Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, look no further than these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling. They are soft, spiced cookies filled with luscious caramel goodness that will warm your heart and please your taste buds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, these whoopie pies are sure to become a new favorite.

These cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make! As you mix the ingredients, the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg fills your kitchen, making it feel like a warm hug. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying during those crisp autumn days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these tasty treats ready in under an hour!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love whoopie pies! They’re fun to assemble and even more fun to eat.
• Make Ahead: Bake the cookies in advance and fill them just before serving for fresh flavor.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apple cider and spices creates a unique taste that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or just because, these cookies are always a hit!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delightful whoopie pies, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

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)

For the Caramel 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! Feel free to get creative with substitutions and add-ins.

• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra sweet twist, toss in some chocolate chips into the cookie batter.
• Try Different Fillings: Swap out caramel for cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger for an extra kick in the cookies.
• Use Different Flavors: Experiment with different flavored extracts like almond or maple for unique tastes.

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. This makes the process smoother and ensures you won’t miss anything as you bake. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you’re done mixing.

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 important because it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Creaming incorporates air into your mixture which helps achieve fluffy cookies!

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add in the egg and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is combined. These ingredients add richness and depth of flavor to your cookies.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually mix in your dry ingredients while alternating with reduced apple cider and milk. Start with dry ingredients so that everything comes together smoothly without lumps.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes or until they are set but still soft. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 7: Make Caramel Filling

While your cookies cool, prepare the filling by beating together softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add reduced apple cider, vanilla extract, and salt; mix until smooth. Stir in caramel sauce until well combined.

Step 8: Assemble Your Whoopie Pies

Once your cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe caramel filling onto half of them. Top each filled cookie with another cookie to create lovely little sandwiches.

Final Touches

If desired, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each filled whoopie pie for an extra touch of flavor. Now they’re ready to enjoy!

And there you have it – delicious Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling that will surely make everyone smile! Enjoy every bite!

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

Making these delightful cookies is a breeze when you follow a few simple tips! Here are some insider secrets to ensure your whoopie pies turn out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh apple cider: Fresh apple cider enhances the flavor profile of your cookies. The freshness adds a vibrant taste that really makes the spices shine.

• Don’t skip the reduction: Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor, making it richer and more concentrated in your filling. This little step creates a more deliciously satisfying experience.

• Room temperature ingredients matter: Using room temperature butter and eggs helps create a smoother batter, ensuring your cookies are fluffy and tender. It allows for better incorporation of air, resulting in lighter whoopie pies.

• Chill the filling: Allowing your caramel filling to chill before assembling keeps it thick and spreadable. A chilled filling will help prevent it from oozing out when you bite into your whoopie pie!

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference! Adding a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg can give a personalized touch that elevates the flavors even further.

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Filling

Presenting your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies can be as enjoyable as baking them! Here are some creative ideas to make them stand out on any dessert table.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Flaky sea salt: Adding a pinch of flaky sea salt enhances the caramel flavor and provides a delightful contrast to sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Spiced apple cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider complements the flavors in your whoopie pies beautifully, making for a cozy pairing.
• Vanilla ice cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream balances out the spice and sweetness of the cookies, creating an indulgent dessert experience.
• Pumpkin soup: A savory pumpkin soup offers a warm, comforting contrast that highlights autumn flavors without overpowering the sweetness of the whoopie pies.
• Mixed green salad: A light mixed green salad with apples, walnuts, and vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast, balancing out the rich flavors of your dessert.

Enjoy serving these scrumptious Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling at gatherings or as a special treat for yourself!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling are not just delicious; they’re also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and store them for a special occasion or a cozy treat at home.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the whoopie pies to cool completely before storage.
• Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap each whoopie pie individually in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped cookies in a freezer bag or airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bag!

Reheating

• If you prefer your whoopie pies warm, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place them on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• You can also microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, but keep an eye on them to avoid overheating!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful cookies.

How do I make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling from scratch?

To make these cookies from scratch, simply follow the recipe instructions provided above. You’ll combine dry ingredients, mix in wet ingredients, and bake until fluffy and golden. Then, create your caramel filling for that sweet touch!

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for my Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling?

Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works beautifully as a time-saver. Just drizzle it into your filling or spread it between the whoopie pies for that extra caramel flavor.

What is the best way to reduce apple cider for the filling?

To reduce apple cider, simply boil down one cup of cider in a saucepan over medium heat until it thickens and reduces to about one-quarter cup. This concentrates the flavor beautifully!

Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

Yes! If you’re looking for dairy-free options, consider using plant-based butter and milk alternatives. For gluten-free options, you might try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Final Thoughts

I hope you have as much fun making these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling as I did! They’re not only a delightful treat but also a wonderful way to embrace seasonal flavors. Enjoy sharing them with loved ones or savoring them during quiet moments at home. Happy baking!