Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that brings the flavors of fall right to your kitchen, then these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling are just the thing! They are soft, cake-like cookies filled with a luscious caramel filling that will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special or as a delightful addition to family gatherings and celebrations.

What makes this recipe extra special is the way it captures that comforting taste of apple cider, making each bite feel like a warm hug. Trust me, once you take a bite of these whoopie pies, you’ll want to share them with everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll whip up these delicious treats in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet flavor and soft texture. It’s a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the cookies ahead of time and fill them just before serving, making them perfect for parties or potlucks.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of spices and apple cider creates a unique taste that’s sure to impress your guests.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fillings or toppings to make these whoopie pies your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling is easy! You’ll only need simple, wholesome items that are likely already 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

One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some mini chocolate chips into the cookie batter for an extra chocolatey experience.
• Try Different Fillings: Instead of caramel sauce, use cream cheese frosting or even whipped coconut cream for a lighter touch.
• Make Them Spicy: Add some chopped candied ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist!
• Switch Up the Spice Blend: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or pumpkin spice for a unique flavor profile.

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients together. This ensures that you won’t miss anything while baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and ready when you need it!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies tender and light.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The egg adds moisture while helping bind everything together.

Step 5: Incorporate Reduced Apple Cider

Slowly mix in the reduced apple cider until fully integrated. This adds that wonderful apple flavor that makes these whoopie pies so special!

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

Step 7: Bake Your Cookies

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto lined baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for about 10 minutes or until they’re just set but still soft in the center. Let them cool completely on wire racks before filling.

Step 8: Make Your Caramel Filling

While waiting for your cookies to cool down, prepare the caramel filling. In another bowl, beat together softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add reduced apple cider and vanilla extract along with a pinch of salt; mix well until smooth.

Step 9: Assemble Your Whoopie Pies

Once cooled, spread or pipe a generous amount of caramel filling onto one cookie half and top with another cookie half. For an added touch, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top if desired!

And there you have it—delicious Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling! Enjoy every bite as they bring warmth and sweetness to any occasion!

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

Making these delicious whoopie pies can be a joyful experience, and with a few handy tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh apple cider – Fresh cider enhances the flavor of your cookies significantly. It adds a natural sweetness and depth that really shines through in the final product.

• Chill your dough – Allowing your dough to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and results in a soft, chewy texture.

• Sift your dry ingredients – Sifting flour, baking soda, and spices together ensures even distribution throughout the batter, preventing clumps and creating a smoother cookie.

• Don’t overbake – The key to soft whoopie pies is to take them out of the oven when they’re just set. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so aim for a slightly underbaked look.

• Experiment with flavors – While caramel filling is a classic choice, consider adding a hint of maple syrup or vanilla extract to your filling for an extra layer of flavor that complements the apple cider beautifully.

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Filling

These whoopie pies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Presenting them well can make them feel extra special, whether it’s for a casual gathering or an elegant dinner party.

Garnishes

• Flaky sea salt – A sprinkle on top brings out the sweetness of the caramel and adds a delightful contrast.
• Cinnamon dusting – Lightly dusting with cinnamon right before serving gives an aromatic touch that ties back to the spice in the cookies.
• Fresh apple slices – A few thin apple slices placed alongside add freshness and enhance presentation while echoing the apple flavor in the cookies.

Side Dishes

• Spiced apple cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider as a cozy beverage pairing. Its warmth complements the flavors in the whoopie pies perfectly.

• Pumpkin soup: A smooth pumpkin soup provides a hearty contrast to the sweet whoopie pies. The subtle spices in pumpkin soup pair beautifully with cinnamon and nutmeg.

• Mixed greens salad: A light salad with mixed greens, walnuts, and dried cranberries offers a refreshing balance to the richness of the cookies.

• Vanilla ice cream: For those who love dessert combinations, serving these whoopie pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist!

Enjoy making these delightful Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling; they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling are perfect for meal prep! You can bake them ahead of time and store or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the whoopie pies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each assembled whoopie pie tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place wrapped pies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Reheating

• If you prefer your whoopie pies warm, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them on low power for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about these delightful treats:

What makes Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling special?

These cookies combine the warm flavors of apple cider and spices with a creamy caramel filling, creating a cozy dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings or any sweet occasion.

Can I use a different filling instead of caramel?

Absolutely! While the caramel filling adds a delicious touch, you can try using cream cheese frosting or even apple butter as an alternative. Just make sure it complements the apple cider flavor!

How do I ensure my Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies turn out fluffy?

To achieve the perfect fluffy texture, make sure not to overmix the batter once you add the wet ingredients. Also, be sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for optimal rising.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes! You can experiment with reducing the sugar in both the cookie and filling. However, keep in mind that this may affect the overall taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these scrumptious Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling! They bring together lovely autumn flavors and are sure to delight friends and family. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or warmed up after freezing, they’re bound to be a hit. Happy baking!