Apple Cider Caramel Recipe
These Amazing Apple Cider Caramel Cookies are a perfect fall treat, combining the warmth of reduced apple cider and gooey caramel bits in a soft, buttery cookie. With a hint of vanilla and a crispy sugar-coated exterior, they’re an irresistible seasonal delight.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins and Finishing
- 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
- 1/2 cup extra granulated sugar for rolling (optional)
- 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.
- 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 creates a smooth base for your cookies.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate air and improve texture, then stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Incorporate reduced cider and caramel: Stir in the cooled reduced apple cider and caramel bits or chopped soft caramels until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough, adding pockets of gooey flavor.
- Chill the dough: Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents excessive spreading while baking.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Roll cookies: If desired, place the extra 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop 1-inch balls of dough and roll them in the sugar to coat for a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior.
- 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 are set but still soft.
Notes
- Reducing the apple cider intensifies the flavor without adding too much liquid to the dough.
- Chilling the dough is essential for controlling the spread and getting a chewy texture.
- You can substitute caramel bits with chopped soft caramel candies if preferred.
- If you want a crispier cookie, bake for an extra 1-2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: apple cider cookies, caramel cookies, fall recipes, autumn desserts, soft cookies, seasonal baking