Soft Apple Cider Caramel Cookies Perfect for Fall Baking
Introduction
When the crispness of fall fills the air, nothing hits the spot quite like Soft Apple Cider Caramel Cookies. These cookies celebrate the comforting flavors of apple cider and gooey caramel, wrapped together in an irresistibly soft, chewy cookie. They’re the perfect bakes for autumn gatherings, cozy evenings, or simply enjoying a seasonal treat with a warm mug in hand. If you’re eager for a cookie that tastes like fall in every bite, this recipe is a must-try.
Why These Soft Apple Cider Caramel Cookies Are a Must-Bake
Give your cookie jar an autumn upgrade! These cookies combine tangy, concentrated apple cider with sweet, buttery caramel candies, creating a flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and unique. The result? A chewy, slightly tangy cookie studded with molten caramel pockets—guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. They’re simple to prepare, making them an excellent project for bakers of any skill level.
The Secret to Intensely Flavored Apple Cider Cookies
What makes these cookies extra-special is reducing apple cider down to a thick, syrupy concentrate. This step infuses the dough with a big punch of authentic apple flavor, allowing every bite to burst with fall-inspired delight. Combined with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s a cookie that packs cozy flavor in a soft, decadent texture.
Assembling the Perfect Caramel Center
Choosing the right caramel is important; soft, chewy caramel candies work best. Simply cut them into small pieces or cubes, and gently tuck them into the center of each cookie ball before baking. As the cookies bake, the caramel softens into gooey, dreamy centers—no hassle, no mess, just pure autumn joy.
Serving and Customizing Your Fall Cookies
Although these cookies are delicious fresh from the oven, a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on the warm cookies makes every bite even more special. Pair them with apple cider, hot tea, or coffee for the ultimate seasonal treat. For an extra twist, toss in finely chopped pecans or a dash more cinnamon into the dough.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 24 cookies. Each cookie averages 140-160 calories, depending on the size and caramel amount. They contain comforting levels of sugar and spice, and like all good things, are best enjoyed in moderation!
Soft Apple Cider Caramel Cookies: The Perfect Fall Bake (Recap)
Capture autumn in cookie form with this easy, flavor-packed recipe. Chewy, spiced, and loaded with gooey caramel, these cookies are perfect for bake sales, dessert trays, or a simple seasonal indulgence.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly create a categorized shopping list. Every ingredient is sorted by store section, making your fall baking spree organized and stress-free—no forgotten items or repeat trips!
Instructions
- Pour apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to about 1/3 cup (about 20–25 minutes). Stir occasionally and watch carefully to avoid scorching. Let cool completely before using.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, cooled apple cider concentrate, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Take about a tablespoon of dough, flatten, and place a piece of caramel in the center. Wrap the dough around the caramel, completely sealing it. Place on prepared baking sheet, spaced a few inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and tops look slightly crackled.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If desired, sprinkle with coarse sea salt while still warm.
Weekly Meal Planning
Soft Apple Cider Caramel Cookies are a smart addition to your fall meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe to your weekly plan and watch as CookifyAI consolidates ingredients across all your fall favorites, generating total quantities and beautifully organized shopping lists.
Planning Benefits:
- Effortlessly aggregates all ingredients needed for a week’s worth of recipes
- Breaks down your shopping list by grocery store section
- Helps avoid duplicate purchases, forgotten essentials, or last-minute trips
- Simplifies weekly baking and meal prep, so you focus on enjoying fall flavors!
Pro tip: Schedule multiple recipes—if you plan another recipe using brown sugar or cinnamon, CookifyAI tallies everything up for you. Shopping has never been so easy or efficient!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus cider reduction and cooling)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (plus cooling)
Enjoy every chewy, apple-caramel bite—fall baking, simplified and spectacular!
