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
Scale
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
