Caramel Apple Cider Cookies Recipe

As the crisp fall air begins to roll in, there’s no better way to embrace the season than by baking these Caramel Apple Cider Cookies. Infused with the warm flavors of spiced apple cider and chewy caramel bits, these cookies are a delightful combination of sweet and tangy, making them an ideal treat for autumn gatherings or a cozy night at home. If you’re a fan of caramel apples or spiced cider, you’ll fall in love with these cookies from the first bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies capture the essence of fall in every bite. Not only are they simple to make, but the addition of Alpine spiced apple cider mix brings a unique tang that pairs perfectly with the gooey caramel bits. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite:

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• Unique flavor: The apple cider mix adds a delightful twist to traditional caramel cookies.
• Perfect texture: Crispy edges with a soft, chewy center.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a closer look at what makes these cookies so special:

• Unsalted butter (½ cup/113 g): Provides richness and softness. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup/100 g): Sweetens the dough without overpowering the apple cider and caramel flavors.
• Alpine spiced apple cider mix (5 packets/105 g): The star of the show! This mix adds apple and spice flavors, essential for that seasonal kick. Be sure to get the regular version, not sugar-free.
• Large egg (1): Acts as a binder and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract (½ tsp): Balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
• All-purpose flour (1½ cups/180 g): Provides structure to the cookies.
• Baking soda (½ tsp) & baking powder (¼ tsp): Help the cookies rise, giving them a slightly fluffy texture.
• Ground cinnamon (½ tsp): Complements the apple cider mix, enhancing the spice profile.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor.
• Kraft caramel bits (1 cup/192 g): These melt slightly in the oven, creating chewy caramel pockets throughout the cookie.

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Let’s walk through the process of making these delicious Caramel Apple Cider Cookies.

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and apple cider mix using an electric mixer. Blend until light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix just until everything is combined—over-mixing can lead to tough cookies. Once mixed, fold in the caramel bits by hand to evenly distribute them.
5. Scoop the dough: Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), form dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 3 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
6. Bake the cookies: Bake for 11-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you want the edges to be golden while the center remains soft.
7. Shape the cookies: If the caramel has spread or if you want perfectly round cookies, use a spatula or cookie cutter to gently press the edges inward while the cookies are still warm.
8. Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Key Tips for Success

• Room temperature butter is key to achieving a soft, spreadable dough. Cold butter will not cream properly, leading to dense cookies.
• Don’t over-bake: The cookies may look slightly underdone when they come out of the oven, but they will continue to set as they cool.
• Shape while warm: If the caramel spreads too much during baking, gently shaping the cookies while they’re still warm will help them maintain a neater appearance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using sugar-free cider mix: Be sure to use the regular spiced apple cider mix, as sugar-free varieties will alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.
• Over-mixing the dough: This can result in a tougher cookie. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
• Skipping the cooling step: Transferring the cookies too early can cause them to break apart, so let them firm up on the tray first.

Substitutions and Variations

Looking to switch things up? Here are some easy modifications:

• Swap caramel bits for chopped soft caramels if you can’t find the Kraft version. Just cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Try other spices: If you’re a fan of warm spices, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute plant-based butter for the unsalted butter and use dairy-free caramel bits for a completely dairy-free version.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect on their own but pair wonderfully with a warm beverage:

• Hot apple cider: Enhance the apple flavors by pairing these cookies with a steaming cup of spiced apple cider.
• Chai tea: The warm spices in chai complement the cinnamon in the cookies, making for a cozy pairing.

Storage and Freezing Tips

• Storing: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The caramel may harden slightly, but a quick 5-second zap in the microwave will soften them up again.
• Freezing the dough: If you want to bake fresh cookies later, scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store them for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use a different caramel brand?
  Yes, just ensure the caramels are soft and cut into small bits if they are large.
• What if I can’t find apple cider mix?
  You can try substituting with a powdered apple drink mix, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
• How do I prevent the caramel from melting too much?
  Chilling the dough for 10 minutes before baking can help prevent the caramel from spreading too far.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Medium cookie scoop (1.5 tablespoons)
• Spatula or cookie cutter
• Cooling rack

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the perfect autumn cookie, these Caramel Apple Cider Cookies are a must-try. The rich caramel, balanced with the tang of apple cider and a hint of spice, makes them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more seasonal treats!

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