Irresistible Caramel Apple Cider Cookies: Your New Favorite Fall Treat

As the crisp air of autumn settles in and vibrant leaves paint the landscape, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home. These Caramel Apple Cider Cookies are the quintessential treat for the fall season, capturing the very essence of a beloved caramel apple in a delightful, bite-sized form. Imagine sinking your teeth into a remarkably soft and chewy cookie, generously coated in a warm, fragrant apple pie spice and sugar blend. But the real magic lies within: a gooey, perfectly balanced sweet and tangy apple cider caramel, crafted from naturally reduced apple cider. This unique filling offers a burst of authentic apple flavor that perfectly complements the spiced cookie, creating an irresistible dessert that evokes cozy memories of apple orchards and festive fall gatherings. Each cookie promises a satisfying texture, with a melt-in-your-mouth base and a caramel center that has just the right amount of delightful pull, making them an instant classic for any autumn occasion.

A mug of spiced apple cider, whether enjoyed warm, chilled, or in its alcoholic form, is a sure sign that fall has officially arrived. But did you know this beloved autumn beverage holds a secret potential for even more indulgence? That’s right – you can gently reduce fresh apple cider into a thick, sticky, and incredibly flavor-packed syrup, which then transforms into the most exquisite caramel you’ll ever taste! This isn’t just any caramel; it’s an intensely flavorful sauce that you’ll find yourself making on repeat every single autumn season, adding a unique depth to your desserts.

If your love for apple cider runs deep and you’re eager to explore more delightful fall treats, be sure to also try these fantastic recipes. They beautifully highlight the versatility and rich flavors of apple and caramel, perfect for cozy gatherings and seasonal celebrations:

• Caramel Apple Bars
• Dutch Caramel Apple Pie
• Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Why You’ll Adore These Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

Thumbprint Cookies: A Perfect Vessel for Fall Flavors

Thumbprint cookies are truly a marvel in the baking world, offering a delightful chewiness that acts as the perfect vehicle for any delectable filling. In this recipe, they cradle a generous pool of gooey, flavorful apple cider caramel. Unlike traditional stuffed cookies, where the filling is completely enclosed within the dough, thumbprint cookies are slightly less labor-intensive while still delivering an impressive flavor payoff. Their open design proudly displays the luscious caramel center, inviting a sensory experience with every bite. If you enjoy the concept, you might also like to explore variations such as classic jam thumbprint cookies or vibrant strawberry chocolate cookies.

Authentic Apple Cider Flavor That Truly Shines

What truly sets these cookies apart is their authentic and rich apple cider flavor. This recipe calls for genuine, fresh apple cider – the kind you might find straight from a local orchard or a bustling farm stand – rather than powdered apple cider mixes or diluted apple juice. The unfiltered version of apple cider is incredibly concentrated with natural apple goodness, offering an unmatched depth of flavor. This real cider is meticulously reduced to create a potent base for the caramel, ensuring every bite of your cookie is infused with the crisp, sweet, and slightly tart notes of pure autumn apples.

The Quintessential Fall Cookie for Every Season

These Caramel Apple Cider Cookies are more than just a dessert; they are an embodiment of the fall season. The cookie dough itself is lovingly rolled in a fragrant blend of sugary apple pie spice, a harmonious mixture typically comprising warming cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This spiced coating perfectly complements the vibrant apple cider caramel, creating a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and exhilarating. With their seasonal ingredients and rich, aromatic profile, these cookies are destined to become your go-to fall baking tradition, marking the return of cooler weather and festive occasions.

