Caramel Apple Cider Cookies and Pumpkin Irony

My big news for the weekend is that I appear to have overcome my pumpkin allergy!  It’s probably been fifteen years since I last carved a pumpkin.  Frankly it wasn’t worth the hives and swollen eyes.  But when I got an invite to a pumpkin carving party, I decided it was time to stop living in fear.  To be safe, I had Courtney gut the pumpkin for me… and to be extra safe, I came equipped with safely goggles and a pair of plastic gloves.  Sexy time.

Much to my surprise, I got no itchy eyes or hint of a rash.  A couple of glasses of bourbon cider later, I decided it was time to really test things out.  I took a discarded chunk of a pumpkin, and rubbed it up and down my forearm. Nothing.  Looks like I’m back in business!  Unfortunately, I still suck at carving pumpkins… or maybe I’m just rusty?

Courtney on the other hand, made a pretty impressive Einstein (three hours later).

There is a sad irony in all of this.  The same night I discover I can carve pumpkins again, drunk hooligans in college student costumes helped ensure that there will probably never be another Pumpkin Fest in Keene.  From the sounds of it, a riot broke out because students felt that the police were infringing on their right to get drunk, destroy property and jump of roofs in peace.  So of course they responded by throwing bottles, flipping cars, destroying public property and lighting things on fire.  Way to stand up for what you believe in guys, and you know cost New Hampshire tax payers thousands of dollars, risk the lives (and waste the time) of first responders and generally bring embarrassment upon your college and community.

Anyways, let’s end things on a much sweeter note.  These cookies are ridiculously easy to make and taste amazing.  They’re essentially sugar cookies flavored with apple cider mix and stuffed with caramel candy.  The result is a chewy apples cookie oozing with warm caramel.  I can’t think of much better to bring to a Fall party, but make sure you try one while they’re warm!

Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

From Allspice and Nutmeg

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Five packets apple cider instant drink mix. (I used Alpine Spiced)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 16 caramels (I used Kraft)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.  Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper
2. In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together butter, sugar, salt and five packets of apple cider mix until fluffy and smooth.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.  Mix in the baking soda and baking powder. Add the flour a bit at a time and mix just long enough to to be well combined.
4. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop about 2 Tbsp (~2 oz) of dough per cooking.  Use your hand to form a ball and then flatten slightly.  Set a caramel in the center of the dough and gather the dough around the caramel sealing it well. 
5. Place cookies 2 inches apart on the sheets and bake 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on the edges.
6. Let cool slightly so you don’t burn your mouth on the delicious gooey caramel center!

Makes 16 cookies

Johanna