Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

I don't know about you but I LOVE caramel apples!  Every time we go to Depot Bay (here in Oregon)we go to the little candy store and buy 3 caramel apples and enjoy every single bite of them!  But I don't ever make them.  Why is that???  

When I saw the recipe for these Caramel Apple Cider Cookies on Scrambled Henfruit I thought "best of both worlds... caramel apples and cookies!  Whoo hoo!"  And was I happy I made them!  They are amazing!!!

I changed the recipe a little bit.  Rather than using a whole caramel I used caramel bits.  They didn't turn out as cool looking (without the big blob of caramel in the middle.  But there was caramel in every bite which I loved.  And I was afraid the big blop of caramel would get hard and make it almost impossible to eat (and super messy for my kids.)  Plus... have you seen these yet in the stores?

New favorite product.  They are soft and delicious!

Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

Source: Scrambled Henfruit

* 1 cup softened butter

* 1 cup sugar

* 1/2 tsp. salt

* 1 box of Apple Cider Drink Mix (all 10 packages) located near the hot chocolate in the grocery store

* 2 eggs

* 1 tsp. vanilla

* 1 tsp. baking soda

* 1/2 tsp. baking powder

* 1 tsp. cinnamon

* 3 cups all purpose flour

* Caramel bits or "regular" caramels

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Line baking sheets with parchment paper.  This is important in case the caramel bakes through the bottom.

In a stand mixer, cream together butter, sugar, salt and all 10 packages of Spiced Cider Mix until light and fluffy.

Beat in eggs, one at a time, and vanilla and mix well.

Add flour, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon just until mixed.

Refrigerate for about an hour.

When you are ready to bake, scoop out a ball (about the size of a walnut).  Press a hole in the center and fill with caramel bits (or 1 large caramel.)  Seal dough around caramel and place on parchment paper.

Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until very lightly browned.  Don't over bake!  When done, immediately slide parchment paper onto the counter and let cool just until they are firm enough to move.  Turn cookies upside down (this helps the caramel not all sink to the bottom and stick to the paper) and let cool completely.  

 

Of course eat a couple while warm - they are delicious!!!

Enjoy!

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