It's not fall without a batch of apple cider cookies, complete with creamy cheesecake filling and spiced sugar topping.
On chilly autumn days, there is no better feeling than cozying up with hot apple cider. It’s pretty much the definition of the perfect fall drink.
That’s why we’re obsessed with this recipe that adds apple cider to a beloved dessert. That’s right, apple cider doesn’t just have to be enjoyed as a drink. There are plenty of apple cider recipes that have the tart, spiced flavor of fall in every bite. Including apple cider cheesecake cookies!
What are apple cider cheesecake cookies?
These apple cider-flavored cookies combine two of our favorite desserts: cheesecake and cookies. According to recipe developer Ginny Dyer, the cookies taste exactly like apple cider doughnuts with a cheesecake filling. Yum! Total dream dessert enjoyed preferably while watching Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween or a Nora Ephron rom-com.
How to Make Apple Cider Cheesecake Cookies
This viral recipe was shared by @inbloombakery on TikTok. The original post for “super chewy apple cider spiced cookies stuffed with creamy cheesecake” has 775,000 likes and counting. In other words, the internet can’t get enough!
The recipe echoes another In Bloom Bakery classic, pumpkin cheesecake cookies. And since we’re obsessed with those, too, we definitely aren’t complaining.
@inbloombakery APPLE CIDER CHEESECAKE COOKIES🍎✨ Super chewy apple cider spiced cookies stuffed with creamy cheesecake filling, brushed with butter & sprinkled with spiced sugar. The key to lots of apple cider flavor without adding too much moisture to the cookies is reducing the apple cider A LOT. Like you’re going to almost make a hard candy with it, you can see how hard and sticky it gets, but this will allow the cookies to stay super chewy while adding a strong apple flavor! And we’re stuffing them with cream cheese for good measure, but if you’d rather, you can leave the cheesecake part out ❤️ #applecidercookie#applecider#cheesecakecookies#applecookies#fallbaking#fallcookies♬ Moonlight Serenade – Glenn Miller
Start off by creating an apple cider reduction, which Ginny says is the most important step. In medium saucepan over low to medium heat, simmer 2 cups of apple cider for 25 to 38 minutes. It’s an odd range, but the exact time depends on the heat. You’ll know the reduction is almost done once the consistency noticeably becomes more bubbly. Stir consistently to make sure it’s not overdone. The final result will be 2 tablespoons of a viscous, honey-like texture.
Step 2: Prep the cheesecake filling
Throw cream cheese, granulated sugar and vanilla in a small bowl and cream with a hand mixer on medium to high speed for 2 minutes. The cheesecake filling should have a pillowy consistency and the sugar should be fully dissolved.
In increments of 2 teaspoons, line up 16 cheesecake filling scoops onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then, pop those cheesecake dollops into your freezer. Ginny advises to wait until they’re frozen and firm so the filling won’t leak out from the cookies as they’re baking.
Step 3: Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets
Add flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking soda, baking powder and salt to a medium bowl and whisk it all together—the right way! Put the mixture aside.
Step 5: Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until the result is light and fluffy.
Step 6: Add in the rest of the cookie ingredients
Add the egg yolks, vanilla and apple cider reduction to the rest of the wet ingredients. Mix on medium speed for 3 to 5 minutes.
Ginny’s Tip: The apple cider reduction will be extra sticky after it’s cool, so get ready to scrape it from a spoon!
Step 7: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Add the dry ingredients. Fully mix the ingredients all together on low speed. Use plastic wrap to cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. Ginny says this makes the dough easier to work with. Don’t skip chilling the dough!
Step 8: Place the cookie dough on baking sheets
After the cookie dough has chilled, scoop 16 1-1/2 tablespoon portions of dough. Use three fingers to slightly flatten each dough portion. Grab a dollop of the cheesecake filling and place in the center of the flattened dough. Then, wrap the dough around the cheesecake filling until it’s fully concealed by the dough. Repeat for the rest of the cookies.
Take the prepared cookie dough balls and place them evenly on a baking sheet. Then, pop 6 cookies in the oven at a time. They take 11 to 12 minutes to bake, and Ginny recommends 11-1/2 minutes as the ideal baking sweet spot. Let each batch cool for 15 minutes before transferring onto a wire rack to fully cool.
Step 9: Create the spiced sugar
Add sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice to a small bowl and mix together.
Wait for the cookies to fully cool before using a pastry brush—one of the must-have pastry tools for every home baker—to brush melted butter on the top of the cookies. Then sprinkle on the spiced sugar. Your apple cider cheesecake cookies are ready to serve!
