Apple cider cheesecake cookies are not your average dessert. They perfectly blend the fragrant spices of autumn with the creamy goodness of cheesecake. Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy cookie that reveals a luscious cheesecake filling. These cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings or simply satisfying your sweet tooth during the fall season.
Apple Cider Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
For Topping
- 1/4 cup spiced sugar (for topping)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in apple cider, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Cheesecake Filling
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth to make the cheesecake filling.
Baking
- Scoop a tablespoon of the cookie dough, flatten it slightly, and place about a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center. Encase the filling with more dough and roll it into a ball.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with melted butter, then sprinkle with spiced sugar.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Why Make This Recipe
What makes these apple cider cheesecake cookies special? First and foremost, they embody everything we love about fall. The combination of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg brings warmth and nostalgia, making these cookies excellent for festive occasions or an indulgent treat any day of the week.
In just a single bite, you’ll experience the perfect balance of texture and flavor. The rich cream cheese filling adds a delightful surprise, elevating this cookie beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just want to treat yourself, these cookies will undoubtedly impress.
“These apple cider cheesecake cookies are like a cozy hug in cookie form! The filling is to die for!”
How to Make Apple Cider Cheesecake Cookies
Making these apple cider cheesecake cookies is a straightforward process that results in impressive flavors. You’ll begin by preparing the cookie dough, followed by whipping up a delightful cheesecake filling. Finally, you’ll bake them to golden perfection. It’s really that simple!
Gather These Items
To make this scrumptious treat, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
- 1/4 cup spiced sugar (for topping)
Feel free to make substitutions as needed; for example, using gluten-free flour or sugar substitutes can work well too.
Directions to Follow
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in apple cider, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth to make the cheesecake filling.
- Scoop a tablespoon of the cookie dough, flatten it slightly, and place about a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center. Encase the filling with more dough and roll it into a ball.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with melted butter, then sprinkle with spiced sugar.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These apple cider cheesecake cookies are delightful on their own or paired with a cup of hot apple cider or your favorite tea. They make an excellent offering at potlucks or cookie exchanges. You can even serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They typically stay good for about a week. If you find yourself with leftovers, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them securely in plastic wrap or a freezer bag. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked flavor.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened; this will help achieve a creamy filling and a fluffy cookie dough.
- Don’t overmix the cookie dough; mixing until just combined will keep your cookies tender.
- If you want extra spiced flavor, try adding a pinch of allspice or cloves to the dough.
- Experiment with different flavored sugars for the topping; cinnamon sugar is a classic, but cardamom sugar can add an interesting twist.
Creative Twists
Feel free to customize these apple cider cheesecake cookies! You can swap the vanilla for almond extract or throw in some chopped pecans for added crunch. For a fun twist, try adding a swirl of caramel to the cheesecake filling. Some might even enjoy incorporating pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a seasonal flair.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to prepare these cookies?
A: Preparation takes about 20-30 minutes, and baking takes around 12-15 minutes.
Q: Can I substitute the apple cider?
A: Yes, apple juice can be used as a substitute if you’re in a pinch.
Q: Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
A: Absolutely! They freeze beautifully. Just ensure they are wrapped well to prevent freezer burn.
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling in advance and assemble them right before baking.
Q: What can I do with leftover cream cheese filling?
A: Leftover cream cheese filling can be used as a dip for fruits or spread on bagels!
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Meta description: Enjoy the cozy, delicious taste of fall with these apple cider cheesecake cookies. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat, they are easy to make and delightful!