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Caramel Apple Cookie Sandwiches

Soft, spiced apple cider cookies sandwiched with sweet vanilla buttercream, capturing all the flavors of a classic caramel apple.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 15 cookie sandwiches
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Apple Cider Reduction
  • 1.5 cups apple cider
Spiced Apple Cookies
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour spooned & leveled
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp cloves optional
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 egg large, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup reduced apple cider cooled
Vanilla Buttercream Filling
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • 1 pinch salt optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Small saucepan

Method
 

  1. Reduce Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, simmer 1 ½ cups apple cider over medium heat until reduced to ½ cup, 15-20 mins. Let cool completely.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  4. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 2-3 mins. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
  5. With mixer on low, add dry ingredients in 3 parts, alternating with ½ cup cooled reduced cider in 2 parts. Mix until just combined.
  6. Scoop 1.5-tbsp portions of dough onto baking sheets, 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly. Bake for 12-15 mins until set. Cool 5 mins on sheet, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Make Filling: Beat softened butter until creamy. Add sifted powdered sugar, vanilla, and optional salt. Beat on low, then medium-high. Add cream 1 tbsp at a time until fluffy and spreadable.
  8. Assemble: Once cookies are fully cool, spread or pipe buttercream onto the flat side of half the cookies. Top with remaining cookies to form sandwiches.

Notes

Store assembled sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let sit at room temp for 15 mins before serving for best texture. Dough may be soft/batter-like; a brief 20-min chill can make scooping easier.