Fall Cookies That’ll Make Your House Smell Amazing
Ginger Creme Sandwich CookiesWith a lemony filling, these spiced cookies go over big because they have old-fashioned, comfort-food appeal. Your party guests will snatch them up! - Carol Walston, Granbury, Texas
Pecan Pie CookiesMy family loves pecans. In fact, we have pecan pie at Thanksgiving and these pecan cookies at Christmas.—Julie McQuiston, Bradenton, Florida
Butterscotch ShortbreadAfter sampling these tender cookies in a specialty store, I knew I had to duplicate them. My version has lots of toffee bits and butterscotch chips. I give away dozens as home-baked gifts. —Sandra McKenzie, Braham, MN
Oatmeal Caramel Apple CookiesThis recipe for caramel apple cookies is a fun twist on traditional oatmeal raisin. These treats are hard to resist! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Caramel Whiskey CookiesA bit of yogurt replaces part of the butter in the traditional cookie, but you would never know. I get a lot of requests for these and can’t make a cookie tray without them. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
White Chocolate-Cranberry BiscottiThe original version of this recipe was handed down from my great-aunt. Through the years, my mother and I have tried different flavor combinations...this is a favorite for all. —Brenda Keith, Talent, Oregon
Pumpkin Cookies with Browned Butter FrostingThe recipe for these pleasantly spiced pumpkin cookies won a champion ribbon at our local county fair. These are a family favorite, and everyone enjoys the soft cakelike texture. —Robin Nagel, Whitehall, Montana
Cinnamon Roll MacaronsThese macarons are a winter/fall staple for me—inspired by the classic cinnamon roll, they are a delicious treat for a cold or snowy day. These pair well with a mug of tea, and can be eaten as a dessert or just a snack. Try custard, mousse, ganache, or any other buttercream as fillings. They make great Thanksgiving cookies too. —Elizabeth Ding, El Cerrito, California. Looking for more? Learn how to make Taylor Swift’s chai cookies.
Cinnamon Crackle CookiesThis recipe is the compilation of many years of baking. I make these cookies for a holiday bazaar and year-round for our family. They freeze well. —Vicki Lair, Albert Lea, Minnesota
Ginger S'moresI’ve spent a few years perfecting this recipe to get the cookie soft and full of flavor and to balance the marshmallow and chocolate without overpowering the cookie. I think I finally got it where I want it!
—Lynsay Benson, Minnetonka, Minnesota
Salted Brown Sugar and Rye Chocolate Chip CookiesThese bakery-style cookies are a delicious twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie! The combination of rye flour, chocolate and brown sugar makes these cookies truly unique. They’re soft and chewy with crunchy edges, perfectly salty-sweet and loaded with just the right amount of chocolate. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Quick Cranberry Chip CookiesI received these delightful cookies for Christmas a few years ago. I was watching my diet, but I couldn't stay away from them! The tart cranberries blend beautifully with the sweet chocolate and vanilla chips. —Jo Ann McCarthy, Canton, Massachusetts
Soft Honey CookiesThese old-fashioned honey cookies have a subtle honey-cinnamon flavor and a tender texture. This recipe has been a favorite in my family for years and now it can be one at your house, too. —Rochelle Friedman, Brooklyn, New York
Spiced Cranberry Oatmeal CookiesThis is the best applesauce cranberry cookie recipe. These delicious cookies are full of pecans, dried cranberries and chocolate chips that lend crunch and sweetness. Every bite is packed with flavor! —Karie Saxton, South Boardman, Michigan
Caramel-Apple Shortbread CookiesThere is nothing like seeing my friends almost melt to the floor when they bite into something I made. These cookies never fail to elicit oohs and aahs. —Amber Taylor, Lenoir City, Tennessee
Chewy German Chocolate CookiesWhen I want a cookie that's as chewy as a brownie, this is the recipe I reach for. Coffee granules add the right amount of mocha flavor. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Pumpkin Spice CookiesThese big, soft spice cookies created by our staff have a sweet frosting that makes them an extra-special treat. Learn how to store cookies so you can enjoy them for the holidays! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Fruit 'n' Spice RoundsWhile I was looking for a way to use up an abundance of dates, I came across this recipe. Made with raisins, walnuts and a delectable lemon glaze, these quickly became a family favorite. —Allison Bell, Helena, Montana
Chocolate and Peanut Butter CookiesMy mother-in-law was known for her chocolate and peanut butter cookies, and her special Sunday dinners. She always enjoyed baking and even worked in a bakery to help put her sons through college. Her cookies were always picture-perfect. —Cathy Pawlowski, Naperville, Illinois
Cranberry Nutella Sandwich CookiesI created these cookies for my family after I realized that we had been without Nutella for far too long! The tart dried cranberries are a natural pairing to the hazelnut flavor. We can’t get enough of these sweet treats!
