Name: Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 cup apple cider; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you’re searching for a cozy treat that bursts with autumnal flavors and a touch of indulgence, these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel are an absolute must-try. Imagine soft, spiced cookies infused with real apple cider sandwiched together with a luscious, homemade caramel filling that oozes with every bite. This delightful combination brings the warmth of fall into a handheld dessert that’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Every element, from the cinnamon and nutmeg in the cookie to the silky caramel, works in harmony to create a dessert that’s as comforting as it is impressive.

Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, everyday pantry staples come together in this recipe to create magic. Each ingredient plays an essential role—from the flour giving structure and the spices adding cozy warmth, to the apple cider introducing bright, fruity undertones that make these cookies uniquely special.

2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base for soft, tender cookies with a slight chew.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve a delightful texture.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that warm, spicy note essential for fall flavors.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle, sweet spice that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates richness and moisture in the dough.
1 cup brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes while sweetening the cookies perfectly.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
1 cup apple cider: The star ingredient that infuses the batter with fresh, tangy sweetness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with a warm, floral note.
½ cup unsalted butter (for caramel): Forms the creamy base of the caramel filling.
1 cup brown sugar (for caramel): Adds rich sweetness and depth to the caramel.
¼ cup heavy cream: Creates a smooth, luscious texture in the caramel.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel): Finishes the caramel with a comforting aroma.

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel

Step 1: Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, which helps your cookies bake perfectly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to creating tender cookies, as creaming these ingredients traps air and adds volume to your dough.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Apple Cider, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the apple cider and vanilla extract. The cider provides moisture and a delicate tang, making these whoopie pie cookies vibrantly flavored with a hint of fruitiness that sets them apart from traditional recipes.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your dough to be soft and slightly sticky, ready for scooping onto your baking sheet.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Aim for small mounds about 1.5 inches in diameter to ensure even baking and the perfect size for sandwiching. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden color, signaling they’re perfectly baked but still soft in the center.

Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Filling

While the cookies cool, melt the butter for the caramel in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until thickened and glossy. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. This homemade caramel is silky and deeply flavorful, the perfect indulgent filling for your cookies.

Step 7: Assemble the Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel

Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous spoonful of the caramel filling on the flat side of one cookie. Gently sandwich it with another cookie, pressing lightly to spread the caramel to the edges. Repeat until all cookies are paired.

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel

Garnishes

For an extra touch of festivity, try dusting the tops of your whoopie pies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a pinch of cinnamon. Chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of melted caramel on top can elevate the look and add crunch without overpowering the soft, tender cookies inside.

Side Dishes

Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel pair wonderfully with warm beverages like chai tea, coffee, or a spiced apple cider. If serving at a gathering, consider offering a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside these treats for an over-the-top indulgence that will wow your guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For a unique presentation, stack multiple whoopie pies on a pretty cake stand or arrange them in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper. Wrap individual sandwiches in wax paper tied with twine for charming homemade gifts that anyone would be thrilled to receive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Make sure the cookies have fully cooled before sealing to keep them soft and fresh without the caramel becoming sticky or messy.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer your whoopie pies warmed, pop them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the caramel and bring out their cozy spices. They also reheat well in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes wrapped loosely in foil, which helps preserve the cookie’s softness.

FAQs

Can I substitute apple cider with something else?

While apple cider really defines the flavor of these whoopie pies, you can substitute it with apple juice or a mix of apple juice and water if you prefer. The flavor will be a bit milder but still delicious.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Try using a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just be sure your baking soda and other ingredients are also gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I use store-bought caramel instead of making my own?

You can, but the homemade caramel combined with the spices and cider-infused cookies truly makes this dessert special. If time is tight, high-quality store-bought caramel will still create a tasty treat.

How do I prevent the caramel from hardening?

Keep the caramel moist by adding the heavy cream as instructed and avoid overcooking it. Storing the assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container also helps maintain the caramel’s soft, gooey texture.

Are these cookies good for parties or gifts?

Definitely! Their beautiful look and delightful taste make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel a fantastic choice for fall parties, holiday gatherings, and homemade gifts. They’re sure to impress and disappear quickly.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve experienced the magic of Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel, you’ll understand why they’re one of my favorite cozy treats to make and share. The tender, spiced cookies paired with that luscious caramel filling create a flavor combination that feels like a warm hug on a cool day. I encourage you to dive into this recipe—it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season and treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special.

Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 18 whoopie pies (36 cookies) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in the cozy flavors of autumn with these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies filled with a luscious homemade caramel filling. Soft apple cider-infused cookies spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg are perfectly sandwiched together with a rich, creamy caramel, creating a delightful treat that balances warm spices and sweet, buttery caramel perfectly.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This will evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent throughout the cookie dough.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined, which adds air to your cookies.
Add Eggs and Cider: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the apple cider and vanilla extract until all wet ingredients are well incorporated.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet batter, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Scoop Dough: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, spacing them evenly to allow for slight spreading.
Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft.
Make Caramel Filling: While the cookies bake, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to boil gently for 3 to 5 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, then stir in vanilla extract. Let the caramel cool slightly to thicken further before using.
Assemble: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous spoonful of the caramel filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently sandwich it with another cookie. Press lightly to spread the caramel evenly.

Notes

Using fresh apple cider is key for authentic apple flavor; avoid apple juice as it is more concentrated and sweeter.
Make sure the butter for the cookies is at room temperature for proper creaming with the sugar.
Allow cookies and caramel filling to cool completely before assembling to prevent melting and slipping.
Store assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can be frozen unfilled for up to 3 months; thaw and fill with caramel before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American