Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn, you’ve come to the right place! These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling are not just delicious; they’re a cozy hug in dessert form. With warm spices and the sweetness of apple cider, this recipe has quickly become one of my favorites for family gatherings, cozy evenings, or even just a busy weeknight when you crave something comforting.

What makes these whoopie pies so special is the combination of soft, spiced cookies paired with a creamy caramel filling. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying all by yourself (no judgment here!). So grab your apron, and let’s whip up a batch of these mouthwatering cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have these whoopie pies ready in no time.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet flavors and fun shape of these treats.
• Make ahead: Bake the cookies in advance and fill them later for a quick dessert whenever you need it.
• Flavorful spices: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives each bite a warm, inviting taste that screams fall.
• Deliciously versatile: You can easily customize the filling or toppings to suit your mood!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling is a breeze with these simple and wholesome ingredients. You probably have most of them in your pantry already!

For the Cookies

• 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
• 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 (boil down 1 cup until it reduces)
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup reduced apple cider (see note above)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup store-bought caramel sauce (or homemade if you prefer)
• Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with flavors or fillings.

• Switch up the spices: Try adding ginger or allspice for an extra kick.
• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a wonderful crunch to your filling.
• Make it chocolatey: Use cocoa powder in half of the cookie dough for a chocolate version!
• Change up the filling: Swap caramel for cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. This ensures everything is ready to go and makes the process smoother. Prepping ahead keeps cooking fun and stress-free!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This step is essential because it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices throughout your mixture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and light brown sugar until fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air into your mixture, creating lighter cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The egg adds moisture while helping to bind everything together beautifully.

Step 5: Incorporate Apple Cider

Gradually add in your reduced apple cider and whole milk. Stir until combined. This adds that wonderful apple flavor while keeping your cookies moist.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Slowly add your dry ingredient mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your whoopie pie cookies tender.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Drop spoonfuls of batter onto lined baking sheets. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool completely on wire racks before filling.

Step 8: Prepare the Caramel Filling

In another bowl, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, reduced apple cider, vanilla extract, and salt until creamy. Then fold in caramel sauce for that delicious gooey center!

Step 9: Assemble Your Whoopie Pies

Once cooled, spread or pipe a generous amount of caramel filling onto one cookie half before topping it with another cookie half. If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt for an extra touch!

And there you have it—your very own batch of Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Filling

Making these whoopie pies is a delightful experience, and with a few helpful tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh apple cider: Fresh cider enhances the flavor of the cookies significantly. Look for unfiltered apple cider at your local farmer’s market or grocery store for the best taste.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for about 30 minutes before baking helps to firm it up, resulting in thicker cookies that hold their shape while baking.

• Measure accurately: Baking is a science! Make sure to measure your flour and sugar accurately. Too much or too little can affect the texture of your cookies.

• Don’t overmix the batter: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, fluffy ones.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences! Adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the cozy flavors of these whoopie pies even further.

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Filling

These whoopie pies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some fun ideas on how to present this sweet treat.

Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the caramel filling.

• Drizzle extra caramel sauce: Drizzling additional caramel sauce on top makes for an inviting presentation and amplifies that delicious caramel flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the spiced flavors of the whoopie pies, making for a delightful contrast in textures and temperatures.

• Warm apple crisp: The warm, buttery crunch of an apple crisp complements the soft texture of whoopie pies while enhancing those lovely apple flavors.

• Chai tea: A cup of chai tea alongside your whoopie pies offers a warm beverage option that harmonizes wonderfully with the spices used in the cookies.

• Pumpkin soup: For a savory twist, serving a small bowl of creamy pumpkin soup can balance out the sweetness and create a comforting meal experience.

Enjoy sharing these delightful treats with family and friends; they’re perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying on a cozy afternoon!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance for special occasions, gatherings, or simply to enjoy throughout the week. Here’s how to properly store them to maintain their deliciousness.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer them chilled, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week; just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Freezing

• Individually wrap each whoopie pie in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, consume them within one month.

Reheating

• If you want to enjoy them warm, simply microwave your whoopie pie for about 10-15 seconds until softened.
• Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

You might have some questions about making these delightful treats! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I use something other than apple cider for the filling?

Absolutely! While these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling shine with apple cider, you can substitute it with other flavored syrups or fruit juices to create unique variations.

How do I ensure my whoopie pies don’t spread too much?

To achieve perfect Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling that hold their shape, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can also help control spreading.

Can I make these whoopie pies gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum to help maintain the structure of your cookies.

What can I use instead of whole milk in the recipe?

If you’re looking for dairy-free alternatives, almond milk or oat milk work wonderfully without compromising flavor!

How do I store my whoopie pies with caramel filling?

Store your filled whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer them chilled. They’re best enjoyed fresh but will last several days!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you find joy in baking these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling. Each bite is a warm hug of flavor that captures the essence of fall and sweet moments shared with loved ones. Enjoy making these delightful treats, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or any fun twists you try! Happy baking!