Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that captures the essence of fall, then these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel are just what you need. They combine the warmth of spices with the sweetness of apple cider, creating a cookie that’s both cozy and comforting. This recipe has become a favorite in my home, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. When you take that first bite, you’ll understand why everyone loves them!

These cookies not only taste amazing but also fill your kitchen with delightful aromas that make it feel like autumn, no matter the season. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, making them ideal for any occasion when you want to impress friends and family without spending all day in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: These whoopie pies come together in about 45 minutes, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth without a lengthy process.
  • Family-Friendly Appeal: With their soft texture and sweet caramel filling, kids and adults alike will adore these cookies.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Bake a batch on the weekend and enjoy them as a delicious snack throughout the week.
  • Flavorful Comfort: The combination of apple cider and warm spices makes these cookies irresistibly tasty and perfect for cozy gatherings.
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Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel is simple! You’ll be using wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need:

For the Cookies

  • 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

For the Caramel Filling

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with different flavors or ingredients to suit your taste.

  • Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
  • Try Different Fillings: Swap out the caramel filling for a cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.
  • Spice it Up: Add more spices like ginger or cloves to give your cookies an even warmer flavor profile.
  • Make it Mini: Use a smaller scoop to create mini whoopie pies that are perfect for sharing at parties.

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps your cookies rise nicely during baking.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Cider

Mix in the eggs, apple cider, and vanilla extract until combined. The apple cider adds moisture and flavor to your cookies, making them delightfully tender.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense cookies instead of light ones.

Step 6: Scoop Dough

Drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Leave enough space between each ball since they will spread while baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Keep an eye on them; you want them soft but set!

Step 8: Make Caramel Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream; allow it to boil gently for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 9: Assemble

Once your cookies are cool, spread caramel filling on one cookie and sandwich it with another. Press down gently so they stick together but remain soft and fluffy!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delicious Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel! Share them with loved ones or keep them all to yourself — I won’t judge!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help ensure your whoopie pies turn out perfectly every time!

  • Use Fresh Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider adds a vibrant flavor to the cookies, enhancing their sweetness and making them taste more authentic.

  • Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing until just combined helps keep the cookies soft and tender. Overmixing can lead to denser cookies, which is not what we want here!

  • Check for Doneness: Every oven bakes differently. Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time; they should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

  • Chill the Caramel Filling: Letting your caramel filling cool slightly before spreading it on the cookies allows it to set a bit, making it easier to sandwich without oozing out everywhere.

  • Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the cookie batter for an extra flavor kick that complements the apple cider beautifully.

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel

These whoopie pies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some fun ideas for presenting this delightful dessert:

Garnishes

  • Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar over the top adds a sweet finishing touch and elevates their appearance.
  • Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the caramel filling for added texture and a hint of nuttiness.

Side Dishes

  • Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with these whoopie pies, providing a creamy contrast to their spiced flavors.
  • Warm Apple Crisp: The warm, cinnamon-spiced apple crisp complements the whoopie pies while keeping with the autumnal theme.
  • Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Serve alongside extra caramel sauce for drizzling. This allows guests to indulge even further in sweetness!
  • Spiced Hot Chocolate: A cup of rich hot chocolate infused with spices makes for a cozy beverage pairing that enhances this dessert experience.

These serving tips will not only make your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies look fabulous but also create a memorable treat that everyone will love!

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Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy their delightful flavors whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

  • Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
  • Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
  • They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

  • For long-term storage, freeze unfilled cookies.
  • Lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
  • Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
  • They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

  • If desired, reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Alternatively, microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious treats!

Can I use other types of cider for the Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel?

Yes! While apple cider is traditional, you can experiment with other fruit ciders like pear or cranberry for unique flavors.

How do I ensure my Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel turn out soft and chewy?

Make sure not to overmix the dough when combining wet and dry ingredients. Also, underbaking slightly will help keep them soft!

Can I make the caramel filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the caramel filling in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and warm it up slightly before using.

Are there any substitutes for heavy cream in the caramel filling?

Yes! You can use coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat cream if you’re looking for a non-dairy option.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these delightful Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel! They are not just a treat; they bring warmth and comfort that can brighten any day. Don’t hesitate to share your creations and experiences with me—I can’t wait to see how they turn out for you! Happy baking!

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Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel

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Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel. These soft, cake-like cookies are infused with the sweet essence of apple cider and warm spices, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. With a creamy caramel filling that oozes deliciousness, each bite embodies comfort and coziness. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving something sweet, this easy recipe will have everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of autumn as you bake these scrumptious whoopie pies.

  • Author: Daphne
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • For the caramel filling: ½ cup unsalted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, ¼ cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
  4. Mix in eggs, apple cider, and vanilla until combined.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture; mix until just combined.
  6. Drop rounded balls of dough onto lined baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden around the edges.
  8. For the caramel filling: Melt butter in a saucepan; stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Boil gently for about 3-5 minutes until thickened; stir in vanilla.
  9. Once cookies cool, spread caramel filling on one cookie and sandwich with another.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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