Name: Autumn Caramel Apple Cider Cookies for Cozy Fall Moments
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 58 min
Ingredients: 5 cups apple cider (Use fresh for the best flavor); 15 tablespoons unsalted butter (Softened); 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Essential for depth); 2 large eggs (Bring to room temperature); 3 cups all-purpose flour (Plus 3 tablespoons); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon allspice; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 3/4 teaspoons cinnamon; 3 tablespoons apple butter (Can be swapped with melted butter); 1/2 cup heavy cream (Plus 1 tablespoon)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like the scent of freshly baked cookies to usher in the cozy days of fall. My Autumn Caramel Apple Cider Cookies truly encapsulate this season’s essence, with their soft, chewy centers and a sweet, dreamy caramel glaze. Not only do they require minimal time in the kitchen—perfect for busy evenings—but they also add a delightful twist to your usual dessert spread, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The combination of warm spices and rich apple cider invites you to embrace those autumn vibes right at home. Are you ready to dive into creating this scrumptious seasonal treat? Let’s get baking!

Why Are These Cookies Fall’s Best Treat?

Deliciously Spiced: The unique blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves captures the essence of autumn, filling your kitchen with cozy scents.
Chewy Centers: Each bite melts in your mouth, combining the softness of a chewy cookie with the rich flavor of caramel.
Quick to Make: With minimal prep time and easy steps, you’ll have fresh cookies ready in no time—perfect for unexpected guests!
Versatile Pairing: Enjoy them with warm apple cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert. Set the mood for fall celebrations!
Crowd-Pleaser: Your family and friends won’t be able to resist these delectable treats, making them an ideal dessert for gatherings or cozy nights in. For a delightful twist, you might also want to check out my delicious Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies.

Autumn Caramel Apple Cider Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

Apple Cider – Use fresh for the best flavor; it’s the heart of these Autumn Caramel Apple Cider Cookies.
Unsalted Butter (15 tablespoons) – Softened butter creates a rich and moist cookie base; don’t forget to let it come to room temperature!
Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup) & Brown Sugar (3/4 cup) – These sweeteners work together for a delightful chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Essential for depth; no need to substitute here, it enhances the flavor beautifully.
Eggs (2 large) – They bind everything together; bring them to room temperature for better mixing.
All-Purpose Flour (3 cups + 3 tablespoons) – This builds the structure; opt for gluten-free flour if desired.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon) – Helps your cookies rise and stay fluffy.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon) – A must to balance the sweetness; never skip it!
Ground Cinnamon (1 1/4 teaspoons), Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon), Ground Cloves (1/8 teaspoon), Allspice (1/4 teaspoon) – These spices create the warm, inviting flavors of fall.

For the Coating

Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup) & Cinnamon (2 3/4 teaspoons) – Sprinkle these on the exterior for a sweet, spicy crunch.

For the Glaze

Apple Butter (3 tablespoons) – Adds moisture and a hint of apple flavor; you can swap it with melted butter if you prefer a milder taste.
Heavy Cream (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon) – This gives the caramel glaze a rich, creamy texture.

These ingredients come together to create the beloved Autumn Caramel Apple Cider Cookies, sure to be a hit this fall!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Autumn Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

Step 1: Reduce Apple Cider
Begin by pouring 5 cups of apple cider into a medium saucepan. Set it over medium-high heat and allow it to simmer gently for 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally and watch closely as it reduces to about 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool completely to enhance the flavor of your Autumn Caramel Apple Cider Cookies.

Step 2: Make Caramel Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously. Cook until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble. Once it reaches the desired consistency, stir in a pinch of sea salt and the cooled apple cider. Allow the caramel sauce to cool while you prepare the cookie dough.

Step 3: Prepare Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 15 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 large eggs, mixing well until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups plus 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and your blend of spices. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture, alternating with the cooled cider, until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Chill Dough
Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This step is key for your Autumn Caramel Apple Cider Cookies, as it helps prevent spreading during baking. If you’re planning ahead, you can chill the dough for up to 48 hours for enhanced flavor.

Step 5: Preheat Oven
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the warm scent of baking cookies—a true sign of fall!

Step 6: Coat Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, scoop out portions and roll them into balls. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 2 3/4 teaspoons of cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in this spiced sugar mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated, and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving adequate space between each for spreading.

Step 7: Bake Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly puffy. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden brown around the edges. Once baked, allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Glaze Cookies
For the finishing touch, mix together 3 tablespoons of apple butter and a bit of cooled apple cider to create a thin glaze. Brush this mixture over the cooled cookies, then dip the tops into the remaining spiced sugar. Finally, drizzle your homemade caramel sauce over the top of each cookie for that extra touch of sweetness typical in Autumn Caramel Apple Cider Cookies.

Autumn Caramel Apple Cider Cookies: Fun Variations

Feel free to customize these cookies to suit your taste and dietary needs; the possibilities are endless!

