Apple Cider Cookies

Introduction

Apple cider cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional cookies, combining warm spices and rich caramel for a comforting treat. These soft, flavorful cookies are perfect for cozy afternoons or sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter (for caramel filling)
• 1 cup brown sugar (for caramel filling)
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel filling)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs, apple cider, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and stir until fully combined.
5. Step 5: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form the dough.
6. Step 6: Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
8. Step 8: While the cookies bake, prepare the caramel filling by melting the butter in a saucepan. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, then bring to a boil and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
9. Step 9: Remove the caramel from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly to thicken.
10. Step 10: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a spoonful of caramel filling onto one cookie and sandwich it with another.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger apple flavor, reduce the flour by 1/4 cup and simmer the apple cider until it reduces to about 1/2 cup before adding it to the dough.
• Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough for extra texture.
• Use apple butter instead of apple cider in the dough for a denser, richer cookie.
• If you prefer a less sticky filling, allow the caramel to cool completely before assembling the cookies.

Storage

Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep cookies and caramel separate, store cookies and filling separately and assemble before serving. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds if you want the caramel a bit softer.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel instead of making my own?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce can be used as a shortcut, but homemade caramel adds a fresher, richer flavor to these cookies.

What can I substitute for apple cider if I don’t have any?

You can substitute apple juice or a mixture of water and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to maintain the tartness, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Apple Cider Cookies

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 121 reviews

These Apple Cider Cookies are a delightful fall treat combining the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with the sweet, tangy flavor of apple cider. Soft, chewy cookies are baked to perfection and generously filled with a luscious homemade caramel, making them an irresistible seasonal indulgence perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies (12 sandwich cookies) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel Filling Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to combine all the dry flavors and leavening agents evenly.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will help create a tender cookie texture.
4. Add Eggs and Cider: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract until the wet ingredients are fully blended.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to prevent overworking the dough and keep the cookies tender.
6. Scoop Dough: Drop rounded spoonfuls or scoops of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, spacing them evenly to allow for spreading.
7. Bake: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
8. Make Caramel Filling: While the cookies bake, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, bring the mixture to a boil, and let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and blend in the vanilla extract.
9. Assemble: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous spoonful of the caramel filling onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie to create a delicious caramel-filled treat.

Notes

• Ensure the apple cider is reduced slightly before adding to the dough or use a concentrated apple cider for better flavor intensity.
• For softer cookies, do not overbake; remove them when edges are golden but centers still appear soft.
• The caramel filling can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated slightly before assembling the cookies.
• Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
• These cookies are best enjoyed within 2-3 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Keywords: Apple cider cookies, caramel filled cookies, fall dessert, spiced cookies, homemade cookies, seasonal treats