Caramel Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a cookie that perfectly captures the warm, cozy essence of fall, you have to try these Caramel Apple Cider Cookies. They combine the spicy sweetness of Alpine spiced apple cider mix with buttery richness and pockets of gooey caramel bits, creating an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures. Every bite tastes like a crisp autumn day wrapped in a hug, making these cookies an instant favorite for anyone who adores all things apple and caramel. Baking them is straightforward, and the resulting treats are soft, tender, and perfectly spiced—ideal for sharing with loved ones or simply savoring with a hot cup of coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Caramel Apple Cider Cookies lies in using a handful of simple yet flavorsome ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role: from the rich butter that ensures tenderness to the Alpine spiced apple cider mix that gives these cookies their unique, fragrant warmth.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup/1 stick): Using room temperature butter helps achieve that creamy texture when creaming with sugar.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Gives the perfect sweetness and helps create a light, delicate crumb.
- Alpine spiced apple cider mix (5 packets, 105 g): This is the heart of the recipe—packed with cinnamon and apple spices that infuse the cookie with fall vibes.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture for a tender bite.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor profile with subtle warmth.
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups, 180 g): The base that gives structure and softness when measured carefully.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture.
- Baking powder (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle lift for fluffiness.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Doubles down on that cozy spice note alongside the cider mix.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and deepens the flavors.
- Kraft Caramel Bits (1 cup, 192 g): Little bursts of creamy caramel that melt into melty, yummy pockets inside each cookie.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cider Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350℉ and lining half sheet pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This easy step ensures the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Apple Cider Mix
In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and all five packets of Alpine spiced apple cider mix until light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating the distinctive apple spice flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth. These ingredients add moisture and a hint of warmth that deepens the cookie’s flavor.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures they’re evenly distributed, avoiding any salty or overly spiced bites.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixes
Add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture and stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can cause tough cookies, so stop once the ingredients come together.
Step 6: Fold in Caramel Bits
Carefully fold the Kraft Caramel Bits into the dough, distributing those delightful caramel pockets throughout. These bits will melt slightly in the oven, adding luscious gooey textures inside every bite.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Using a #40 cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 tablespoons), portion the dough into balls and space them about 3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes at 350℉ — be careful not to overbake as you want these cookies soft and tender, not dry. When you remove them from the oven, press the edges gently inward using a spatula or a round cookie cutter while the cookies are still warm to maintain a perfect shape, especially where caramel has melted at the edges.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Leave the cookies to cool on the baking trays until firm enough to transfer to wire racks. This helps them set up perfectly without losing their chewy texture.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of additional caramel sauce can elevate the presentation and add a touch of sweetness right at first glance. Adding a small sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top can also highlight the caramel flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a warm mug of apple cider or a chai latte for the ultimate fall treat vibe. They also pair wonderfully with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a quick dessert upgrade.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Caramel Apple Cider Cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a charming autumn-themed display. You can also sandwich softened caramel or apple butter between two cookies for a decadent twist that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag at room temperature. They stay tender and delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for an easy grab-and-go snack.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the dough balls on a lined baking sheet for 1 to 2 hours until firm. Transfer the frozen dough to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When baking from frozen, just add 3 to 5 extra minutes to the bake time to achieve the same chewy, golden perfection.
Reheating
To bring your cookies back to that fresh-baked warmth, heat them in a microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated 300℉ oven for a few minutes. This revitalizes the caramel bits and softens the cookie for irresistible enjoyment.
FAQs
Can I use sugar-free apple cider mix in Caramel Apple Cider Cookies?
It’s best to avoid sugar-free apple cider mix here because the recipe relies on the sugar content for texture and sweetness. The volume and weight differ, which can alter how the cookies bake. If you try a sugar-free version, please share your experience!
Why do I need both baking soda and baking powder in this recipe?
Using both gives your cookies just the right lift and tenderness. Baking soda helps with spreading, while baking powder adds fluffiness, balancing the overall texture beautifully.
Can I substitute the caramel bits with something else?
You can try chopped caramel candies or even soft caramel chews cut into small pieces, but the bits are perfect because they melt evenly without sticking together or burning.
What’s the best way to ensure soft cookies?
Don’t overmix your dough and avoid overbaking. Pull the cookies out when the edges are set but the center still looks slightly soft—the residual heat will finish baking them as they cool.
How long do Caramel Apple Cider Cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, these cookies stay delicious for 3 to 4 days. Beyond that, they can start to lose their tender texture.
Final Thoughts
These Caramel Apple Cider Cookies are an absolute joy to bake and even more delightful to eat. With their perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and caramel goodness, they’re sure to become a fall favorite in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and share the cozy magic—they’re worth every bite and every smile they bring!
PrintCaramel Apple Cider Cookies Recipe
Delight in the warm, cozy flavors of autumn with these Caramel Apple Cider Cookies. Soft and chewy with spiced apple cider and pockets of melty caramel bits, these cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting treat anytime you crave a sweet apple twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 5 packets (105 g) Alpine spiced apple cider mix (NOT sugar free)
- 1½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour, stir, spoon & level
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup (192 g) Kraft Caramel Bits
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (177℃). Line half sheet pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter, Sugar, and Cider Mix: In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer to cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and Alpine spiced apple cider mix until light and fluffy. This incorporates air and blends the flavors.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract thoroughly into the creamed mixture for a smooth, homogenous cookie base.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can cause tough cookies.
- Fold in Caramel Bits: Carefully fold the Kraft caramel bits into the dough ensuring even distribution without melting the bits prematurely.
- Portion Dough: Use a medium-sized #40 cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 tablespoons) to scoop dough balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 3 inches apart to allow room for spreading – about 8 cookies per tray.
- Bake Cookies: Bake cookies at 350℉ for 11-12 minutes. Watch closely and avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft and chewy. Edges should be set and lightly golden.
- Shape Edges: Immediately after removing from the oven, use a spatula or a round cookie cutter to press the edges gently inwards if they have spread too much, especially where caramel has melted and oozed out.
- Cool Cookies: Allow cookies to cool on the baking tray until firm enough to transfer, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.
- Store or Freeze Dough: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. To freeze dough, scoop balls onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm (1-2 hours), transfer to a freezer bag, and store up to 3 months. Bake from frozen dough with an additional 3-5 minutes baking time.
Notes
- Do not use sugar-free apple cider mix as it alters the volume and texture, affecting the cookie’s flavor and rise.
- Pressing the edges in while cookies are warm helps maintain a uniform round shape, especially around melted caramel edges.
- For a thicker cookie, add a tablespoon or two more flour as some have done successfully.
- Freezing cookie dough allows for fresh-baked cookies on demand, but remember to extend baking time slightly when baking from frozen.
- Kraft caramel bits are recommended for optimal melty pockets; other caramel bits may behave differently when baked.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 28 g)
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Caramel Apple Cider Cookies, Autumn Cookies, Fall Baking, Spiced Cookies, Caramel Cookies