Apple Cider Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful blend of flavors that capture the essence of fall. These soft and chewy cookies have a rich cheesecake filling that is infused with the delicious taste of apple cider. They are perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a fantastic way to bring the warm, comforting flavors of autumn into your kitchen. The combination of apple cider, spices, and creamy cheesecake creates a tasty treat that everyone will love. Plus, these cookies are easy to make and can be shared with family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating the season or just want a sweet snack, these cookies are a great choice!
How to Make Apple Cider Cheesecake Cookies
Making Apple Cider Cheesecake Cookies involves a few simple steps that will lead to delicious results. Follow the directions below to create your batch of sweet delights.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (480 ml) apple cider
- 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, cold
- 3 tbsp (38 g) granulated white sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1 3/4 cups (218 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
- 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) apple cider reduction from above
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch ground allspice
- 1-2 tbsp (14-28 g) salted butter, melted
Directions
For the Apple Cider Reduction: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until it thickens and reduces to about 1/2 cup. This may take around 15-20 minutes. Let it cool.
For the Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, mix the cold cream cheese, 3 tbsp of sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla until it’s smooth. Gently fold in 2 tbsp of the cooled apple cider reduction. Set aside.
For the Apple Cider Cookies: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and 1/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks, vanilla, and 2 tbsp apple cider reduction. Mix well.
In another bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
For the Spiced Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of allspice. Set aside.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Scoop out a tablespoon of cookie dough, flatten it, and place a small dollop of the cheesecake filling in the center. Fold the dough over the filling and roll it into a ball. Roll the ball in the spiced sugar mixture.
Place the dough balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are golden. Let them cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve Apple Cider Cheesecake Cookies
These cookies are best served warm or at room temperature. Pair them with a glass of cold apple cider or a hot cup of coffee or tea. They make a wonderful dessert for gatherings or a tasty snack to enjoy at home.
How to Store Apple Cider Cheesecake Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies individually and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Apple Cider Cheesecake Cookies
- Make sure to let the cream cheese cool to room temperature for the best cheesecake filling texture.
- Don’t overmix the cookie dough after adding the dry ingredients; this helps keep the cookies soft.
- Experiment with different spices to find your favorite flavor combination.
Variation
You can replace the apple cider with other fruit juices like pear or cranberry for a different twist on these cookies. Additionally, try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make the apple cider reduction ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple cider reduction a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
2. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or a non-dairy alternative if needed.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
Enjoy baking and savoring these delightful Apple Cider Cheesecake Cookies!
Apple Cider Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients
Apple Cider Reduction
- 2 cups apple cider For reducing and infusing flavor.
Cheesecake Filling
- 6 oz cream cheese, cold Use softened for easier mixing.
- 3 tbsp granulated white sugar For sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla Enhances flavor.
- 2 tbsp apple cider reduction Mixed into the filling.
Cookie Base
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened For a rich, creamy texture.
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed Brings moisture and flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar For sweetness.
- 2 large egg yolks At room temperature.
- 2 tsp vanilla Enhances flavor.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Spoon and level for accuracy.
- 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon For spiciness.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg For warmth.
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice For complexity of flavor.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder Helps cookies rise.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda For leavening.
- 1/2 tsp salt Enhances flavors.
Spiced Sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar For rolling.
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon For extra sweetness.
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg For added flavor.
- pinch ground allspice Complements the cookies.
Instructions
Apple Cider Reduction
- In a small saucepan, bring apple cider to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until it thickens to about 1/2 cup, about 15-20 minutes.
- Let it cool.
Cheesecake Filling
- In a bowl, mix cold cream cheese, 3 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla until smooth.
- Gently fold in 2 tbsp of cooled apple cider reduction. Set aside.
Cookie Mixture
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, light brown sugar, and 1/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks, vanilla, and 2 tbsp apple cider reduction. Mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Forming Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scoop a tablespoon of cookie dough, flatten it, and place a small dollop of cheesecake filling in the center.
- Fold the dough over the filling and roll it into a ball.
- Roll the ball in the spiced sugar mixture.
- Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.