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Amazing Apple Cider Caramel Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 101 reviews

These Amazing Apple Cider Caramel Cookies combine the sweet and tangy flavor of reduced apple cider with rich caramel bits in a soft, buttery cookie. The dough is chilled before baking to prevent spreading, resulting in perfectly soft, flavorful cookies with a delightful caramel surprise in every bite.

Ingredients

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Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/4 cup
  • 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramels

For Rolling (Optional)

  • 1/2 cup extra granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Reduce apple cider: Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let it simmer until reduced to about 1/4 cup, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
  5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep cookies tender.
  6. Incorporate reduced cider and caramel: Stir in the cooled reduced apple cider and 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramels gently until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  7. Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps control spreading during baking and improves flavor.
  8. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  9. Roll cookies: If desired, place 1/2 cup of extra granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop 1-inch balls of the chilled dough using a cookie scoop or spoon and roll each ball in the sugar to coat for a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior.
  10. Bake: Arrange the sugared dough balls approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the cookie edges turn golden brown and centers are set but still soft.
  11. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor without adding extra liquid to the dough, ensuring the perfect cookie texture.
  • Chilling the dough is important to prevent excessive spreading and to develop flavors.
  • Using caramel bits makes incorporation easier, but chopped soft caramels work well if bits aren’t available.
  • If you prefer a chewier cookie, bake closer to 9 minutes; for a firmer cookie, bake towards 11 minutes.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Keywords: apple cider cookies, caramel cookies, fall cookies, soft cookies, homemade cookies, apple cider caramel

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/amazing-apple-cider-caramel-cookies-recipe/