Description
Apple Cider Cheesecake Cookies with Spiced Sugar combine the tart warmth of apple cider and creamy cheesecake filling with a soft, chewy cookie base dusted in a cozy cinnamon and nutmeg spiced sugar coating. Perfectly suited for fall, these cookies offer a comforting and unique flavor experience that balances sweet, spicy, and tangy notes in each bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Spiced Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra spice)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a small bowl, blend softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside to use as the filling inside each cookie.
- Mix the spiced sugar: Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg in a small bowl. This mixture will coat the cookies before baking.
- Make the cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 cup apple cider. Gradually mix in the flour, baking powder, and optional cinnamon until the dough forms but remains slightly sticky.
- Assemble the cookies: Take a small portion of dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a dollop of cheesecake filling in the center, then wrap the dough around it to seal fully. Roll the stuffed dough ball in the spiced sugar mixture until thoroughly coated.
- Bake and cool: Place coated cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden at the edges. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before assembling to make handling easier and help cookies keep their shape.
- Use fresh ground cinnamon and nutmeg for the best flavor.
- Do not overfill with cheesecake to prevent leakage during baking.
- Check oven temperature with a thermometer for even baking.
- Roll cookies in spiced sugar right before baking to ensure a crunchy coating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: apple cider, cheesecake cookies, spiced sugar, fall dessert, cinnamon, nutmeg, soft cookies, chewy, seasonal treat