Name: Cozy Up with Chewy Caramel Apple Cider Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 0.5 cups Unsalted Butter (softened); 0.5 cups Granulated Sugar; 0.5 cups Brown Sugar; 1 Egg; 0.5 cups Apple Cider (high-quality preferred); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; 0.25 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (can substitute with allspice); 1 cups Caramel Pieces (fully enclosed); 0.5 cups Dried Apples (chopped small)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The scent of autumn is upon us, and there’s nothing quite like it to inspire a cozy baking session. That’s why I’m excited to share my recipe for Soft Caramel Apple Cider Cookies! These delightful treats blend the warm, familiar flavors of apple cider and spices, with a gooey caramel surprise hidden inside. Perfect for a chill fall day, these cookies come together in just 35 minutes, making them an easy go-to for gatherings or simply snuggling up at home with a hot beverage. Not only do they fill your kitchen with a comforting aroma, but their soft, chewy texture will have everyone reaching for seconds. Ready to indulge in this sweet and spiced nostalgia? Let’s get baking!

Why Are These Cookies a Must-Try?

Irresistible Flavors: Each bite captures the essence of fall, with apple cider and warm spices creating a cozy sensation.
Gooey Surprise: Hidden caramel pieces elevate these cookies to a delightful new level, offering a sweet burst that friends and family will love.
Quick Prep Time: Ready in just 35 minutes, they’re perfect for last-minute gatherings or an effortless dessert option on a cozy night in.
Versatile Baking: Whether you serve them with a cup of hot cider or enjoy them on their own, they’re sure to please any crowd.
Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples at your fingertips, making these Caramel Apple Cider Cookies has never been easier!

Caramel Apple Cider Cookies Ingredients

• Gather these simple ingredients to create a delightful autumn treat!

For the Cookie Dough

Apple Cider – Provides essential flavor and moisture; opt for high-quality cider for richer taste.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cookie, giving it a perfect chewy texture.
Baking Soda – Acts as the leavening agent for a light and fluffy cookie.
Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and brings the familiar flavor of fall to the cookies.
Ground Nutmeg – Enhances the overall spice profile; can substitute with allspice for a different twist.
Unsalted Butter – Imparts richness and flavor; feel free to use vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough, creating a delightful balance with the caramel.
Brown Sugar – Provides moisture and a hint of caramel flavor; a must for depth.
Egg – Binds all the ingredients together, but a flax egg can be a great vegan alternative.
Caramel Pieces – The gooey surprise in the center; make sure they’re fully enclosed in dough to avoid leaks.
Dried Apples – Adds extra flavor and texture; chop them small for better distribution throughout the cookies.

Indulge in the essence of fall with these Caramel Apple Cider Cookies!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial to ensure that your Caramel Apple Cider Cookies bake evenly and achieve that lovely chewy texture. While the oven warms, gather your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup after baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step adds air to the dough, crucial for achieving that perfect cookie structure!

Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in 1 large egg and ½ cup of apple cider into the creamed mixture. Continue mixing until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth and cohesive dough. The apple cider not only infuses flavor but helps create a moist texture in your cookies that pairs wonderfully with the caramel.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices, ensuring each bite of your Caramel Apple Cider Cookies is full of flavor.

Step 5: Fold Dry into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Look for a soft dough that clings together nicely—a perfect canvas for your delicious caramel centers!

Step 6: Incorporate Dried Apples
Gently fold in about ½ cup of chopped dried apples into the cookie dough. This adds delightful pockets of flavor and chewy texture throughout your Caramel Apple Cider Cookies. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed for a consistent taste in every bite.

Step 7: Chill the Dough
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie. It’s a great time to clean up your workspace or prepare your favorite beverage!

Step 8: Form the Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, use a cookie scoop or spoon to take portions of dough and pinch a piece of caramel inside each. Roll the dough into balls, ensuring that the caramel is fully enclosed to prevent leaks during baking. Place the formed cookies onto your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should turn lightly golden around the edges while remaining soft in the center. This is the time when your kitchen will be filled with the delightful scent of autumn baking!

Step 10: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps to set the cookies while maintaining that chewy texture inside, ready to be enjoyed warm with your favorite fall drink.

Caramel Apple Cider Cookies Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists on the classic recipe, transforming every batch into something truly unique!