Essential Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

Creating these delightful fall cookies requires a selection of high-quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in developing their irresistible flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Apple cider: The star of our caramel! Pure, fresh apple cider is reduced down to a concentrated, sticky syrup, forming the tangy and sweet core of the cookie’s apple caramel center. Understanding the right type of apple cider to buy is key for optimal flavor; refer to our guide below if you’re unsure.
• Granulated sugar: This versatile sweetener is used in both the apple cider caramel, contributing to its smooth texture and sweetness, and in the cookie dough, providing structure and a delicate crispness to the cookie base.
• Brown sugar: Either light or dark brown sugar can be used for the apple cider caramel. Dark brown sugar will impart a slightly deeper color and a richer, more molasses-like flavor to the caramel, enhancing its complexity. It also contributes to the chewy texture of the caramel.
• Unsalted butter: Essential for both the rich cookie dough and the luxurious caramel sauce. Using unsalted butter allows for precise control over the overall saltiness of the final product. Ensure it’s at room temperature for the cookie dough to cream properly.
• Heavy whipping cream: A crucial ingredient for achieving a smooth, creamy, and decadent caramel. Just a scant quarter cup is added to the reduced cider mixture, providing richness and preventing the caramel from becoming too brittle. Look for cream with at least 36% milkfat for the best results.
• Apple pie spice: This aromatic blend provides the signature fall flavor to our cookies. While readily available pre-mixed, you can easily create your own apple pie spice using common pantry staples like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, allowing you to customize the blend to your preference.
• Flaky sea salt: An optional but highly recommended ingredient. A delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the baked caramel centers truly elevates the flavor, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the apple cider notes, creating a delightful balance.

For precise measurements and a complete list of all ingredients, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the end of this article.

Selecting the Best Apple Cider for Your Cookies

Choosing the right apple cider is fundamental to the success and flavor of these cookies. First and foremost, it’s important to understand the distinction between apple cider and regular apple juice. Fresh apple cider is essentially unfiltered apple juice, made directly from whole, crushed apples. Unlike shelf-stable apple juice, cider is minimally processed and retains its natural sediment, which is a treasure trove of intense apple flavor. It’s also vital to note that for this recipe, we are looking for non-alcoholic apple cider, not its fermented counterpart.

You can typically find non-alcoholic apple cider in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores throughout the year, with its availability peaking during the fall and winter months. However, for an unparalleled depth of flavor, we highly recommend sourcing your apple cider from a local apple orchard or a farm stand. These direct-from-the-source options often provide the freshest and most robust cider available.

The best apple cider for this recipe should boast an intensely fresh apple aroma and a significantly darker, cloudier appearance than clear apple juice. It will very likely have a visible layer of sediment at the bottom of the jug. Embrace this! This sediment is where a substantial amount of the authentic apple flavor resides. Just remember to give the jug a good shake before you pour to ensure all that concentrated goodness is evenly distributed throughout the cider, ready to be transformed into our delightful caramel.

Creative Substitutions & Flavor Variations to Explore

These Caramel Apple Cider Cookies are wonderfully adaptable, allowing for several creative twists to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to experiment!

• Brown Sugar Cookie Dough: For an even chewier cookie with a deeper, more molasses-rich flavor, consider substituting light brown sugar in place of the granulated sugar in the cookie dough base. This small change can significantly alter the texture and flavor profile of your cookies.
• Nutty Coating Option: Instead of rolling the cookie dough balls through the spiced sugar, try dipping them in whisked egg whites and then coating them generously in finely chopped pecans or walnuts before baking. This method, similar to classic thumbprint cookies, adds a fantastic textural contrast and a complementary nutty flavor to the apple caramel.
• Alternative Caramel Fillings: While our apple cider caramel is exceptional, you can certainly experiment with other homemade caramel varieties. Consider filling your cookies with a sophisticated bourbon caramel for a hint of warmth, or a vibrant pomegranate caramel for a unique fruity twist.
• Garnish with Dried Apples: For an extra layer of apple flavor and an adorable presentation, carefully place a thin slice of freeze-dried apple on top of the caramel center of each cookie after it has set. This adds a lovely visual appeal and a concentrated burst of apple goodness.

Prepare Ahead: Making Apple Cider Caramel in Advance

One of the beauties of this recipe is the flexibility it offers, especially when it comes to preparing the apple cider caramel. If you’re looking to streamline your baking process or simply want to break up the tasks, you can absolutely make the caramel ahead of time. This can be a real time-saver, particularly when hosting or preparing for a busy baking session.

Once prepared, allow the apple cider caramel to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored at cool room temperature for up to 2 days, or safely kept in the refrigerator for up to one week. This makes it a perfect component to tackle days before you plan to bake your cookies.

