Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling are a sweet embrace on a chilly day. With their soft, cake-like texture and a gooey caramel center, they remind me of cozy afternoons spent with loved ones. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just want to indulge after a long week, these cookies will surely bring smiles all around.

This recipe is special not only for its irresistible flavors but also for its simple preparation. You’ll find that it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick dessert or for those rainy days when you just want something sweet to enjoy with your favorite cup of tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No extensive baking skills needed! This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of apple cider and caramel—it’s hard not to smile!
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the whoopie pies in advance and store them, making them perfect for busy days.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices and apple cider creates a warm, comforting taste that feels like a hug in cookie form.
• Customizable: Feel free to get creative with the filling or toppings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to whip up this delicious treat. Gather your supplies, and let’s get started!

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)

For the Filling

• ½ cup whole milk
• 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, allowing you to experiment with different flavors! Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Toss in some mini chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Try Different Fillings: Swap out the caramel filling for cream cheese frosting or even a peanut butter spread!
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like ginger or cardamom to give your cookies unique flavor profiles.
• Make Them Mini: Create smaller versions of these whoopie pies for bite-sized goodness—perfect for parties!

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you dive into baking, gather all your ingredients. Measuring everything out ahead of time makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Plus, it ensures that nothing is forgotten as you go along!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This aeration is crucial because it helps create soft cookies that rise beautifully in the oven.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. These ingredients add richness and depth of flavor to your cookie batter.

Step 5: Incorporate Reduced Apple Cider

Now it’s time to fold in that star ingredient—your reduced apple cider! This adds moisture and infuses your cookies with that lovely apple flavor we all adore.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture while alternating with whole milk. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix as it can lead to dense cookies.

Step 7: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets and bake for about 10 minutes or until slightly golden around the edges. Allow them to cool before filling them up!

Step 8: Make Your Caramel Filling

While your cookies are cooling, whip up your filling by combining softened butter with powdered sugar, reduced apple cider, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Don’t forget about adding caramel sauce—this will make your filling absolutely divine!

Step 9: Assemble Your Whoopie Pies

Take one cookie from your batch, spread on some caramel filling generously on its flat side, then top it off with another cookie. Optional: sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top for that sweet-salty contrast!

Enjoy every bite of these scrumptious Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling—they truly embody everything we love about fall!

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

Making these delightful whoopie pies is a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you keep a few key tips in mind!

• Measure Your Ingredients Accurately: Precision in measuring your flour, sugar, and spices will ensure the best texture and taste in your cookies.

• Reduce the Apple Cider Properly: Take your time to boil down the apple cider until it reduces to ¼ cup. This step concentrates the flavor, making your whoopie pies taste wonderfully apple-y.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter, egg, and milk helps create a smoother batter that incorporates air more effectively, yielding a lighter cookie.

• Chill the Filling Before Use: If you make the caramel filling ahead of time and chill it slightly before assembly, it will be easier to spread and won’t ooze out of your whoopie pies.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the cookie batter according to your preference. Adding a pinch of ground ginger or allspice can give an exciting twist!

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Filling

These charming whoopie pies are not just delicious; they also make for a beautiful presentation! Here are some creative ways to serve them.

Garnishes

• Flaky Sea Salt: A light sprinkle on top of the caramel adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A dusting of cinnamon sugar on top provides an extra hint of warmth and sweetness.
• Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices arranged around the plate make for a lovely and complementary garnish.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and vanilla flavor of ice cream pair perfectly with the spiced cookies.
• Warm Spiced Cider: Serve alongside a mug of warm spiced apple cider for a cozy drink that echoes the flavors of the dessert.
• Caramel Popcorn: A crunchy side like caramel popcorn adds an exciting texture contrast while echoing that delicious caramel flavor.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with apples, nuts, and vinaigrette provides balance to the rich sweetness of the whoopie pies.

Now you’re all set to impress your family and friends with these lovely treats! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance and enjoy them throughout the week or save them for a special occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Item: Allow the whoopie pies to cool completely before storing.
• Item: Place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Item: They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Item: If you want to keep them longer, wrap each whoopie pie tightly in plastic wrap.
• Item: Place wrapped pies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Item: They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!

Reheating

• Item: To enjoy warm whoopie pies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Item: Place the whoopie pies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Item: Alternatively, you can microwave each pie for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

If you’re curious about these delightful treats, here are some common questions!

Can I use regular cider instead of reduced apple cider in the filling?

While you could use regular cider, it’s best to reduce it first. The concentrated flavor from the reduced apple cider enhances the overall taste of the filling in your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling.

How do I achieve a thicker caramel filling?

For a thicker caramel filling, try reducing the store-bought caramel sauce over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency. This will make it easier to spread between your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling.

What can I substitute for unsalted butter if needed?

You can replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter in equal amounts. This will maintain the texture while keeping your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies dairy-free.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies can last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer, making them great for snacking anytime!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these scrumptious Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling! They are not only delicious but also bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia that makes any gathering special. Enjoy every bite and share them with loved ones – they’re sure to become a favorite! Happy baking!