Caramel Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a fall-inspired treat that bursts with cozy flavors, then these Caramel Apple Cider Cookies are exactly what you need to add a little magic to your day. Imagine tender, spiced cookies infused with the sweet tang of apple cider, studded with chewy dried apple pieces, and finished with a luscious drizzle of caramel sauce that melts right into every bite. These cookies perfectly capture the essence of autumn in a way that’s both comforting and delightfully unexpected, becoming an instant favorite for anyone who takes a bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together for these Caramel Apple Cider Cookies, each playing a crucial role in creating their signature flavor, texture, and inviting aroma. From the spice blend that infuses warmth to the apple cider that adds a subtle tang, every component is essential.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, giving the cookies structure and the perfect softness.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them light and tender.
- Ground cinnamon: A classic fall spice that delivers cozy warmth and depth.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of sweetness and spice to complement the cinnamon.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps give the edges a slight crisp.
- Brown sugar: Adds moistness and a caramel-like undertone to the cookies.
- Apple cider: Infuses the dough with natural apple flavor and a subtle tang.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients together while adding moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, fragrant note.
- Dried apples: Provide chewy bursts of real apple flavor in every bite.
- Caramel sauce: The crowning glory, drizzled on top for rich, gooey sweetness.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cider Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking, setting the stage for perfectly shaped cookies.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This blend not only builds the base of the cookie dough but also distributes the spices evenly to every bite, creating those signature warm notes.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter along with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is essential for creating a tender crumb and adding a subtle caramel richness from the brown sugar.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until everything is smoothly combined, adding moisture and a fragrant sweetness that ties the cookie flavors together.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients with Apple Cider
Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, alternating with the apple cider. This method helps keep the dough tender and moist, while the cider brings a fresh apple essence that makes these cookies truly stand out.
Step 6: Fold in the Dried Apples
Gently fold the chopped dried apples into the dough, distributing them evenly. These chewy bits provide bursts of real apple flavor and a lovely texture contrast.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space for them to spread a bit. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges turn golden—this is your cue that the cookies are perfectly baked with a soft center and slightly crisp edges.
Step 8: Cool and Drizzle with Caramel
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to set before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle with the luscious caramel sauce, letting it settle and add that irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cider Cookies
Garnishes
While the caramel drizzle is the star, sprinkling a bit of flaky sea salt on top can enhance the sweetness and add a delightful pop of flavor. You can also dust a pinch of cinnamon sugar for an elegant touch that complements the autumnal spices.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced tea or a freshly brewed apple cider latte. For a decadent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the chewy texture and rich caramel.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, stack the Caramel Apple Cider Cookies on a rustic wooden board, garnished with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Alternatively, sandwich the cookies with a thin layer of cream cheese frosting or additional caramel sauce for an indulgent twist everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Caramel Apple Cider Cookies fresh, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay wonderfully soft and chewy for up to 4 days, perfect for nibbling throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months, and you can thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, gently reheat them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and gives the caramel a lovely melty finish.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of dried apples?
Fresh apples have a higher moisture content and may affect the cookie texture, making them softer and potentially spreading more during baking. Dried apples are preferred for their concentrated flavor and chewy texture, but if you want to try fresh, consider chopping them very small and reducing other liquids slightly.
Is there a substitute for apple cider in the recipe?
If you don’t have apple cider on hand, you can use apple juice or even a spiced tea as a substitute. Just keep in mind that apple cider adds a bit of tanginess and spice, so adjust the sweetness accordingly if you swap it out.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Preparing the dough a day in advance and chilling it in the fridge allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature slightly before scooping and baking.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you can substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but be aware that results may vary slightly in texture.
How can I make these cookies more festive for holidays?
Add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the dough for extra crunch, or drizzle festive-colored white chocolate alongside the caramel for a cheerful look. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also make these cookies sparkle on holiday dessert tables.
Final Thoughts
These Caramel Apple Cider Cookies are honestly one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again because they feel like a warm hug in cookie form. Their perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and chewy apple chunks makes them not just a treat but a memorable experience. Give this recipe a try, and soon enough, these cookies will become your go-to for sharing a little bit of autumn joy with friends and family.
Print
Caramel Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with these Caramel Apple Cider Cookies. These soft and chewy cookies combine the spiced essence of apple cider and cinnamon with sweet dried apples and rich caramel drizzles, making an irresistible treat perfect for cozy afternoons and holiday 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 & Toppings
- 1 cup dried apples, chopped
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture until fully incorporated, adding moisture and richness to the dough.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with apple cider, mixing gently until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
- Fold in dried apples: Gently fold in the chopped dried apples to distribute the fruity bursts evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape cookies: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them adequately to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn golden brown and centers are set.
- Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Drizzle caramel sauce: Once cookies are cool, drizzle additional caramel sauce on top and allow it to set slightly before serving to add a luscious finishing touch.
Notes
- Use dried apples instead of fresh to prevent excess moisture in the cookies, maintaining a chewy texture.
- If apple cider is unavailable, a mixture of apple juice with a pinch of ground cinnamon can be a substitute.
- For a stronger caramel flavor, consider warming the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.
- To freeze, place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: caramel apple cider cookies, fall cookies, apple cinnamon cookies, caramel drizzle dessert, spiced cookies