When you’re ready to fill your cookies, the caramel will likely be firm from refrigeration. To bring it back to a pourable or drizzling consistency, you have a couple of easy options. You can gently microwave it in 15-second bursts, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until it loosens up to your desired texture. Alternatively, scoop the hardened caramel into a small saucepan and warm it over the lowest possible heat setting on your stovetop, stirring constantly, until it becomes smooth and fluid again. Avoid overheating to maintain its perfect consistency.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Apple Cider Caramel Cookies

Crafting the Luscious Apple Cider Caramel

Step One: Reducing the Apple Cider
Begin by pouring your fresh apple cider into a heavy-bottomed pot. Bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Allow the cider to gently reduce, stirring occasionally, until it transforms into a dark amber syrup with a thick, sticky consistency. You’ll know it’s ready when you can drag a rubber spatula across the bottom of the pot and briefly see the pot’s surface before the liquid slowly re-converges. This process typically yields about ¼ cup of concentrated cider. Be cautious not to over-reduce; if it smells burnt or acquires an acrid taste, it’s best to discard it and start with a fresh batch.

Step Two: Creating the Caramel Base
Once the apple cider has been perfectly reduced, remove the pot from the heat. Carefully add the pre-measured unsalted butter (cut into tablespoon pieces), granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and heavy cream to the pot. Stir continuously until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth. Return the pot to medium-high heat, continuing to stir until the caramel reaches a temperature of 230℉ (110°C) on a reliable candy thermometer. Immediately remove it from the heat, stir in the cinnamon and a pinch of flaky sea salt, then pour the warm caramel into a heat-proof bowl or jar. Set it aside to cool to a manageable temperature while you prepare the cookie dough.

Preparing the Soft & Chewy Cookie Dough

Step Three: Creaming Butter, Sugar & Egg Yolks
In the clean bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a reliable hand mixer), combine the room-temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Cream these two ingredients together on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes. The mixture should become light, pale, and fluffy. Pause to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Next, add the kosher salt, two large egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined and smooth.

Step Four: Incorporating Dry Ingredients
With your mixer still running on a low speed, gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Continue to mix slowly until the flour is fully incorporated and the dough begins to come together. Initially, the mixture may appear quite crumbly and dry, as shown in the image. This is normal. Continue to mix until it coalesces into a cohesive mass of soft cookie dough. Avoid overmixing once the flour is added to prevent tough cookies.

Forming and Baking Your Thumbprint Cookies

Step Five: Forming the Dough Mass
Continue to mix the dough until it completely comes together, forming a uniform and pliable mass. Ensure there are no pockets of unmixed flour. The dough should be soft but not sticky, easy to handle for shaping into individual cookies.

Step Six: Scooping the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a separate, shallow bowl, whisk together the ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon apple pie spice for the coating. Use a 1-inch cookie scoop to portion out mounds of cookie dough onto one of the prepared cookie sheets. Once scooped, gently roll each portion between your hands to form smooth, uniform balls.

Pro Tip for Coating: To ensure the spiced sugar adheres beautifully and evenly, work in small batches of 4-5 dough balls at a time. The dough can dry out quickly, making it harder for the sugar to stick, so this method helps maintain optimal stickiness for a perfect coating.

Step Seven: Coating in Spiced Sugar
Roll each smooth dough ball generously through the prepared mixture of apple pie spice and sugar until it is thoroughly coated on all sides. Place the coated dough balls back onto the parchment-lined cookie sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. Repeat this process until all the cookie dough has been scooped, rolled, and coated.

Step Eight: Creating the Indents
Using a ½ teaspoon measuring spoon, gently but firmly press the rounded bottom of the spoon into the center of each dough ball. This creates the classic “thumbprint” indent that will hold our delicious caramel. Be careful not to press so hard that you break through the bottom of the cookie, but aim for a relatively deep well. If any small cracks appear around the edges of the indent, gently pinch and smooth them back together with your fingers.

Step Nine: Baking & Deepening Indents
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven at 350℉ (175°C) for 9-11 minutes. If you are baking both sheets simultaneously, be sure to rotate the racks halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. At this halfway point, a crucial step is to gently “scoot” the cookies using a circular motion with a round object slightly larger than the cookie (like a glass). This helps to re-form the cookie edges and seal any cracks that may have developed, which is vital for keeping the caramel filling securely in place. After baking, immediately use a 1 teaspoon measure to gently deepen the indents while the cookies are still warm and pliable.