Apple Juice: Substitute apple cider with apple juice if you’re in a pinch—it’ll still provide a lovely apple flavor!
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves for an extra spicy flavor that brings a warming sensation, perfect for fall!
Homemade Caramel Sauce: For a personal touch, use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought pieces, enhancing richness and flavor.
Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for a delightful nutty flavor and nice crunch.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a safe and delicious alternative, ensuring everyone can indulge.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing these cookies with a cup of hot apple cider for a delightful autumn treat. You can even explore variations like using pumpkin spice in the mix for a seasonal twist!

Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an indulgent finish that complements the apple and caramel beautifully.
Dried Cranberries: Add chopped dried cranberries to the dough for a tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the cookies.

What to Serve with Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

Warm your heart and home with delightful side pairings that elevate the experience of these autumnal treats.

Hot Apple Cider: This quintessential fall beverage perfectly complements the flavors of the cookies, enriching your cozy moment with warm spiced warmth. Imagine sipping on the sweet, fragrant cider as you indulge in a cookie’s chewy goodness!
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the warm cookies, creating a luscious texture and sweet balance that make every bite feel like a seasonal celebration.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Bring in the spirit of fall with a fragrant pumpkin spice latte that harmonizes beautifully with the apple cider and cinnamon notes of the cookies—a match made in autumn heaven.
Maple Glazed Pecans: The crunch and rich flavor of these glazed pecans add a wonderful nutty texture that complements the soft cookies perfectly. You might even find them as a lovely garnish atop your favorite dessert!
Tea: A comforting cup of spiced chai or herbal tea serves as a perfect counterpart to the cookies, enhancing the cozy vibe with each sip and nibble.
Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra special touch, warm some chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies before serving. The combination of chocolate with caramel and apple flavors is sure to impress your guests.
Autumn Salad: Pair with a fresh salad featuring roasted butternut squash, goat cheese, and candied walnuts for a taste of fall that contrasts with the sweetness of the cookies, creating a well-rounded meal experience.
Milk: Don’t underestimate the classic pairing of a glass of cold milk—whether dairy or plant-based, it enhances the flavor and texture of the cookies, making every bite even more delicious.

Make Ahead Options

These Caramel Apple Cider Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 48 hours in advance by mixing the wet and dry ingredients, then chilling the dough in the refrigerator. For even more convenience, you can form the cookies into balls and refrigerate them on the baking sheet for up to 24 hours. Just remember to enclose the caramel well to prevent leaks. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake right from the fridge, knowing you’ll have warm, soft cookies that are just as delicious as if they’d been made fresh!

How to Store and Freeze Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week, keeping them soft and chewy while maintaining their delightful flavors.

Fridge: If you prefer, these cookies can also be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; just make sure they’re sealed well to prevent drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months—perfect for stashing treats for later!

Reheating: To enjoy your Caramel Apple Cider Cookies warm, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

Expert Tips for Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

Chilling Matters: A must! Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent excessive spreading during baking.
Smooth Seal: Ensure caramel pieces are completely enclosed in the dough to avoid leakage while baking; this keeps your cookies delightfully gooey.
Flavor Boost: Consider adding a pinch of ground cloves for an extra layer of warming spice in your Caramel Apple Cider Cookies.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough until just combined to maintain a soft texture; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Storage Savvy: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to ensure they stay fresh and tasty!

Caramel Apple Cider Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best apple cider?
Absolutely! For the most flavorful Caramel Apple Cider Cookies, opt for high-quality, fresh apple cider. Look for varieties that are unfiltered and made from a mix of different apple types, as they tend to be sweeter and more aromatic, enhancing the overall taste of your cookies.

How should I store leftover cookies?
Very importantly, store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them soft and chewy. If you want to keep them a bit longer, placing them in the fridge is also an option; just remember to ensure they’re well-sealed to avoid drying out.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your Caramel Apple Cider Cookies, first, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. After they’re firm, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.

What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you encounter excess spreading, don’t worry! This often happens when the dough isn’t chilled properly or if it’s overmixed. Always ensure you chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. If they still spread too much, next time try adding an extra tablespoon of flour to the dough to help maintain their shape.

Are these cookies safe for pets?
It’s wise to keep these cookies away from your pets. Ingredients like sugar and butter aren’t safe for them, and chocolate is particularly harmful. Always check ingredients for potential allergens that can affect your furry friends.

Can I make these cookies vegan?
Of course! To adapt this recipe for a vegan diet, simply replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit until it thickens). You can also use vegan butter for a delightful dairy-free version of your Caramel Apple Cider Cookies!