Gluten-Free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to enjoy these cookies without any wheat. They’ll still come out chewy and delightful!
Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough for a delightful crunch that enhances each bite.
Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut oil for unsalted butter and use almond milk in the caramel sauce for a luscious dairy-free version.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra ground ginger to the spice mixture for a warm, unexpected kick that plays beautifully with apple flavor.
Apple Cider Flavor: Swap out some of the granulated sugar for apple cider vinegar when making the caramel glaze to intensify the flavor.
Chocolate Lovers: Mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a tasty chocolatey twist. The sweet chocolate complements the caramel beautifully.
Pumpkin Spice: Substitute half of the cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a festive fall flavor that will make you feel instantly cozy!
Fruity Boost: Fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins into the dough for a delicious fruity surprise that brightens up those autumn vibes.

These variations are sure to make your Autumn Caramel Apple Cider Cookies your own special fall treat! For even more delicious inspiration, you might also enjoy my delightful Apple Fritter Bread or the charming Cotton Candy Cookies.

Storage Tips for Autumn Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Adding a slice of bread can help retain moisture for a softer texture.

Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they’re in a tightly sealed container to avoid drying out.

Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.

Dough Storage: If you want fresh-baked cookies anytime, freeze the unbaked dough. Shape into balls, flash freeze, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Enjoy your delicious Autumn Caramel Apple Cider Cookies whenever the craving strikes!

What to Serve with Autumn Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

The warmth of these spiced cookies opens up a world of delicious pairings that promise to complement their rich flavors beautifully.

Warm Apple Cider: The classic fall beverage enhances the apple notes in the cookies, creating a delightful autumn experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies while adding a refreshing element. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth contrast!
Caramel Sauce Drizzle: For an extra kick of indulgence, drizzle more caramel sauce over the cookies or serve it on the side for dipping.
Chai Tea: The blend of spices in chai harmonizes with the cookies’ flavors, wrapping you in a warm embrace with each sip and bite.
Cinnamon Hot Chocolate: Rich and chocolatey, this beverage adds a cozy touch, delivering a comforting chocolate finish to the sweet spices of fall.
Roasted Nuts: Crunchy, spiced pecans or walnuts pair wonderfully, providing a satisfying textural contrast to the soft, chewy cookies.
Gingerbread Milkshake: Blend together gingerbread cookies and vanilla ice cream for a fun and festive treat that complements the autumn vibes perfectly.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the full flavor palette of fall with this coffee drink, which echoes the spices in the cookies and provides a caffeine boost.
Greek Yogurt with Honey: For a lighter option, drizzle honey over plain Greek yogurt and serve alongside the cookies for a nutritious snack or breakfast twist.

Make Ahead Options

These Autumn Caramel Apple Cider Cookies are a fantastic treat for meal prep! You can reduce the apple cider and make the caramel sauce up to 1 week ahead, storing both in the refrigerator to concentrate those flavors. Additionally, prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours to allow the spices to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to enjoy these delightful cookies, simply scoop and roll the dough in spiced sugar, then bake as directed. This way, you’ll have fresh cookies that taste just as delicious as if they were made that day—perfect for your busy weeknights or unexpected gatherings!

Expert Tips for Autumn Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

Select Quality Cider: Use fresh apple cider for richer flavor; avoid overly sweet bottled varieties that may alter the taste of your Autumn Caramel Apple Cider Cookies.
Cool Cider Thoroughly: Ensure the reduced cider cools completely before mixing into the dough; this prevents melting your creamed butter, leading to cookie spread.
Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon and level your flour instead of packing it, as too much flour can result in dry cookies.
Chill for Success: Don’t skip chilling the dough! This crucial step helps maintain shape and yields soft, chewy centers in your cookies.
Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be set around the edges but slightly puffy in the center for optimal chewiness.
Customize the Glaze: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the caramel glaze to your liking; drizzle sparingly for a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the cookie’s flavor.

Autumn Caramel Apple Cider Cookies Recipe FAQs

How should I choose apple cider for the best flavor?
Absolutely! For the richest and most intense flavor in your Autumn Caramel Apple Cider Cookies, always opt for fresh apple cider. Avoid overly sweet or processed options; look for cider in the refrigerated section of your store, as it tends to have a more authentic taste.

How do I store my cookies to keep them fresh?
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Adding a slice of bread inside the container will help maintain moisture and keep them softer. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator where they can last up to 2 weeks, ensuring they’re well sealed.

Can I freeze these cookies?
You can definitely freeze your baked Autumn Caramel Apple Cider Cookies for up to 3 months! Ensure they are cooled completely, then arrange in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container, using parchment paper to separate layers. When you’re ready, just thaw them at room temperature.

What if my dough is sticky and hard to work with?
Very! If your cookie dough feels sticky, it’s often a sign that it needs to chill longer. Just pop it back in the refrigerator for another 15-30 minutes. This helps firm it up, making it easier to handle. Additionally, if the dough is too soft during handling, sprinkle a little extra flour for a better consistency.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
While these cookies are delightful for most, it’s essential to note if anyone has allergies. The recipe contains dairy (butter and cream) and eggs, which could be problematic for those with lactose intolerance or egg allergies. You can adjust the recipe with dairy-free alternatives and egg substitutes to cater to dietary needs. Remember, always check labels if you’re using packaged ingredients.