Description
Delight in the warm flavors of fall with these Caramel Apple Cider Cookies. Infused with spiced apple cider mix and loaded with sweet caramel bits, these soft, chewy cookies are perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (stir, spoon & level)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick, room temperature)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 5 packets Alpine spiced apple cider mix (NOT sugar free – found near hot chocolate or coffee aisle)
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup Kraft Caramel Bits
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350℉. Line half sheet trays with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and Alpine spiced apple cider mix until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix well until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk or stir together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Add Caramel Bits: Gently fold in the caramel bits to evenly distribute throughout the cookie dough. Using a medium #40 scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), portion the dough into balls and place them 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, about 8 cookies per tray.
- Bake and Shape: Bake at 350℉ for 11-12 minutes. Do not overbake; the cookies should be just set. While still warm, gently press the edges of the cookies inward with a spatula or round cookie cutter, especially if the caramel has melted at the edges, to maintain shape. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet until firm enough to transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, do not substitute sugar-free apple cider mix, as it affects flavor and texture.
- If caramel bits melt excessively during baking, pressing the edges helps maintain a neat shape.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- For a stronger apple cider flavor, you may add ½ tsp of apple cider extract if available.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 35g)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: caramel apple cider cookies, spiced cookies, fall cookies, caramel bits cookies, autumn desserts, apple cider baking
