Description
Brown sugar and butter swirl into golden caramel, sealed between pillowy apple cider cookies spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Each bite melds a tender crumb with a molten center that warms your hands and heart.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Pour apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to about 1/4 cup.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy then beat in egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Stir in reduced cider and milk until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Use a tablespoon to drop rounded portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are set then let cookies cool on pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan combine brown sugar, 4 tablespoons butter, and heavy cream; bring to a gentle boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly then remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Allow caramel to cool until thickened then sandwich about 1 teaspoon of caramel between two cookies to make whoopie pies.
Notes
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Adjust baking time by 1 to 2 minutes for softer or crisper cookies.
- Caramel will thicken as it cools; rewarm gently if needed for easier assembly.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the dough.