If you’re a fan of warming spices and the crisp sweetness of fall’s best harvest, you are going to adore the Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Filling Recipe. These delightful treats marry soft, spiced apple cider-infused cookies with a luscious, creamy caramel filling that feels like a hug in dessert form. Every bite bursts with cozy autumn flavors wrapped in a tender, cakey cookie exterior, balanced perfectly by the indulgent caramel center. It’s a beautiful twist on a classic treat that’s just waiting to become your new favorite go-to for gatherings or a special homemade indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting to know these ingredients is like meeting the best team for your dessert’s success. Each one plays a simple but crucial role—from the warm spices to the silky caramel, everything combines to craft texture, taste, and that irresistible fall vibe.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and tenderness to the cookies.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Help the cookies rise beautifully and become soft and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and deepens the spice notes.
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: Add that classic autumn spice warmth and aroma.
- Unsalted butter (for dough and filling): Offers richness and a creamy texture to both parts of the cookie.
- Light brown sugar: Brings moisture along with a hint of molasses for deeper flavor.
- Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture for soft cookies.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors beautifully with its sweet, fragrant note.
- Apple cider (reduced): Concentrates the fresh apple essence to infuse the cookies and filling with authentic fall magic.
- Whole milk: Adds tenderness and moisture to the batter.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the caramel filling to a dreamy consistency.
- Store-bought caramel sauce: An extra drizzle to intensify that caramel love and add a glossy, decadent touch.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): Sprinkled on top to provide a bright, savory contrast that makes each bite pop.
How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. Then whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and those cozy spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—in a bowl. This dry mix is going to give your cookies their beautiful texture and rich autumn flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light—this step is key for a tender cookie. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. Slowly drizzle in the reduced apple cider, which packs in that concentrated apple flavor, adding both moisture and depth to the dough.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. The goal here is to avoid overmixing, so your cookies stay soft and cakey. This is where the magic of the Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Filling Recipe really comes together—they promise that perfect tender crumb with every bite.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving ample space for spreading. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the edges glow golden and the centers set. These cookies will be soft to the touch yet firm enough to hold your luscious filling.
Step 5: Make the Caramel Filling
While the cookies cool, whip up your caramel filling by beating together softened butter, powdered sugar, the reduced apple cider, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This creamy mixture transforms into the perfect pillow of sweetness that brings the whole Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Filling Recipe to life.
Step 6: Assemble Your Whoopie Pies
Once your cookies are completely cool, spread a generous dollop of the caramel filling onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another. For an extra finishing touch, drizzle store-bought caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. These little beauties are now ready to be enjoyed or gifted!
How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Filling Recipe
Garnishes
A simple drizzle of caramel and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top not only makes these cookies look decadent but also adds a delightful balance of sweet and saltiness. You can even add a light dusting of cinnamon sugar for extra sparkle and aroma.
Side Dishes
Serve these with a hot cup of spiced chai tea, a caramel latte, or your favorite warm apple cider to deepen the cozy fall experience. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside can also elevate these whoopie pies into a truly indulgent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Filling Recipe on a rustic wooden platter, garnished with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for an eye-catching display at your next gathering. Wrapping individual cookies in parchment and tying with twine makes for a charming gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to retain their tender texture. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge can help preserve the caramel filling, though the cookies may firm up a bit.
Freezing
You can freeze these spiced whoopie pies for up to one month. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
If you like your cookies a little warmed, gently reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. This lets the caramel filling soften slightly and revives that freshly-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought apple cider for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just remember to reduce it as directed in the recipe to concentrate the flavor, which is essential for the cookies’ rich apple taste.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, ideally one designed for cakes or cookies, to maintain that soft, cakey texture.
How do I reduce the apple cider?
Simply simmer the apple cider over medium heat in a small saucepan until it reduces to about a quarter of the original volume. This intensifies its flavor and concentrates its natural sweetness.
Can I make the caramel filling ahead of time?
You sure can! The caramel filling keeps well refrigerated for up to three days. Just give it a good stir or re-whip before assembling your cookies.
What if I want a less sweet cookie?
You can adjust the brown sugar slightly or balance sweetness by adding a bit more salt to the filling. Experiment to find the perfect harmony for your taste buds!
Final Thoughts
The Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Filling Recipe is truly a celebration of autumn’s best qualities wrapped into one delightful treat. Soft, spiced cookies paired with a smooth, tangy caramel filling create a duo that’s irresistible whether you’re sharing at a party or savoring a quiet moment at home. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your seasonal favorites to bake again and again.
Print
Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies (approximately 24 cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies are a delightful fall treat featuring tender, spiced apple cider cookies sandwiched with a creamy caramel filling. Perfectly balanced with warm spices and the rich flavor of reduced apple cider, these festive cookies are enhanced by a drizzle of store-bought caramel sauce and an optional sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sophisticated finish.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
Cookie Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider, reduced to ¼ cup
- ½ cup whole milk
Caramel Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup reduced apple cider (for filling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
- Pinch of salt (for filling)
Garnish
- ½ cup store-bought caramel sauce (for garnish)
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves until well combined. This will create the spiced base for your cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. Then add in the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add Reduced Apple Cider: Slowly pour in the reduced apple cider (reduced from 1 cup down to ¼ cup to concentrate the flavor) into the wet mixture, mixing thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a tablespoon-size measure, scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Prepare Caramel Filling: While the cookies are baking and cooling, prepare the caramel filling by beating together the softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, reduced apple cider, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. This will be your filling for the whoopie pies.
- Assemble Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous amount of the caramel filling onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie. Optionally drizzle with store-bought caramel sauce and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for added flavor and decoration.
Notes
- Reducing the apple cider intensifies the flavor and prevents excess liquid in the dough.
- Make sure the cookies are completely cool before assembling; warm cookies can cause the filling to melt.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Flaky sea salt garnish is optional but adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.
- You can substitute whole milk with a non-dairy milk for a dairy-free option, though flavor may vary slightly.