—Nancy Mock, Colchester, VT
Glazed Maple Shortbread CookiesWhenever I visit friends in Lutsen, Minnesota, I make sure to buy maple syrup there because I think it's even better than in Quebec. These delicious cookies can be decorated with sprinkles but they're just fine as is.—Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Cranberry Walnut BiscottiA chocolate drizzle lends a little sweetness to biscotti loaded with walnuts and dried cranberries. Before your family has a chance to eat them all, wrap some up to give as gifts!—Joan Duckworth, Lee's Summit, Missouri
Cinnamon Bun CookiesI love cinnamon rolls, but working with yeast can be scary. These cookies give you the taste of a cinnamon roll in cookie form—no yeast required! They look like flattened cinnamon rolls and feel special enough to serve around the holidays. —Erin Raatjes, New Lenox, Illinois
Cinnamon Chip Chai-Spiced SnickerdoodlesI love cinnamon chips, and this is an intriguing way to use them. Make sure to stock up on them during the holiday season so you have plenty to last during the year. —Marietta Slater, Justin, Texas
Cherry Chocolate Chunk CookiesThese rich, fudgy cookies are chewy and studded with tangy dried cherries. It’s a good thing the recipe makes only a small batch, because we eat them all in one night! —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Ginger CrinklesI came up with these cookies by combining ingredients from two other recipes. It's the perfect ginger cookie—crispy on the outside and chewy in the middle. I send them to my son, and he shares them with his employees. Whenever I ask what kind of cookies to send, these are at the very top of the list. —Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona
Chunky Drop CookiesThe night before I make these drop cookies, I measure out the pretzels, peanuts, raisins and chocolate. Assembly goes quickly the next day. —Kelly Ward-Hartman, Cape Coral, Florida
Mini Meringue PumpkinsCast a sweet spell over your Halloween party guests by making a pumpkin patch’s worth of treats. It’s easy to use this basic meringue recipe spiced with pumpkin flavor to scare up fun cookies. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Giant Molasses CookiesMy family always requests these soft molasses cookies. These chewy molasses cookies are also great for shipping as holiday gifts or to troops overseas. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York
Cranberry SlicesThe holidays wouldn't be complete without a plateful of homemade cookies to give family and friends. Try these for gifts.—American Dairy Assoc, Stacy Duffy, Chicago, Illinois
Pumpkin Whoopie PiesMy kids start begging me for these cakelike sandwich cookies as soon as autumn arrives. I haven't met a person yet who doesn't like these fun treats. —Deb Stuber, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Cranberry Port CookiesThis is my version of a recipe I tasted years ago—my family loves it. The flaky cookies are filled with a scrumptious combination of dried cranberries, cinnamon, lemon and a hint of port wine. —Leslie Forte, Oakhill, Virginia
Honey-Date Pumpkin CookiesJust in time for harvest, here are some delicious drop cookies, plump with dates, pumpkins and nuts. The old-fashioned cream cheese frosting will remind you of Grandma’s kitchen.—Eunice Stoen, Decorah, IA
Frosted Butter Rum Brickle BitesThe rum, real butter and toffee bits made these cookies my husband’s new favorite. If you’d like them less sweet, skip the frosting and sprinkle the cookies with confectioners’ sugar while still warm. —Cindy Nerat, Menominee, Michigan
Coffee Maple SpritzI like spritz cookies because they're easier to make than rolled cutouts but I can still be creative with different shapes and sizes. Feel free to substitute vanilla or rum extract for the maple flavoring. —Dierdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Day After Thanksgiving CookiesWith your leftover cranberry sauce and pumpkin, bake some Thanksgiving cookies. I’ve used jellied and whole-berry cranberry sauce, and both are equally delicious. —Heather Bates, Athens, Maine
Powered-Up Molasses CookiesThese tender cookies are so soft and flavorful. You'd never guess they're also lower in fat! —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip TassiesThis pumpkin and chocolate cookie has a special feel that makes it perfect for a holiday dessert table. If you don’t have a pastry tip, use a freezer bag to pipe the buttercream into the cookie cup. It works well for me. —Laura Milanowski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Winning Cranberry Chip CookiesChock-full of cranberries, chocolate chips and nuts, these cookies are fun to eat. They offer a change of pace from traditional Christmas cookies...but don't wait until December to make them. My family requests them all year-round.
