There’s something about fall that brings out my inner baker. The cool air, the scent of cinnamon, and the comfort of warm apple cider — it all feels like a hug in cookie form. That’s exactly what these Chewy Apple Cider Cookies are: soft, buttery cookies infused with spiced apple cider flavor and a gooey caramel center that melts into every bite.
The first time I made them, it was by accident. I had leftover apple cider packets from a fall party and thought, “Why not mix them into cookie dough?” The smell that filled the kitchen was heavenly — like fresh cider donuts at a pumpkin patch. Now, they’re a yearly tradition, especially when I want something sweet, chewy, and full of cozy fall flavor.
If you’ve enjoyed my Christmas Fruit Cake or Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, you’ll adore these. They capture that same homemade comfort but with an apple twist that’s perfect for autumn.
Chewy Apple Cider Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in the apple cider mix until fully combined. The dough will be fragrant and lightly colored.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls, flatten slightly, and place half a caramel in the center. Wrap the dough around it, sealing completely. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 11–13 minutes, until edges are golden. Let cool for 5 minutes on the pan before transferring to a rack.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!The Story Behind These Cozy Cookies
A Little Fall Magic
These cookies are inspired by my favorite fall drink — warm apple cider. Every sip feels like sweater weather, so why not bake it into something chewy and sweet? Each cookie carries that familiar cider tang, blended with brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Add a soft caramel inside, and it’s pure magic.
If you like nostalgic treats with a twist, check out my Frosted Christmas Brownies. Like these cookies, they bring back memories of simple, happy baking moments.
Why You’ll Love Them
They’re chewy, slightly crisp on the edges, and smell incredible as they bake. The apple cider flavor makes them bright and spiced, while the caramel center adds that gooey surprise that makes you close your eyes and savor. They’re fall comfort food disguised as a cookie.
Ingredients for Chewy Apple Cider Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 packets instant apple cider mix (not sugar-free)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 12 soft caramels, cut in half
How to Make Chewy Apple Cider Cookies
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream the butter and both sugars until fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth.
Step 2: Add the Cider Flavor
Stir in the apple cider mix until it’s fully combined. You’ll instantly smell that cozy spiced apple scent filling the bowl — it’s like autumn in dough form.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Shape and Stuff
Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls, flatten them slightly, and press a caramel piece into the center. Wrap the dough around it, sealing it completely. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 11–13 minutes or until the edges are golden. Let the cookies cool for five minutes before moving them to a rack — the caramel will set slightly but stay chewy.
If you love caramel-filled desserts, don’t miss my Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters — they have that same gooey, candy-like satisfaction.
Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Cookies
Chill for the Right Texture
If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 20 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies keep their shape and stay chewy in the middle.
Use Quality Caramels
Soft caramels like Werther’s or Kraft melt beautifully without hardening. Avoid wrapped square caramels that get too firm when baked.
Balance the Spice
If you like stronger spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or extra cinnamon. For a lighter flavor, reduce the cider mix to one packet.
For more cozy seasonal ideas, check out my One Pot Potato Soup — the perfect savory pairing for an afternoon of fall baking.
How to Store and Gift
Storing the Cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep the caramel centers soft, add a slice of bread to the container — it keeps everything moist.
Gifting
These cookies make adorable fall gifts. Stack a few in clear treat bags tied with a brown ribbon, or pack them in small boxes with tissue paper. Add a tag that says “Homemade with Cider & Love.” For a full autumn gift basket, include a jar of Creamy Bacon Potato Soup mix and a mug of hot cider mix.
Flavor Variations
- Apple Pie Cookies: Add a tablespoon of apple butter to the dough for extra fruitiness.
- Salted Caramel Version: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top right after baking for a gourmet twist.
- Glazed Cider Cookies: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider.
- Maple Cider Cookies: Add a teaspoon of maple extract to the dough for deeper sweetness.
If you love trying seasonal spins like these, my Sweet Potato Bowl Recipes are another easy, flavorful fall favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these cookies without the caramel centers?
Yes! They’ll still be chewy, flavorful, and packed with cider goodness — just skip the caramel for a simpler cookie.
2. Can I use real apple cider instead of mix?
Not for this recipe — it adds too much liquid. The mix gives that concentrated flavor without changing the texture.
3. Why did my caramel leak out?
Make sure the dough fully seals the caramel. Chilling the filled dough for 10 minutes before baking helps too.
4. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Roll the dough balls (without caramel) and freeze them. Add caramel before baking for fresh results.
Conclusion
Chewy Apple Cider Cookies are everything I love about fall — warm, spiced, buttery, and full of that cozy apple-caramel goodness. They’re easy enough for a weekday bake but special enough for holiday gift boxes. Every bite tastes like a sip of warm cider wrapped in a soft cookie.
If you’re baking for the season, pair them with my Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies or Christmas Fruit Cake for a festive dessert table that feels like home. Simple, comforting, and full of flavor — these cookies are fall happiness in every bite.