Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe
When fall rolls around and the air turns just a little bit crisp, there’s no better treat to cozy up with than these irresistible Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel. This recipe brings together pillowy soft cookies spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, bursting with tangy apple cider flavor, all sandwiched around a creamy, dreamy filling swirled with caramel. Every bite is the perfect balance of warmly spiced cookie and silky sweet filling, making these whoopie pies an absolute must-share for family gatherings, potlucks, or a treat-yourself moment with a mug of cider. If you’re looking for your next fall baking tradition, Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel are guaranteed to steal the spotlight and your heart!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic begins with a handful of everyday ingredients, each earning its place for maximum flavor and soft, cake-like texture. From deeply reduced apple cider to a luscious caramel filling, every component shines and layers on the autumn vibes.
- All-purpose flour: Gives your cookies just the right amount of structure to sandwich that luscious filling.
- Baking soda & baking powder: These work together to give your cookies their signature tenderness and slight rise.
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: This trio brings all the warmth and cozy spice you expect in a fall treat.
- Salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): For rich flavor and a perfectly creamy texture in both the cookies and the filling.
- Brown sugar and granulated sugar: The brown sugar adds deep, caramel-like undertones while the granulated sugar helps the cookies turn out light and fluffy.
- Large egg: One egg is all you need to bind everything together for a pillowy texture.
- Reduced apple cider: Simmering apple cider concentrates its sweet-tart flavor, making each cookie taste like autumn in a bite.
- Buttermilk: Adds a little tang and keeps the cookies deliciously moist.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash rounds out all the flavors.
- Cream cheese (softened): Forms the base of your creamy, slightly tangy filling.
- Caramel sauce: Store-bought or homemade, this is the star of your filling, lending gooey, buttery sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Thickens the filling and makes it ultra-smooth.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the filling and lets the caramel shine.
How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Start by getting your oven ready at 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and release effortlessly, making cleanup a breeze—trust me, you’ll be grateful when it’s time to pull these beauties out of the oven!
Step 2: Mix Up the Spiced Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Combining the dry ingredients first distributes all that cozy spice evenly, so each cookie is perfectly flavorful from edge to edge.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is key for that signature whoopie pie texture—don’t rush it! When the sugars are well incorporated, beat in the egg until the mixture turns creamy.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the reduced apple cider, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is beautifully combined. The apple cider carries that fresh, orchard-fresh flavor straight into your cookies!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently just until the last streaks of flour disappear. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so aim for a soft, pillowy batter instead.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded heaps of batter onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the cookies are set and spring back when touched. Let them rest on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Caramel Filling
While your cookies cool, whip up the dreamy caramel filling. In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add the caramel sauce and a pinch of salt. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until your filling is fluffy and thick. Resist the urge to eat it by the spoonful!
Step 8: Assemble and Finish
Spread or pipe the caramel filling onto the flat side of half your cookies, then top each with a second cookie to create sandwiches. Drizzle extra caramel over the tops for a showstopping finish. Chill assembled cookies for about 15–20 minutes so the filling sets to the perfect consistency.
How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel
Garnishes
A final drizzle of caramel on top turns these sandwich cookies into something truly spectacular. For an extra-special touch, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of cinnamon adds a hint of fancy flair without any extra fuss.
Side Dishes
Serve your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel alongside a mug of hot cider, spiced tea, or even coffee for an autumnal treat that’s picture perfect. If you’re hosting a gathering, a platter of fresh apple slices or a bowl of roasted nuts will complement the cookies beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them high on a rustic wooden board, nestle them in cupcake liners for easy grabbing, or package them up in clear treat bags tied with a ribbon for a gorgeous gift! These whoopie pies are made for sharing, and their golden, caramel-drizzled tops bring instant smiles every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and lovely for up to 3 days—just let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving so the filling softens up perfectly.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze assembled whoopie pies. Wrap each individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying. The cookies may soften slightly, but the flavor will still wow you!
Reheating
These are definitely best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you like your filling extra gooey, try letting them warm up on the counter or give them just 5–10 seconds in the microwave. That little burst of heat makes the caramel dreamy again and brings back the cookies’ tender bite.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought apple cider, or do I need to make my own?
Absolutely, store-bought apple cider works wonderfully here! What’s important is reducing it down so the flavor is concentrated. This is the secret to making sure the Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel truly taste like fall.
What’s the best way to get the filling fluffy and not runny?
Make sure your cream cheese and butter are both softened to room temperature before beating together. Gradually add the powdered sugar and don’t rush the mixing—this helps you achieve that thick, fluffy filling that holds up perfectly between the cookies.
Can I make the cookies or filling ahead separately?
Absolutely! The cookies can be baked up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container. The filling can be made ahead and kept chilled—just let it sit out for a few minutes and give it a quick stir before assembling your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel.
What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make an easy buttermilk substitute by mixing 1/4 cup milk with 3/4 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, and you’re good to go—the tang helps balance all the sweet flavors in this recipe.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
To make these gluten free, simply swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The other ingredients remain the same, and you’ll still get that signature softness and delicious flavor in your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for something that brings both comfort and a bit of celebration to your fall baking, you’ve just found it. These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel are full of warmth, joy, and the kind of flavor that feels like a hug. Bake a batch to share or savor, and see just how quickly they become a new autumn tradition!
Print
Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of fall with these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies filled with a creamy caramel center. These soft, cake-like cookies are perfect for autumn gatherings or as a special treat anytime.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup reduced apple cider, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1/4 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling), 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then mix in the reduced apple cider, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until set and slightly springy to the touch.
- Let cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the filling, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the caramel sauce and a pinch of salt, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Spread or pipe the filling onto the flat side of half of the cookies, then top with the remaining cookies to form sandwiches. Drizzle with additional caramel if desired. Chill for 15–20 minutes to set before serving.
Notes
- To make reduced apple cider, simmer 1 cup of apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat until reduced to 1/2 cup. This intensifies the apple flavor.
- Store assembled whoopie pies in the fridge, but let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