Cranberry Orange Sandwich CookiesMy sweet-tart cookies make a terrific addition to a holiday dessert tray. I love the creamy orange filling.—Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Cinnamon Oatmeal CookiesMy family loves these big old-fashioned cinnamon oatmeal cookies. They’re crisp, yet still chewy in the center, and the cinnamon makes them a little different from typical oatmeal cookies.
Honey Walnut DelightsEven after being frozen, these no-fail cookies stay moist and taste freshly baked. They are among my best holiday giveaway treats and are so easy to make. If you prefer, you can use other nut varieties, such as pecans or almonds. —Jessica Clemens, Wimbledon, North Dakota
Pumpkin Spice CutoutsThrough all the years I've been baking, I’ve never come across a pumpkin cookie recipe that you can actually cut out with cookie cutters. (Most I’ve found are drop cookies.) Each bite tastes just like pumpkin pie—delicious! —Marion Kearley, Ladner, British Columbia
Gingerbread Cookies with Lemon FrostingWhen I spread these spicy gingerbread rounds with my lemony cream cheese frosting, I knew I had a hit. Cardamom and allspice add a hint of chai tea flavor. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Spiced Molasses Doughnut CookiesI don't know where this recipe came from, but my family has been making these cookies for four generations. I am from upstate New York, and I haven't met anyone who has heard of doughnut cookies outside of that area. But when folks try these, they love them! —Brenna Phillips, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Butter Pecan CookiesWhen my daughter was a teen, these butter pecan cookies earned her two blue ribbons from two county fairs. Then a few years ago, her own daughter took home a blue ribbon for the same cookie. Needless to say, these mouthwatering morsels are real winners!—Martha Thefield, Cedartown, Georgia
Horn Walnut CookiesIt takes only a few ingredients to create these elegant and delicious horns. This is a terrific make-ahead recipe because the dough can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to seven days. —Loretta Stokes, Philadephia, Pennsylvania
Molasses Cookies with a KickHere’s my go-to combination of ingredients for the best spice cookies. They’re a natural for fall, but I make them all year long. My mom says they’re her favorite! —Tamara Rau, Medina, North Dakota
Chocolate Pecan Skillet CookieBake up the ultimate shareable cookie. For variety, swap the chocolate chips for an equal quantity of M&M's or chocolate chunks. Or go super fancy by mixing the chocolate chips and pecans into the dough, then gently folding in fresh raspberries. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
Pumpkin Chip CookiesThese golden cakelike cookies are my favorite, especially around the holidays. They disappear quickly from my dessert trays. The subtle pumpkin and cinnamon flavors pair nicely with chocolate chips. —Tami Burroughs, Salem, Oregon
Cranberry Nut CookiesIn fall, I stock up on fresh cranberries and freeze them so I can make these cookies throughout the year. Tangy cranberries are a nice addition to a buttery cookie. —Machelle, Wall, Rosamond, California
Spiced Almond CookiesThese cookies are my all-time favorite! The recipe has won ribbons at fairs and applause from family and guests alike. One of the reasons I like it is that I can make the dough and freeze it. Then, when I need another batch of cookies, I take a "log" out of the freezer, thaw it and make fresh cookies in minutes. —Wanda Daily, Milwaukie, Oregon
Spiced Cappuccino Kiss CookiesThis recipe combines two of my favorite flavors: coffee and cinnamon. You can always find them on my holiday treat trays. —Cynthia Messenger, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Browned Butter Spice CookiesIf you like spice cake, you’ll love this recipe! Browned butter, dark chocolate and a splash of rum produce an unconventional spice cookie that’s guaranteed to please. —Kristin Kenney, Newport Beach, California
Pumpkin Sage Beurre Noisette CookiesIn a world of pumpkin spice flavor, these fluffy cookies are my top choice. The infusion of fresh sage gives them a surprising savory note. You can use mashed sweet potatoes or yams instead of the pumpkin if you prefer. —Jill LeMasters, Ravenna, Ohio
Jessica Kaplan creates trend content for Taste of Home. When it comes to all things food news, she's an expert. Jessica has previously written lifestyle content for Reader’s Digest, Family Handyman and The Healthy. These days, she loves trying out the latest TikTok recipes and exploring New York eateries and coffee shops.
We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices.