Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.

Reduce 1 cup of apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat until about 1/4 cup remains, around 10-15 minutes.

In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in 1 large egg and the cooled reduced apple cider until combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1 tsp of baking soda, 1 tsp of cinnamon, 1/2 tsp of nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp of salt.

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Fold in optional ingredients like chopped apples or walnuts if desired.

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.

Bake cookies for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.