Step Ten: Filling & Cooling
Once the indents are deepened, allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. With a spoon, drizzle the slightly warm (but not hot) apple cider caramel into the center of each cookie, filling the wells about two-thirds full to prevent any overflow. It’s important that the caramel is at a drizzling consistency. Let the filled cookies cool completely at room temperature, allowing the caramel to set, before you indulge in these delectable autumn treats!

Mastering Your Apple Cider Cookies: Expert Baking Tips

Achieving perfect Caramel Apple Cider Cookies consistently is easier with a few insider tricks. These expert tips will help ensure your cookies are always soft, chewy, and beautifully filled:

• Work in Small Batches for Coating: When rolling your cookie dough balls in the spiced sugar, tackle only a few at a time (e.g., 4-5 balls). Cookie dough tends to dry out slightly when exposed to air, making it more challenging for the sugar coating to adhere properly. Working in batches keeps the remaining dough moist and receptive to the delicious spice blend.
• Patch Any Cracks Immediately: After creating the initial indent in the raw cookie dough before baking, carefully inspect each cookie for any small cracks that may have formed around the edges of the well. Gently press these cracks together with your fingertips. This crucial step helps maintain the cookie’s structural integrity and ensures your caramel filling stays perfectly contained during baking.
• “Scoot” Cookies Halfway Through Baking: This is a baker’s secret for perfectly round cookies and well-formed wells! About halfway through the baking time, use a round cookie cutter or a glass slightly larger than your cookies to gently “scoot” (make a circular motion around) each cookie. This action helps to re-shape the cookie, push any spreading edges back into place, and reinforce the walls of the thumbprint, preventing cracks and leakage.
• Ensure Caramel is at Drizzling Consistency: The apple cider caramel should be slightly warmer than room temperature – fluid enough to drizzle easily into the cookie wells, but not hot. If your caramel has cooled too much and become too firm, gently reheat it in 15-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each, until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Avoid Overfilling the Centers: Resist the temptation to completely fill the cookie wells with caramel. Aim to fill them to about two-thirds capacity. This allows the caramel a little room to settle and spread slightly without overflowing the sides of the cookie, which can lead to messy edges or burnt caramel on your baking sheet.
• Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary, chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes to an hour before scooping and rolling can make it easier to handle and help prevent excessive spreading during baking, resulting in a slightly thicker, chewier cookie.
• Use Fresh, Unfiltered Apple Cider: As highlighted earlier, the quality of your apple cider directly impacts the caramel’s flavor. Opt for fresh, unfiltered apple cider from an orchard or refrigerated section for the most robust and authentic apple taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cider Caramel Cookies

Optimal Storage for Freshness

To keep your delicious Caramel Apple Cider Cookies fresh and flavorful, store them covered in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For best results, place a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together, especially if the caramel is still slightly soft.

For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. First, arrange the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash-freeze them for about 30 minutes until firm. This prevents them from sticking together. Once firm, transfer the cookies to a zip-top freezer bag or a freezer-safe airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the cookies uncovered at room temperature. This allows any condensation to evaporate, maintaining their soft texture. Enjoy them as a quick, delightful treat whenever a craving strikes!

Discover More Irresistible Fall Cookie Recipes

If you’re embracing the flavors of autumn, you’ll love exploring these other delightful cookie recipes perfect for the season. Each one brings its unique charm and warmth, ideal for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a cozy beverage:

Important Notes from The Cozy Plum Kitchen

• All recipes are crafted using Diamond Crystal kosher salt, known for being the least salty variety of kosher salt. If you’re using Morton’s kosher salt or any brand of sea salt, please halve the amount of salt specified in the recipe, as these varieties are approximately twice as salty. Do not use table salt, as it has a much finer grain and stronger flavor.
• For the most accurate and consistent baking results, we highly recommend baking by weight using a digital kitchen scale. While our full recipe card includes both U.S. Customary and Metric measurements, switching to Metric will generally provide superior precision for baking.
• The recipe card below allows you to scale the ingredient quantities using ‘1X’, ‘2X’, or ‘3X’ buttons. Please note that this adjustment applies only to ingredient amounts and does not automatically alter baking times. Always monitor your cookies closely when adjusting recipe yields.

