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Caramel Apple Cider Sandwich Cookies
Caramel Apple Cider Sandwich Cookies are the ultimate fall-inspired dessert, combining warm spices, rich apple cider flavor, and a smooth vanilla cream filling sandwiched between two soft, tender cookies. Finished with a drizzle of buttery caramel sauce, these cookies capture everything people love about autumn baking in one elegant handheld treat.
If you’re searching for the perfect apple cider cookies recipe that feels bakery-quality yet simple enough to make at home, this is it. These fall sandwich cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings, dessert tables, bake sales, or cozy weekend baking sessions. The flavor profile blends cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar with concentrated apple cider for a nostalgic taste reminiscent of crisp autumn days.
This homemade autumn dessert stands out because it’s not just a cookie — it’s a layered experience. The soft cookie texture pairs beautifully with the creamy filling and rich caramel drizzle, creating a balanced combination of sweetness, spice, and warmth.
Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Cider Sandwich Cookies
- Deep apple cider flavor in every bite
- Soft, cake-like texture with a creamy center
- Perfect fall sandwich cookies for holidays and gatherings
- Beautiful presentation for parties and gifting
- Easy-to-follow steps with simple pantry ingredients
These spiced apple cider cookies are designed to be both impressive and approachable. Even intermediate bakers can achieve consistent results with this detailed guide.
Ingredients
Cookie Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 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 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.75 cup apple cider (preferably reduced for stronger flavor)
Filling
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp cream or milk
Optional Topping
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Cream butter and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with apple cider, until a soft batter forms. Do not overmix.
- Scoop dough. Drop batter onto prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop, spacing about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until set and lightly golden around the edges. Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks.
- Prepare filling. Beat softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add cream gradually until the filling reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble. Spread or pipe filling onto the flat side of one cookie and top with another to create a sandwich.
- Finish. Drizzle with caramel sauce or lightly dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Cookies
Reduce the Apple Cider
For a stronger apple flavor, simmer the apple cider on the stovetop for 10–15 minutes before using. This concentrates the flavor and enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Butter and eggs should be at room temperature to ensure even mixing and a smooth batter.
Don’t Overbake
These cookies are meant to stay soft. Remove them when the centers are just set for the best texture.
Flavor Variations
One of the best things about caramel apple cider sandwich cookies is how adaptable they are.
Maple Cream Filling
Replace vanilla extract in the filling with maple extract for a deeper fall flavor.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Swap half the butter in the filling for cream cheese for a tangy contrast.
Salted Caramel Drizzle
Add flaky sea salt on top of the caramel drizzle for a sweet-salty balance.
Chai Spice Twist
Add cardamom and ginger to the dry ingredients for a chai-inspired variation.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade autumn dessert cookies are perfect for:
- Thanksgiving dessert tables
- Fall bake sales
- Halloween party trays
- Afternoon coffee breaks
- Holiday cookie exchanges
Serve slightly chilled for cleaner slices or at room temperature for a softer, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Assemble after thawing for best texture.
The Secret to Soft Sandwich Cookies
The key to achieving that soft, bakery-style texture lies in proper moisture balance. Apple cider adds natural sweetness and moisture, while brown sugar contributes a tender crumb due to its molasses content. Alternating wet and dry ingredients prevents overworking the flour, keeping the cookies soft rather than dense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Apple juice can be used, but apple cider provides a richer, more complex flavor.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Chill the batter for 20–30 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm.
Nutritional Overview
Each cookie sandwich contains approximately 220 calories, making it a moderate indulgence for special occasions. While these fall sandwich cookies are a dessert, portion control and mindful enjoyment allow them to fit comfortably into balanced eating patterns.
Final Thoughts
Caramel Apple Cider Sandwich Cookies bring together everything comforting about fall baking — warm spices, apple flavor, creamy filling, and a touch of caramel sweetness. This apple cider cookies recipe offers a homemade autumn dessert that looks impressive yet remains simple enough for home bakers.
Whether preparing for a holiday gathering or simply embracing seasonal flavors, these spiced apple cider cookies are guaranteed to become a recurring favorite in your autumn baking rotation.
Caramel Apple Cider Sandwich Cookies
Soft spiced apple cider cookies filled with vanilla cream and drizzled with caramel for the ultimate fall dessert.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with apple cider, until a soft batter forms.
- Drop batter onto baking sheets using a scoop, spacing 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until set and lightly golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Beat softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla. Add cream to reach desired filling consistency.
- Sandwich cookies with filling, drizzle with caramel if desired, and store in airtight container.
Notes
For stronger apple flavor, reduce cider before adding to batter. Store chilled for cleaner presentation.
