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To make these caramel apple cider cookies, gather the following ingredients: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons apple cider - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candy - Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans These ingredients create a delightful mix of sweet and spiced flavors. The apple cider adds a warm touch, making these cookies perfect for fall. If you want to change things up a bit, consider these substitutions: - For the sugars, you can use coconut sugar or honey. Adjust the quantities as needed. - If you don’t have apple cider, try using apple juice or even a bit of water mixed with apple extract. These options still keep the cookies tasty while allowing for personal twists. To bake these cookies, you'll need some basic kitchen tools: - Baking sheet - Mixing bowls - Cookie scoop Having the right equipment makes the process easy and fun. A cookie scoop ensures even-sized cookies, leading to uniform baking. 1. Preheating the oven and preparing the baking sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and keeps the cookies from sticking. 2. Creaming butter and sugars: In a large bowl, add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Using a mixer or a sturdy spoon, beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Creaming well adds air, helping cookies rise nicely. 1. Combining wet and dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your creamed butter and sugars. Stir until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix gently. 2. Folding in caramel bits and nuts: Next, gently fold in 1 cup of caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candy. If you love nuts, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans too. This step gives your cookies a delightful texture and rich flavor. 1. Dropping dough onto the baking sheet: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each ball. This space allows the cookies to spread while baking. 2. Optimal baking time and cooling instructions: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges. The centers may still seem soft, but don’t worry; they will firm up as they cool. After baking, let the cookies sit on the sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them hold their shape and cool evenly. For the full recipe, check the previous section. Enjoy the warm, sweet smell of caramel apple cider cookies filling your kitchen! To get the best texture, pay close attention to baking times. Bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them. The edges should be golden, but the centers may look soft. They will firm up as they cool. For fluffier cookies, ensure your butter is soft but not melted. Cream the butter and sugars well. This adds air, making your cookies light. Also, do not overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined for a perfect texture. Presentation matters! Serve these cookies on a colorful platter. Drizzle melted caramel on top for that wow factor. Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy touch. Pair your cookies with warm apple cider or a rich hot chocolate. Both drinks enhance the fall flavors and bring out the best in your cookies. One common mistake is overmixing the dough. This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients. Another issue is baking at the wrong temperature. Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). An oven that is too hot can burn the edges while leaving the centers raw. Stick to the recommended temperature for great results. {{image_2}} You can make these cookies even more fun by adding chocolate chips or oatmeal. Chocolate chips bring a sweet and rich taste that pairs well with apple and caramel. Oatmeal adds a chewy texture, making each bite hearty and delightful. Feel free to mix and match these ingredients to find your favorite combo! You can also experiment with spices. Try adding ginger or allspice for a unique twist. A pinch of cardamom can add a warm, aromatic touch. The goal is to create flavors that excite your taste buds. If you need gluten-free cookies, swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many blends work well in baking. Look for one that suggests a 1:1 ratio for best results. This change keeps the cookies soft and tasty. For vegan options, replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Instead of the egg, you can use a flax egg or applesauce. These swaps keep the cookies moist without losing flavor. To embrace the fall season, add pumpkin spice to the dough. Just a teaspoon can create a cozy, warm flavor that everyone loves. It's a great way to add a seasonal twist. You can also suggest different caramel flavors. Salted caramel adds a nice contrast to the sweetness. Or, try using flavored caramel, like apple or cinnamon. Each variation brings a new taste that can surprise your guests. To keep your caramel apple cider cookies fresh, store them in airtight containers. This prevents air from making them dry. If you layer cookies, place parchment paper between them to avoid sticking. When stored correctly, these cookies can last up to one week. You can freeze these cookies to enjoy later. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for one hour until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. To thaw, take them out and leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This keeps their soft texture. When it comes to reheating, aim for the best quality. You can use the oven or a microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes. If using a microwave, heat for just 10-15 seconds. This warms the cookies without making them tough. Enjoy the warm gooeyness of the caramel bits again! To make cookies chewier, use more brown sugar than white sugar. Brown sugar has more moisture. You can also slightly underbake the cookies. This keeps the center soft. Chilling the dough before baking helps too. It slows down spreading, which keeps the cookies thick and chewy. Yes, you can use various types of caramel. If you cannot find caramel bits, try soft caramel candies. Simply chop them into small pieces. You can also use caramel sauce as a drizzle. Just be careful not to overdo it, as it can make the cookies too wet. If you need a substitute for apple cider, use apple juice or white grape juice. Both have a sweet and fruity taste. You can also mix in a bit of vinegar for tanginess. This mimics the apple cider flavor well. Another option is to use a blend of water and apple cider vinegar. When stored properly, these cookies last about one week. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for longer storage. They will stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. Just make sure to thaw them at room temperature before eating. We covered the key ingredients and steps for delicious cookies. You now know how to substitute ingredients and avoid common mistakes. With tips on baking and storage, you can perfect your recipe. Don’t forget to get creative with flavors and dietary options. Enjoy your baking journey and impress friends with your tasty treats! Happy baking!

Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

Indulge in the sweet flavors of fall with these Caramel Apple Cider Cookies! These soft, chewy treats combine buttery goodness with bits of caramel and a hint of apple cider, making them the perfect addition to your dessert table. Follow our easy step-by-step recipe to bake a batch that will delight everyone. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and create a sweet moment worth sharing!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

2 tablespoons apple cider

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candy

Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).

      Add Egg and Flavors: Beat in the egg, then add the apple cider and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

        Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

          Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

            Fold in Caramels: Gently fold in the caramel bits and optional nuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

              Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for spreading (about 2 inches apart).

                Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked; they will firm up as the cookies cool.

                  Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve cookies on a festive platter and drizzle a little melted caramel on top for an extra touch. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish!