Apple Cider Caramel Cookies Recipe

I thought that these would be the perfect fall cookie and they were so good! They taste just like a caramel apple!

Prep Time12

Cook Time15

Total Time27

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Alpine apple cider recipe, Best apple desserts, Caramel-stuffed cookies, Unique cookie recipe

Servings:

Calories: 230kcal

1 cup unsalted butter nearly melted
1 cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
7.4 ounces Alpine Spiced Apple Cider Instant Original Drink Mix* 1 box - you will use all 10 packets
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
3 cups all-purpose flour
14 ounces Kraft Caramels 1 bag, unwrapped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper (trust me - this will keep your caramel from sticking to your pan!).
In a stand mixer, cream together butter, sugar, salt, and all 10 packets of apple cider mix until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract, then mix in the baking soda and baking powder. Add the flour and mix until just combined.
With a standard (size 50) cookie scoop, scoop the dough scrapping off the excess as you go up the bowl. Flatten the dough slightly in your hand and place a caramel in the center. Work the dough around the caramel, making sure that it seals well and the caramel is completely covered. Place the cookies 2-3 inches apart on the sheets.
Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown around the edges, but making sure to not overcook them. After baking, carefully remove the parchment paper with the cookies onto the counter. Let cool until they are no longer soft but still slightly warm. Lift gently to remove, and cool the rest of the way upside down on the parchment or on a cooling rack.
These are delicious if you warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds after the cookies have cooled down (I usually do it for less than 10 seconds and it seems to be perfect!).

After they are completely cool, I would store them in an air tight container and freeze them. Just be sure to get them out a day before or so, so the caramel inside has time to thaw.
*We recommend using the original apple cider flavor and not the sugar-free variety.
If you are struggling with the caramel not being "melted" in the center of the cookie, use a package of "caramel bits" (they are usually on the chocolate chip aisle at the grocery store).