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Amazing Apple Cider Caramel Cookies Recipe

Amazing Apple Cider Caramel Cookies Recipe

4.9 from 24 reviews

These Amazing Apple Cider Caramel Cookies feature a delightful combination of tangy reduced apple cider and rich caramel bits, creating a soft and chewy cookie with a perfect balance of sweetness and autumnal flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/4 cup

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

Add-ins

  • 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
  • 1/2 cup extra granulated sugar for rolling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Reduce apple cider: Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and continue to simmer until the cider has reduced to 1/4 cup, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
  5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing which can lead to tough cookies.
  6. Incorporate reduced cider and caramel: Stir in the cooled reduced apple cider and the caramel bits or chopped soft caramels evenly throughout the dough.
  7. Chill the dough: Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
  8. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  9. Roll cookies: If using, place the extra 1/2 cup of granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop 1-inch balls of dough and roll them in the sugar to coat evenly.
  10. Bake: Place the sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers appear set but still soft.
  11. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which lets them firm up and enhances texture.

Notes

  • Reducing apple cider concentrates the flavor and removes excess moisture, essential for proper cookie texture.
  • Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain the shape and prevents excessive spreading.
  • Rolling cookies in granulated sugar provides a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior but is optional.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • For a stronger caramel flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider cookies, caramel cookies, fall dessert, soft cookies, autumn recipe, homemade cookies