Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel
Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel are a delightful treat that combines soft, spiced apple cider-flavored cookies with a smooth caramel filling. These little sandwiches are a perfect mix…
Tip: save now, cook later.Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel are a delightful treat that combines soft, spiced apple cider-flavored cookies with a smooth caramel filling. These little sandwiches are a perfect mix of a tender bite and sweet, gooey goodness.
I love how the warm apple spices make these cookies feel like a cozy fall hug, and the caramel adds just the right touch of richness without being too heavy. Whenever I make them, the house fills with a lovely cinnamon and apple aroma that always makes me smile.
These whoopie pies are great for sharing with friends or enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. I find they’re just as good chilled from the fridge as they are at room temperature, making them a handy treat to have on hand throughout the day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider adds natural sweetness and tang. If you don’t have cider, apple juice works but reduce added sugar slightly.
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger): These warm spices create that cozy fall flavor. Don’t skip them! For nutmeg, ground or freshly grated both work.
Cream Cheese Filling: Softened cream cheese and butter make a rich filling. You can swap cream cheese with mascarpone for a milder taste or try vegan cream cheese if dairy-free.
Caramel Sauce: Homemade caramel is key for that smooth, buttery finish. If short on time, good quality store-bought caramel sauce is fine, but making your own adds a lovely fresh flavor.
How Do You Make Perfect, Soft Whoopie Pie Cookies?
These cookies need to be soft and cake-like, not crisp. Here’s how to nail the texture:
- Mix dry and wet ingredients alternately to keep batter light and prevent overmixing.
- Use room temperature butter and egg for even blending.
- Don’t overbake; cookies should spring back lightly when touched. They firm up as they cool.
- Dust cookies with cinnamon sugar before baking for a slight crunch and extra flavor.
- Cool cookies fully before filling to avoid melting your cream and caramel.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – for baking soft whoopie pie cookies evenly.
- Parchment paper – stops cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll use separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – helps cream butter and sugar smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – ensures even cookie sizes for matching pairs.
- Small saucepan – needed to make the smooth homemade caramel sauce.
- Spatula – great for folding batter and scraping bowls.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cream cheese filling for marshmallow fluff for a lighter, sweeter touch.
- Add finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for crunch and nutty flavor.
- Mix a pinch of ground cloves or allspice into the cookie dough for extra warm spice notes.
- Use salted caramel sauce instead of plain for a sweet-salty contrast you might really enjoy.
Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Cider Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional granulated sugar and cinnamon for dusting
For the Cream Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, 10-12 minutes to bake the cookies, plus an additional 15 minutes to make the caramel sauce and cool everything before assembling. Plan a total of around 1 hour to make and assemble the whoopie pies.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Apple Cider Cookies:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating to combine. Alternate adding the flour mixture and apple cider to the wet ingredients, stirring just until mixed. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them apart, then lightly dust the tops with cinnamon sugar. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and tops spring back gently to touch. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cream Filling:
While the cookies cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract and cinnamon if you like a warm spice flavor. Keep the filling chilled until ready to use.
3. Make the Caramel Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar by stirring constantly until it becomes a smooth amber color. Remove from heat, carefully add the butter pieces and stir until combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring; the sauce will bubble up, so be careful. Stir until smooth, then add a pinch of salt. Let the caramel cool slightly so it’s warm and pourable but not too hot before assembling the pies.
4. Assemble the Whoopie Pies:
Pair cookies that are similar in size. Spread a generous layer of cream filling on the flat side of one cookie, drizzle with warm caramel sauce, then top with the matching cookie. Press gently to spread the filling and caramel evenly. For a pretty finish, drizzle more caramel sauce over the top.
5. Serving and Storage:
Serve these treats right away or chill for about 30 minutes to let the filling firm up. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To get the best flavor and texture, let them come to room temperature before eating.
Can I Use Frozen Apple Cider for the Cookies?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw it completely and give it a good stir before measuring. Using frozen cider shouldn’t affect the batter, but using fresh will always give the best flavor.
Can I Make the Cream Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before assembling your whoopie pies to bring back its smooth texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Whoopie Pies?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy that soft, creamy texture.
Can I Substitute Store-Bought Caramel Sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works well if you’re short on time. Just warm it slightly before drizzling for the best consistency.
