Caramel Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy autumn treat or something that perfectly blends the warm spices of fall with a touch of sweet indulgence, these Caramel Apple Cider Cookies are your new best friend. Soft, chewy, and bursting with the flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg, each bite melts in your mouth with delightful pockets of chewy dried apples and luscious caramel drizzles. This recipe combines the nostalgic taste of apple cider with the irresistible charm of caramel, making Caramel Apple Cider Cookies an absolute must-bake for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Caramel Apple Cider Cookies lies in their simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a key role—from the warm spices that bring seasonal charm to the moist apple cider that keeps every cookie exceptionally tender.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies, creating a soft but sturdy base.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right, contributing to a perfect texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that quintessential fall warmth and aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Gives a subtle hint of spice that deepens the cookie’s flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Keeps the cookies tender and flavorful without overpowering them.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that slight caramelization on the edges.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and a rich, molasses-y depth to each bite.
- 1/4 cup apple cider: Infuses the cookies with genuine apple cider flavor, sealing in moisture.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors and adds warmth.
- 1 cup dried apples, chopped: Gives delightful chewy bursts and intensifies the apple essence.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling): The ultimate finishing touch for sweetness and decadent gooeyness.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cider Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This prep might seem small, but it sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. These dry ingredients carry all the foundational flavors and make sure your cookies have the right texture and spice balance.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air, helping the cookies rise to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is seamlessly combined. The egg adds richness and structure, while the vanilla amplifies all the amazing flavors going on here.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures with Apple Cider
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the apple cider. This alternating method helps maintain the dough’s moisture and prevents overmixing, which keeps these Caramel Apple Cider Cookies wonderfully soft.
Step 6: Fold in the Dried Apples
Gently fold in the chopped dried apples. These little bursts of chewy sweetness really elevate the cookies and echo that authentic apple cider vibe in every bite.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them out comfortably to let them spread and bake evenly. Pop them into your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden shade that promises the inside is soft and pillowy.
Step 8: Cool and Drizzle
Let your cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle each cookie generously with caramel sauce and let it set – that luscious caramel finish is the crowning glory.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cider Cookies
Garnishes
To take your Caramel Apple Cider Cookies from great to show-stopping, try topping them with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a tiny dusting of cinnamon sugar. This contrast highlights the caramel’s sweetness and adds a bit of texture that’s irresistible.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced tea, rich coffee, or even a creamy latte. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or spiced whipped cream for a dessert experience anyone will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange a batch of these cookies on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh apple slices and mini caramel pots for dipping. Or stack them tied with a cozy ribbon to gift to friends—you’re essentially sharing a warm hug through baked goods.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Caramel Apple Cider Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them soft and chewy – just like they are fresh from the oven.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll hold their flavor and texture well for up to three months—perfect for spontaneous cozy cravings.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, simply warm them in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds. This revives their softness and the caramel drizzle’s gooey charm makes it feel like they were just baked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of dried apples?
Fresh apples have more moisture and could change the dough’s texture, making it too wet. Dried apples give that chewy sweetness without affecting the dough’s consistency.
Is there a substitute for apple cider in the recipe?
If you don’t have apple cider, you can use unsweetened apple juice or a mixture of water and a splash of apple extract. However, apple cider’s natural spices add a depth that’s hard to replicate.
How do I make my caramel drizzle look neat?
Use a small spoon or a piping bag to control the drizzle. For cleaner lines, chill the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling so it’s less runny.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Just ensure it has xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.
What’s the best way to keep cookies moist?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or an apple slice inside. The moisture from these keeps your cookies soft and fresh longer.
Final Thoughts
These Caramel Apple Cider Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a little celebration of everything wonderful about fall baked into a soft, chewy bundle of goodness. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these cookies deliver joy in every bite. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your baking rotation that you’ll look forward to all year long.
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Caramel Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caramel Apple Cider Cookies are a delightful fall-inspired treat combining the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg with the fruity sweetness of dried apples and the rich smoothness of caramel. Soft, chewy, and bursting with autumn flavors, these cookies are perfect for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins and Toppings
- 1 cup dried apples, chopped
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps give the cookies a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the apple cider. This creates a dough that is moist and flavorful with apple cider undertones.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the chopped dried apples, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving adequate space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown, signaling they are cooked through.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for several minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Drizzle with Caramel: Once cooled, drizzle each cookie with additional caramel sauce and let it set, adding a decadent finishing touch.
Notes
- For softer cookies, avoid overbaking and remove them as soon as the edges turn golden.
- Use high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor impact or make homemade caramel for a richer taste.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Optional: sprinkle a pinch of sea salt atop the caramel drizzle for a salted caramel twist.
- Dried apples can be substituted with fresh apples, but reduce the apple cider slightly to adjust moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: caramel apple cider cookies, autumn cookies, fall dessert, cinnamon cookies, caramel drizzle
