Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel You’ll Love

There’s something magical about the combination of spiced apple cider and creamy caramel wrapped up in a cookie. These apple cider whoopie pie cookies with caramel are the perfect way to bring warm fall flavors into your kitchen. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with seasonal spices, they’re a treat you’ll want to make again and again.

this Recipe

Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or looking for an impressive dessert to share, this recipe is worth bookmarking. Let’s dive into what makes these cookies so special and how you can easily make them yourself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, tender whoopie pies with warm apple cider flavor
• Decadent caramel filling adds a luscious contrast
• Perfectly balanced fall spices for seasonal delight
• Easy to bake with simple ingredients you probably have
• Great for sharing or gifting during the holidays

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create the perfect apple cider whoopie pie cookies with caramel filling. The spices and cider make these cookies truly unique.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade, chilled)

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Servings: 12 whoopie pies
• Calories: Approximately 320 per serving

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel – Recipe Worth Bookmarking

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly mixed.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the apple cider, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix.
5. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Once cooled, spread about 1 tablespoon of chilled caramel sauce onto the bottom side of one cookie, then sandwich with another cookie, pressing gently to spread the caramel evenly.
8. Repeat with remaining cookies to form whoopie pies.
9. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to set the caramel filling before enjoying.

Tips for the Best Results

• Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for better texture.
• Use fresh apple cider—avoid concentrate for best flavor.
• Chill caramel sauce before using to prevent it from oozing out.
• Don’t overbake; the cookies should remain soft and cakey.
• Store whoopie pies in an airtight container to keep them moist.

Storage and Reheating

Store your apple cider whoopie pie cookies with caramel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps keep the caramel filling firm and the cookies fresh.

If you want a warm treat, gently microwave a whoopie pie for 10-15 seconds to soften the caramel slightly. Avoid overheating or the caramel may become too runny.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute apple cider with apple juice?

Yes, apple juice can be used if you don’t have apple cider, but it may result in a less spiced, less robust flavor. You can enhance it by adding a pinch of cinnamon or cloves.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be mindful of any additional thickening agents the blend might contain.

Can I make the caramel filling from scratch?

Yes, homemade caramel sauce made from butter, cream, sugar, and vanilla works beautifully. Just let it cool and thicken slightly before using as filling for the whoopie pies.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Keep leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and warm lightly before serving.