Begin by pouring 2 cups of apple cider into a saucepan over medium-high heat. Allow it to boil, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced to about ¼ cup. This process usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Once reduced, remove from heat and let it cool completely before using it in your cookie dough.

In a separate pan, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat, watching closely as it turns a beautiful golden brown. Stir continuously to prevent burning; this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned and fragrant, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a bowl to cool slightly before chilling in the refrigerator until it thickens, approximately 30 minutes.

While the butter is chilling, gather a mixing bowl and whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon each of ground ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg, along with a pinch of salt.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled brown butter and 1 cup of brown sugar. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once fluffy, add in 2 room-temperature eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Pour the cooled reduced apple cider and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula until just combined. This should create a slightly sticky dough.

Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop out portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. First, roll each ball in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar.

Arrange the dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until puffed and the edges look set but the centers might still appear soft.