Thanksgiving always brings me back to Nonna’s kitchen, where dessert wasn’t just sweet; it was comforting. These apple cider cheesecake cookies capture that same warmth. Imagine the spiced tang of apple cider folded into soft cheesecake-like cookies, each bite a little festive hug. They’re perfect for a Thanksgiving dessert table, easy to make ahead, and just fancy enough to wow your guests without keeping you tied to the oven all day.
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Why You Will Love These Apple Cider Cheesecake Cookies
These cookies combine two holiday favorites; apple cider and cheesecake, into a handheld treat that feels indulgent but approachable. The soft cookie base melts in your mouth, while the apple cider glaze adds that autumn flavor everyone craves this season. They’re ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in with a cup of tea. Plus, they pair beautifully with other Thanksgiving staples like cranberry turkey stuffing balls. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just a few loved ones, these cookies make any fall moment more special.
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Apple Cider Cheesecake Cookies
Soft and chewy cookies infused with apple cider and cream cheese, finished with a spiced glaze; perfect for Thanksgiving.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup apple cider (reduced)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
Pinch of salt
Optional: caramel drizzle or cider glaze
Instructions
1. Reduce apple cider on stove until syrupy and set aside.
2. Beat butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in cider reduction.
4. Mix in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined.
5. Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking.
6. Scoop dough onto lined tray, bake at 350°F for 12–14 minutes.
7. Cool completely, then drizzle with glaze or caramel.
Notes
Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Freeze unglazed cookies up to 2 months.
Add extra spices for a stronger fall flavor.
Best enjoyed the next day when flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is simple. Most are pantry staples, but apple cider gives this recipe its seasonal flair. Before you begin, make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free dough. These cookies are all about balance; sweetness from sugar, richness from cream cheese, and the tangy kick of cider. For another Thanksgiving-inspired dessert idea, take a look at apple crisp mini cheesecakes.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup apple cider (reduced for stronger flavor)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: drizzle of caramel or extra cider glaze
How to Make It
Start by reducing the apple cider on the stove until syrupy; it intensifies the flavor. Beat together butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, followed by the cider reduction. Mix in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until just combined. Chill the dough for 30 minutes. Scoop onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 12–14 minutes, or until edges are set but centers look soft. Let cool before adding glaze or caramel drizzle. These cookies taste even better the next day, similar to how flavors develop in pumpkin pie cheesecake.
Tips and Variations
For the best texture, don’t overbake; slightly underdone centers keep the cookies chewy. If you love stronger spice, add a pinch of cloves or allspice. For a richer finish, top with a cream cheese frosting swirl instead of glaze. If you’re baking ahead, store unglazed cookies in an airtight container, then add the cider drizzle right before serving. .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Yes, but cider has a deeper flavor. If you substitute juice, add a touch more cinnamon.
How long do these cookies last?
They stay fresh for up to 4 days in an airtight container, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I skip reducing the cider?
You can, but reducing concentrates the flavor and prevents excess liquid in the dough.
Are these cookies kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The cider cooks down, leaving a sweet apple flavor kids love; just like apple brownies.
Last Bite
Apple cider cheesecake cookies are the dessert your Thanksgiving table has been waiting for. They’re cozy, festive, and just a little different from the classics. Serve them warm with a drizzle of glaze or caramel, and watch them disappear faster than a slice of apple crumble cheesecake. For me, baking them feels like carrying Nonna’s tradition into my own kitchen; one sweet, spiced bite at a time.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
