Fall is the season for cozy sweaters, colorful leaves, and the sweet, spiced flavors that warm you from the inside out. Imagine capturing the essence of autumn in a single bite—that’s exactly what you get with these Caramel Apple Cider Cookies. They’re the perfect blend of sweet, tangy apple cider and buttery caramel, all wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, baking for a holiday, or just indulging in a seasonal treat, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.
These cookies are not only delicious but also fill your kitchen with the most incredible aroma as they bake, thanks to the apple cider and spices. With a hint of cinnamon and a gooey caramel center, each bite is like a mini apple cider donut experience, making them the ultimate comfort cookie. The best part? They’re easy to make, yet impressive enough to share, bringing all the warmth of autumn right to your table.
Recipe Summary: Caramel Apple Cider Cookies combine the tart sweetness of apple cider with the rich, buttery flavor of caramel in a soft, chewy cookie. Infused with cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg, these cookies are a perfect fall treat, reminiscent of apple cider donuts but with a decadent caramel twist. They’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy, making them a must-try for anyone who loves the flavors of autumn.
Personal Story: In our family, fall isn’t complete without a batch of these Caramel Apple Cider Cookies. The first time I made them, my husband walked into the kitchen and said it smelled like a cozy fall day in a bakery. Our little ones love helping to unwrap the caramel candies and pressing them into the dough. Watching their faces light up when they take their first bite of these gooey, caramel-filled cookies is a joy. These cookies have quickly become a seasonal tradition, and we look forward to making them every year as soon as the leaves start to change.
Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Cider Cookies:
Selling Points:
- Seasonal Flavor: The combination of apple cider and caramel perfectly captures the essence of fall.
- Gooey Center: Each cookie has a surprise caramel center that oozes with every bite.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for any baker.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are always a hit at parties, gatherings, or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a warm cup of cider.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cider Cookies:
- Prepare the Dough: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Flavor the Dough: Add in the apple cider drink mix packets (yes, all 10 of them) and mix until fully combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Press a caramel candy into the center of the dough ball, making sure to completely encase the caramel with dough. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the centers to stay soft and chewy. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy: These cookies are best enjoyed warm, when the caramel is still gooey and melty. Serve with a glass of milk or a warm cup of apple cider for the ultimate fall treat.
Tips:
- Caramel Tips: Be sure to completely encase the caramel in the dough to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: If you want that gooey caramel experience after the cookies have cooled, microwave a cookie for about 10 seconds before eating.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Apple Butter Filling: Instead of caramel, try filling the cookies with a small spoonful of apple butter for a different twist.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for an even more spiced flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Make a Healthier Version:
- Reduce Sugar: Cut back on the sugar by using a sugar substitute or reducing the amount by 1/4 cup.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
Closing: And there you have it! A batch of Caramel Apple Cider Cookies that will fill your home with the warm, comforting scents of fall and satisfy your sweet tooth with every bite. These cookies are a true autumnal delight, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on a cozy evening. Be sure to share your baking adventures with us, and don’t forget to check out our other seasonal recipes for more inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use apple cider instead of apple cider drink mix?
No, the drink mix adds concentrated flavor and is essential for this recipe. - Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Just add a couple of minutes to the baking time when baking from frozen. - How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out?
Make sure the caramel is fully encased in the dough and chill the dough balls before baking to help them hold their shape. - Can I use other types of caramel?
Soft caramels work best, but you can experiment with different brands or homemade caramel. - What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping the cookies. - Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, these cookies can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container.
Caramel Apple Cider Cookies
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal1
hour10
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 cup 1 unsalted butter, softened
1 cup 1 granulated sugar
1/2 cup 1/2 brown sugar, packed
1 1 box (7.4 oz) instant apple cider drink mix (10 packets)
2 large 2 eggs
1 teaspoon 1 vanilla extract
3 cups 3 all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon 1 baking soda
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 baking powder
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 salt
1 bag 1 (14 oz) soft caramels, unwrapped
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Flavor the Dough: Add in the apple cider drink mix packets (yes, all 10 of them) and mix until fully combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Press a caramel candy into the center of the dough ball, making sure to completely encase the caramel with dough. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the centers to stay soft and chewy. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy: These cookies are best enjoyed warm, when the caramel is still gooey and melty. Serve with a glass of milk or a warm cup of apple cider for the ultimate fall treat.
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