaging, whether I’m exploring a trendy eatery or revisiting beloved recipes. My goal is to provide an inclusive, enjoyable reading experience that leaves readers inspired to try something new.

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