Apple Cider Soft Spiced Cookies (Printable Version)
Soft spiced cookies infused with apple cider, filled with creamy caramel and buttercream for a fall treat.
# Everything You’ll Need:
→ Whoopie Pies
01 -
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 -
1 tsp baking soda
03 -
1 tsp baking powder
04 -
1/2 tsp salt
05 -
1 tsp ground cinnamon
06 -
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
07 -
1/4 tsp ground cloves
08 -
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 -
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
10 -
1 large egg, room temperature
11 -
1 tsp vanilla extract
12 -
1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/4 cup
13 -
1/2 cup whole milk
→ Apple Cider Buttercream
14 -
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
15 -
3 cups powdered sugar
16 -
1/4 cup reduced apple cider
17 -
1 tsp vanilla extract
18 -
Pinch of salt
→ Caramel Filling
19 -
1/2 cup store-bought caramel sauce
20 -
Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
# Steps to Cook:
01 -
Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 10-15 minutes. Allow to cool before use.
02 -
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, then beat until combined. Gradually incorporate cooled apple cider reduction. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk in thirds, beginning and ending with dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
03 -
Drop 2-tablespoon-sized rounds of batter onto prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until cakes are firm to the touch and a toothpick comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
04 -
Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in cooled apple cider reduction, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
05 -
Pair cooled whoopie pie halves by size. Pipe or spread a generous amount of apple cider buttercream on one half. Drizzle caramel sauce over the buttercream and optionally sprinkle flaky sea salt. Top with second half and gently press to form a sandwich. Repeat with remaining halves.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Simmering apple cider concentrates its flavor, enhancing the spices without adding extra liquid.