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Holiday Swirl Cookies

Soft, spiced apple cider cookies sandwiched with vanilla buttercream for the ultimate festive treat.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

Spiced Cider Cookies
  • 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
  • 0.75 cup apple cider reduced to 1/4 cup
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 egg large, room temp
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
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

Equipment

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

Method
 

  1. Simmer apple cider in a small saucepan for 10-12 mins until reduced to 1/4 cup. Cool completely.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  4. In a mixer, cream softened butter and brown sugar until light/fluffy (2-3 mins). Beat in egg and vanilla.
  5. Mix in 1/3 of dry ingredients on low. Add cooled cider. Mix in remaining dry ingredients just until combined.
  6. Scoop dough onto sheets, 2" apart. Flatten slightly. Bake 11-13 mins until set. Cool 5 mins, then transfer to wire rack.
  7. For filling, beat butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat 2-3 mins. Add cream until fluffy.
  8. Once cookies are cool, spread/pipe filling on flat side of half. Top with remaining cookies to form sandwiches.

Notes

Store filled cookies in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. Unfilled cookies freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Ensure all ingredients (butter, egg, cider) are at room temp for best texture.