There’s something magical about how a single cookie can whisk you away to the heart of autumn’s sweetest moments. Apple Cider Caramel Cookies are an invitation to revel in cozy vibes, blending the tender embrace of spiced apple cider with molten pools of rich caramel. With every bite, you’ll taste the gentle warmth of cinnamon and clove nestled in buttery dough that crisps at the edges before giving way to a chewy, pillowy center. As these little delights emerge from the oven, their golden tops glisten, hinting at the gooey surprise within. They’re more than just a cookie—they’re a celebration of fall, an edible hug that feels like home.
Behind the scenes of this recipe, convenience meets comfort. By stirring in a familiar Alpine Spiced Apple Cider Instant Drink Mix, you capture orchard-fresh flavor without the fuss of simmering fresh cider. Each component, from softened butter to Kraft caramels, works in harmony: sugar for sweet chewiness, baking soda and baking powder for just-right lift, and vanilla for that whisper of warmth. In under an hour—including a brief rest—you’ll have a platter of 12–14 cookies that radiate fall spirit. Perfect for sharing at a festive gathering, tucking into a lunchbox surprise, or pairing with a steaming mug of cider, these cookies are a simple yet sensational way to savor the season.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN APPLE CIDER CARAMEL COOKIES
Before we dive into the baking fun, let’s break down the stars of our recipe and explore how each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect chewy texture and gooey caramel center.
- Butter
Butter lends rich flavor and tender moisture, creating a soft yet sturdy dough that browns beautifully along the edges.
- Granulated Sugar
Sugar sweetens the cookies and encourages caramelization during baking, contributing to that irresistible golden hue and slight crisp.
- Salt
A pinch of salt balances sweetness and amplifies the spicy apple cider notes, making every flavor pop without overwhelming the palate.
- Alpine Spiced Apple Cider Instant Drink Mix
This mix infuses the dough with genuine apple cider essence and warm autumn spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove—for authentic fall vibes.
- Eggs
Eggs bind the ingredients together, add moisture, and help the cookies rise to just the right height, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Vanilla Extract
Vanilla imparts a subtle sweetness and depth, rounding out the cider spice with its familiar, comforting aroma.
- Baking Soda
Baking soda provides lift and a gentle spread, ensuring your cookies develop those signature crinkled tops and soft centers.
- Baking Powder
Together with baking soda, baking powder enhances leavening for a light, airy bite without sacrificing chewiness.
- All-Purpose Flour
Flour builds structure, capturing air pockets created by leavening agents and binding the mix into a cohesive dough.
- Kraft Caramels
Wrapped inside each ball of dough, these caramels melt during baking to form a luscious, gooey core that surprises with every bite.
HOW TO MAKE APPLE CIDER CARAMEL COOKIES
Ready to roll up your sleeves and embark on a delightful baking adventure? These straightforward steps guide you through creating irresistible Apple Cider Caramel Cookies from start to finish—no fussy techniques required, just joyful mixing and shaping.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning. Set the sheets aside while you prep the dough.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes using an electric mixer. This aeration step ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
3. Add all packets of the Alpine Spiced Apple Cider drink mix to the bowl. Continue mixing on low speed until the cider granules are fully incorporated, infusing the dough with warm, spiced flavor.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then stir in the vanilla extract until evenly blended.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, baking powder, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Unwrap the Kraft caramels. Scoop out a tablespoon-sized piece of dough and flatten it in your palms. Place one caramel in the center and fold the dough around it, sealing the edges completely to hide the caramel.
7. Arrange the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each to allow for spreading.
8. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the cookie edges are lightly browned. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE CIDER CARAMEL COOKIES
Once you’ve mastered these warm, gooey treats, presentation and pairing can elevate the experience even further. Think about the cozy atmosphere you want to create: maybe a rustic fall gathering, an after-dinner dessert spread, or a casual afternoon tea with friends. These serving ideas help you showcase the chewy texture and gooey caramel center, ensuring every bite feels like a special occasion.
- Serve slightly warm on a decorative platter, arranging cookies in a circular pattern and topping each with a tiny sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet twist.
- Pair with a steaming mug of hot apple cider or spiced latte; the complementary spices will accentuate the cinnamon and nutmeg notes in the cookies.
- Present on a wooden cheese board alongside slices of sharp cheddar or brie, fresh apple wedges, and a drizzle of honey for a sweet-and-savory fall charcuterie vibe.
- Transform them into ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream between two cooled cookies, then rolling the edges in crushed nuts or toffee bits for extra crunch.
HOW TO STORE APPLE CIDER CARAMEL COOKIES
Proper storage keeps these cookies soft, chewy, and ready for snacking whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re saving leftovers for a weeklong treat or freezing a batch for future celebrations, these tips will preserve both texture and flavor, ensuring your cookies remain as delightful as when they first came out of the oven.
- Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place a slice of bread inside to maintain moisture and prevent staling.
- Refrigeration: For extended freshness (up to one week), layer cookies in an airtight container with wax paper between each layer. The fridge slows down spoilage without dramatically altering chewiness.
- Freezing: Flash-freeze unbaked or fully baked cookies on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.
- Reheating Tips: To revive softness, microwave a cookie on a microwave-safe plate for 10–15 seconds or heat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. The caramel center will soften beautifully, mimicking the fresh-baked experience.
CONCLUSION
From gathering ingredients to unwrapping that first gooey caramel surprise, Apple Cider Caramel Cookies bring a slice of autumn magic straight to your kitchen. We’ve walked through every step—from creaming butter and sugar to swirling in spiced cider mix and sealing in luscious caramel—so you can confidently bake a batch that dazzles the senses. Living up to its name, this cookie strikes the perfect balance between comforting warmth and indulgent sweetness, all while remaining wonderfully approachable for home bakers of any skill level. With a total time commitment under an hour, you’ll find there’s plenty of room for impromptu baking sessions and cozy moments.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later use, tucking it into your recipe binder or pinning it to your inspiration board. You can also find a FAQ below to answer common questions about substitutions, storage, and more. If you give these cookies a try, I would love to hear about your experience—any tips you discovered, tweaks you made, or memories the aroma sparked. Drop a comment, share your questions, or offer feedback if you need help perfecting these fall favorites. Happy baking!
Apple Cider Caramel Cookies
Description
Experience the delightful combination of sweet apple cider and rich caramel in every chewy bite. Perfect for sharing or enjoying alone with a warm cup of cider!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
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Add in all 10 packets of the apple cider drink mix. Continue mixing until fully incorporated.
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Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
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In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, baking powder, and flour. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
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Unwrap the caramels. Take a tablespoon-sized amount of dough and flatten it with your hands. Place a caramel in the center and wrap the dough around it, sealing it completely.
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Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy.
- You can substitute the Kraft Caramels with your favorite soft caramel brand.
- To make them extra special, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for a salted caramel twist.