Did you make this recipe? Share your culinary creations with us! Tag @thecozyplum on Instagram & Facebook and remember to leave a star rating ⭐️ below to let us know how much you loved them!

📖 Full Recipe: Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

By Callan Wenner

These exquisite apple cider cookies are a celebration of autumn flavors, featuring soft, chewy cookies generously coated in spiced sugar, and boasting a luscious, tangy apple cider caramel at their heart. Each bite is like savoring a perfectly crafted caramel apple in delightful cookie form, offering just the right amount of chewiness and a rich, satisfying caramel pull.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 from 1 vote)

Print Recipe
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Prep Time: 45 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Cool Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: 24 cookies

Calories: 186 kcal

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Rubber spatula
• Stand mixer with paddle attachment, or handheld mixer
• 1″ cookie scoop
• ½ teaspoon and 1 teaspoon measure
• Candy thermometer or digital thermometer

Ingredients

For the Apple Cider Caramel

• 2 cups apple cider
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

For the Cookies

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Spiced Sugar Coating

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice

Instructions

Apple Cider Caramel

1. Reduce Apple Cider: In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, bring the apple cider to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Stir occasionally. Reduce the apple cider until it gets dark amber in color and has a syrup-like consistency. When you drag a spatula through the middle, you will see the bottom of the pot and the liquid will slowly gather back together. You’ll need roughly ¼ cup. If it smells burnt in any way, it’s been reduced too far. Trash it and start over.
2. Make Caramel Base: Once the apple cider is reduced, add the butter, sugars, and heavy cream and stir until it comes together. Return to medium-high heat, stirring, until the mixture reaches 230℉ (110°C) on a candy thermometer. Turn off the heat, stir in the cinnamon and salt, and pour into a heat-proof bowl or jar to cool.

Cookies

3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or with a hand mixer), cream together the butter and sugar over medium speed for 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add in the salt, egg yolks, and vanilla and mix until combined. With the mixer running on low speed, add in the flour and mix until combined.
5. Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Prepare Spiced Sugar: Whisk together the sugar and apple pie spice in a shallow bowl.
7. Scoop Dough: Using a 1 inch cookie scoop, drop balls on one of the cookie sheets until the dough is used up. Roll all of them between your hands to make them into smooth balls.
8. Coat in Spiced Sugar: Roll the balls through the spiced sugar until they’re completely coated. Place them back onto the cookie sheets (12 balls per sheet) and repeat with all dough balls.
9. Create First Indent: Using a ½ teaspoon measure, carefully push the rounded part down into the middle of each cookie to create an indent. Take care not to push down so far that the bottom of the indent breaks through, but you want it to be relatively deep. Push together any cracks that form on the edges.
10. Bake Cookies: Bake at 350℉ (175°C) for 9-11 minutes, switching racks at the halfway mark if baking both sheets at the same time. Scoot the cookies at the halfway mark to patch cracks again.
11. Deepen Indent & Fill: Press the dough down again, this time with a 1 teaspoon measure, to make the well slightly bigger. Use a spoon to drizzle caramel into the center of each cookie. Let the caramel set before enjoying!

Recipe Video

Watch this video to see how to make these delightful Caramel Apple Cider Cookies:

(Video provides visual guidance for crafting these soft, chewy apple cider cookies with a sweet and tangy apple cider caramel center, coated in apple pie spice and sugar.)

Notes

• To ensure the spiced sugar adheres properly, roll cookie dough balls in small batches (4-5 at a time) through the sugar mixture.
• The caramel should be slightly warmer than room temperature so you can easily drizzle it into the cookie. If it hardens, gently reheat in 15-second bursts in the microwave, stirring after each, until it reaches a drizzling consistency.
• Top the caramel centers with flaky sea salt, if desired, for an enhanced flavor balance.
• Store the cookies covered at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, flash-freeze on a baking sheet for 30 minutes, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, uncovered, before indulging.

Nutritional Information (Estimated per Serving)

Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 53mg | Potassium: 41mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 288IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

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