Name: Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; ½ cup whole milk; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; ¼ cup reduced apple cider; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; ½ cup caramel sauce; Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)

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Imagine the aroma of sweet apples mingling with warm spices, the tender bite of pillowy cookies, and a luscious caramel center that tastes like autumn’s best hug. That’s exactly what you get with Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling. This recipe takes all the comfort of a classic whoopie pie and gives it a seasonal twist that’s sure to steal the show at any gathering. It’s got everything: cozy spices, rich caramel, and the irresistible tang of apple cider—in other words, the kind of treat you’ll want to make (and share) all fall long.

Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling is in the simple yet thoughtful list of ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table—texture, depth of flavor, or that signature seasonal color.

All-purpose flour: This gives the cookies structure while keeping them tender.
Baking soda & baking powder: These leaveners work together to help the cookies rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors, making every bite pop.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: The essential trio of cozy spices, adding warmth and a whiff of fall to each bite.
Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness, moisture, and that classic cookie softness—don’t skip the softening step!
Light brown sugar: Brings a deep molasses flavor that pairs seamlessly with apple and caramel.
Large egg, room temperature: Binds everything together while giving your cookies a soft, cakey crumb.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out and enhances all the other flavors.
Apple cider, reduced: This is the secret to a concentrated apple flavor—don’t rush the simmering process.
Whole milk: Keeps the whoopie pies luxuriously soft, balancing out the denser elements.
Powdered sugar: For the buttercream, providing that melt-in-your-mouth smoothness.
Store-bought or homemade caramel sauce: Adds gooey, irresistible decadence right in the center.
Flaky sea salt (optional): If you love a salty bite with your caramel, this little flourish is delightful.

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by giving your apple cider some extra love and attention. Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat. In 10 to 15 minutes, it’ll boil down to a syrupy, fragrant ¼ cup, deepening the apple flavor and intensifying that autumnal magic. Let this reduction cool as you move on—it’s the secret ingredient that transforms the whole batch!

Step 2: Make the Whoopie Pies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and set up two baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—for a perfectly even spice blend. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, then add your egg and vanilla extract. Next, blend in the cooled apple cider reduction for a bold splash of apple. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk in thirds, always starting and ending with the dry for a smooth, pillowy batter. Scoop out mounds of batter onto your baking sheets, giving them space to spread. After a quick 10-12 minute bake, the cookies should feel firm and fragrant—let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Prepare the Buttercream

While the cookies cool, whip up your apple cider buttercream. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then slowly pour in the second round of cooled apple cider reduction, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and absolutely irresistible—trust me, it’s so hard not to swipe a little taste at this point!

Step 4: Assemble the Whoopie Pies

This is where Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling really come to life. Pair up each whoopie pie half with one of similar size. Pipe or spread a generous swirl of apple cider buttercream onto the flat side. Now comes the best part: drizzle a spoonful of gooey caramel right over the buttercream, then (if you love contrast) sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Sandwich it closed with the matching cookie half, pressing gently until the caramel peeks out just a bit. Repeat with the rest, and you’re done!

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling

Garnishes

For a little wow factor, dust the tops with extra powdered sugar or a light sprinkling of cinnamon. If you want to lean into the indulgence, a drizzle of caramel or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top adds a dazzling touch—both visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling truly don’t need much alongside them, but if you’re serving them at a cozy get-together, pair with a mug of warm apple cider, spiced tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for total dessert bliss.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your whoopie pies on a cake stand with crisp apple slices between layers for a rustic bakery look. For autumn parties, wrap each sandwich in parchment and tie with twine for adorable individually-wrapped treats. Or line them up on a wooden board with bowls of extra caramel sauce for dipping!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you (somehow!) end up with leftover Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to five days; just let them sit out for ten minutes to soften before serving.

Freezing

These whoopie pies freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zippered bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. If possible, fill with caramel and buttercream after thawing for the best texture.

Reheating

While these cookies are delicious straight from the fridge or at room temperature, you can revive their fresh-from-the-oven softness with a quick 5-10 second zap in the microwave. If frozen, let them thaw completely before enjoying or reheating.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel sauce for the filling?

Absolutely! A homemade caramel sauce brings another layer of depth to your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling. Just make sure it’s cooled and thick enough to spread or drizzle without spilling out.

Why do I need to reduce the apple cider?

Reducing apple cider concentrates its flavor, creating a sweet, tangy syrup that infuses the cookies and frosting with true autumn apple intensity. Skipping this step will result in a milder, less impactful flavor.

Can I make the whoopie pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cookies a day or two ahead! Store them (unfilled) in an airtight container, then assemble with buttercream and caramel shortly before serving to keep everything ultra-fresh.

Should I chill the cookies before assembling?

Letting the cookies cool completely before adding buttercream and caramel is key. This keeps the filling from melting or sliding out and helps the assembled pies hold together beautifully.

Can I make a dairy-free version of these cookies?

You can! Use vegan butter and a dairy-free milk alternative wherever the recipe calls for butter or whole milk. The texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still get delicious, spiced Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a dessert that captures all the nostalgia and comfort of autumn, these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling will absolutely deliver. Every bite is a delightful burst of apple, spice, and gooey caramel. Invite your friends, bake up a batch, and let the smiles roll in—you’re officially the hero of fall snacking!

Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Makes about 12 whoopie pies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious apple cider whoopie pie cookies with a luscious caramel filling are a perfect fall treat that combines the flavors of apple, cinnamon, and caramel in a delightful handheld dessert.

Instructions

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider – Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a saucepan and simmer until it reduces to ¼ cup. Let it cool.
Step 2: Make the Whoopie Pies – Preheat oven. Whisk dry ingredients. Beat butter and sugar, add egg, vanilla, and cooled cider. Mix in dry ingredients and milk. Bake batter rounds. Cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Buttercream – Beat softened butter, add powdered sugar, cider reduction, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the Whoopie Pies – Pair cake halves, spread buttercream, drizzle caramel, sprinkle salt, sandwich halves.

Notes

You can use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce for this recipe.
For a flavor variation, sprinkle chopped nuts over the caramel before sandwiching the pies.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American