Name: Caramel Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup apple cider; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup dried apples, chopped; 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a cookie that perfectly captures the cozy, crisp vibes of fall, these Caramel Apple Cider Cookies are going to become your new favorite treat. Imagine soft, warmly spiced cookies infused with the tart sweetness of dried apples and a splash of real apple cider, all crowned with a luscious drizzle of caramel sauce. Each bite feels like a mini celebration of autumn’s best flavors, bringing together fruity brightness with just the right touch of buttery indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a casual get-together or a special holiday, these cookies have that irresistible charm that makes everyone go back for seconds.

Caramel Apple Cider Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry staples but come together beautifully to create the rich taste and chewy texture that make Caramel Apple Cider Cookies so special. From fragrant spices to real apple cider, every element enhances the cookie’s warm and inviting profile.

2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and softness for tender cookies.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds classic autumn spice that pairs wonderfully with apples.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle warm undertone making the spice profile more complex.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts all the other flavors.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and keeps the cookies perfectly moist.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a clean sweetness and helps with the cookie’s crisp edges.
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Imparts a deep caramel note and chewy texture.
1/4 cup apple cider: Infuses natural apple flavor and moisture for that authentic cider taste.
1 large egg: Binds everything together while adding a bit of tenderness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with sweet floral notes.
1 cup dried apples, chopped: Gives bursts of concentrated apple flavor and chewiness.
1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling): The crowning glory that adds decadent sweetness and sticky charm.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper—this will prevent sticking and help your cookies bake evenly. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Combining the dry ingredients first ensures that your spices and leavening agents are well-distributed for consistent flavor and texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and slightly pale. This creaming step is key to creating a tender cookie with a great crumb, and it sets the stage for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture until fully combined. Then, slowly add the dry ingredient mixture in three parts, alternating with the apple cider in two parts. This slow incorporation helps the dough come together beautifully and ensures the cider fully permeates the batter, delivering that unmistakable apple cider flavor.

Step 4: Fold in the Chopped Dried Apples

Gently fold in the chopped dried apples—this adds wonderful chewy pockets of apple that burst with flavor as you bite into the cookie. The texture contrast is one of the best parts of these Caramel Apple Cider Cookies and really brings the recipe to life.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges start turning a lovely golden brown. Let them sit on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—that way, they finish setting up perfectly.

Step 6: Add the Sweet Caramel Finale

Once cooled, drizzle each cookie with the caramel sauce. The sticky, rich caramel enhances every bite and adds a tempting, glossy finish. Let the drizzle set for a moment so it doesn’t run off your plate when you dig in.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle right before serving. The salt cuts through the sweetness, elevating the flavor in a delightful way. You could also add a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top for a little sparkle and extra spice.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or a comforting mug of hot apple cider to reinforce the fall feeling. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—it’s a match made in dessert heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few cookies with a thin layer of caramel or cream cheese frosting between them for a cookie sandwich that looks as good as it tastes. Or arrange them around a cheese board where the caramel sweetness can complement sharp cheeses like aged cheddar for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your Caramel Apple Cider Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to make these in advance, freeze the baked cookies on a tray first until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, so you’ll always have a stash of autumn comfort ready when you crave it.

Reheating

To revive the fresh-baked feel, warm your cookies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven at 300°F for a few minutes. This softens the caramel and brings out all the cozy spice notes, making each bite taste like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of dried apples?

Fresh apples will add more moisture to the dough, which could affect the texture, making the cookies less chewy and more cakey. If you want to try fresh apples, it’s best to finely chop and lightly sauté them first to reduce moisture, but dried apples give the ideal chewy texture for these cookies.

Is it possible to make these cookies dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can swap the unsalted butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just be aware that it may change the cookie’s flavor and texture slightly, but the apple cider and caramel drizzle will still shine through.

Can I substitute apple cider with another liquid?

While apple cider is key to the flavor here, you could try using apple juice or even a chai tea for a similar warm flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the sugar content and tartness might vary, so you may want to adjust the sugars slightly.

How do I keep the caramel drizzle from getting too sticky or runny?

Make sure your cookies are completely cool before drizzling with caramel. If the caramel is too warm or runny, it will spread too much. You can chill the caramel slightly to thicken it before drizzling so it sets nicely on top without running off.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that’s designed for baking. You might want to add a little extra binding agent like xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it to help keep the texture just right.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so comforting and joyful about baking Caramel Apple Cider Cookies; they really bring the essence of fall right into your kitchen and onto your taste buds. Whether you’re gifting them, sharing at a party, or sneaking a few for yourself, these cookies strike the perfect balance between cozy spice, fruity sweetness, and buttery caramel goodness. So go ahead, give this recipe a try—you’ll find it hard not to fall in love with these little bites of autumn magic.

Caramel Apple Cider Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 23 reviews

Author: Gabriel
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delightfully soft and flavorful Caramel Apple Cider Cookies combine the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with the sweet tang of apple cider, dried apples, and a luscious caramel drizzle, creating a perfect treat for fall or anytime you crave a cozy dessert.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until fully combined. This ensures the spices and leavening are evenly distributed within the flour.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender texture.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until well blended, which helps bind the ingredients and adds flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the apple cider. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until a dough forms. The cider adds moisture and a subtle fruity flavor.
Fold in Dried Apples: Gently fold the chopped dried apples into the dough, distributing them evenly without overmixing to maintain a tender cookie structure.
Portion the Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly without becoming soggy.
Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Once cooled, drizzle each cookie generously with caramel sauce and allow it to set before serving. This adds a sweet, gooey topping that complements the spiced apple flavors.

Notes

Using dried apples adds concentrated apple flavor and chewy texture without adding extra moisture.
Ensure butter is softened but not melted for better creaming results.
For a deeper apple flavor, let the apple cider reduce slightly before using.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Optionally, add chopped nuts such as pecans for extra crunch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American