Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a cookie sheet and set aside
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together butter, vanilla, shortening, and sugar with a mixer for about 5 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add eggs and applesauce, mixing to combine.
4. Slowly add in dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated.
5. With a medium scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter onto prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges of the cookie just start to brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
6. While cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a pot over medium heat, combine brown sugar and milk. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil, then remove from the heat. Stir in butter, spiced apple cider drink mix, and salt.
7. Add confectioners' sugar and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. If the frosting seems too thin, add a bit more confectioners' sugar.
8. Use about 1 tablespoon of frosting for each cookie. The frosting will firm as it cools, so work quickly to frost your cookies. Top with chopped pecans before the frosting sets.