Description

Chewy, buttery cookies infused with reduced apple cider for concentrated apple flavor and dotted with gooey caramel bits — the perfect cozy fall treat that’s both nostalgic and deliciously unique.

Ingredients

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

1/2 cup extra granulated sugar for rolling (optional)

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Instructions

Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 15–20 minutes. Let it cool completely.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Stir in the cooled reduced apple cider and caramel bits or chopped soft caramels.
Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Optional: Roll ~1-inch balls of dough in the extra 1/2 cup granulated sugar to coat.
Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets and bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are golden brown and centers are set.
Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

Make sure the reduced cider is completely cool before adding it to the dough.

For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg.

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.

Reheat cookies in the microwave for 5–10 seconds to soften caramel and revive texture.

Dough can be frozen for up to 2–3 months; bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 130
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 85mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 20mg