Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling

If you’re looking for a recipe that captures the essence of fall, look no further than these delightful Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling. These treats are soft, fluffy, and bursting with the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, making them perfect for any occasion—be it busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. I love whipping these up when the leaves start to fall; they fill my kitchen with a comforting aroma that makes everyone feel right at home!

What really makes this recipe special is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a baking expert to create these delicious whoopie pies, and they always bring smiles to faces young and old. Plus, the combination of apple cider and caramel creates a unique flavor that’s hard to resist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time!
• Family favorite: Everyone loves whoopie pies! They’re fun to eat and perfect for sharing.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special dessert at celebrations, these cookies shine.
• Delicious flavor: The blend of spices and apple cider brings an irresistible autumn vibe to each bite.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare both the cookies and filling in advance, making hosting a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we 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 make it your own with these tasty variations:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch.
• Swap the filling: Try using cream cheese frosting instead of caramel for a tangy twist.
• Spice it up: Add more spices like ginger or allspice for an extra kick.
• Make it chocolatey: Incorporate cocoa powder into the cookie batter for a chocolate version!

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This step ensures even distribution of the spices throughout your batter. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into your mixture, creating tender cookies.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add in the egg and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Mix well until everything is combined. Then stir in your reduced apple cider. This ingredient not only adds moisture but also infuses those lovely apple flavors into your cookies.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded tablespoons onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for about 10 minutes or until they’re slightly golden around the edges. Letting them cool slightly on the sheet before transferring helps maintain their shape.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Filling

While your cookies are cooling, let’s whip up that luscious caramel filling! In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter with powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually mix in whole milk and reduced apple cider until creamy; this creates a rich texture that pairs perfectly with our cookies.

Step 5: Assemble Your Whoopie Pies

Once your cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe some caramel filling onto one cookie half and top it with another cookie half. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for an added touch of flavor.

And there you have it—delicious Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling! Enjoy them fresh or pack them up as gifts; either way, they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

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

Baking these delightfully soft whoopie pies is a breeze with a few helpful tips to guide you along the way!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your butter, egg, and milk are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter, leading to softer and fluffier cookies.

• Reduce Apple Cider Properly: Take your time when reducing the cider. Boil it down until it’s thickened to a ¼ cup; this concentrates the flavor, adding depth to your whoopie pies.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the tender texture we’re aiming for!

• Cool Completely Before Filling: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the caramel filling. This prevents the filling from melting and ensures a neat presentation.

• Add Flaky Sea Salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt sprinkled on top elevates the sweetness of the caramel, creating a wonderful flavor contrast that’s sure to impress!

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling

Presenting your apple cider whoopie pies beautifully not only enhances their appeal but also makes for a delightful treat at gatherings or cozy nights in.

Garnishes

• Caramel Drizzle: A light drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top adds an enticing look and extra sweetness.
• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar over the tops for an added touch of warmth and flavor.
• Chopped Nuts: Finely chopped pecans or walnuts can add crunch and make your whoopie pies even more special.

Side Dishes

• Warm Apple Cider: Serve alongside warm apple cider for a comforting beverage that complements the flavors of your whoopie pies perfectly.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and balances out the rich caramel filling, making each bite even more indulgent.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with apples, pears, and grapes provides a light contrast that enhances your dessert experience.
• Spiced Tea: Offering a cup of spiced chai or herbal tea adds warmth and is an excellent pairing for these sweet treats, enhancing their cozy vibe.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling are sure to be a hit! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance and enjoy their deliciousness throughout the week or even freeze them for a future treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the whoopie pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, let the whoopie pies thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then enjoy at room temperature.
• If you prefer them warm, microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until just warm.

FAQs

Got questions? No problem! Here are some common queries about making these delightful treats.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider for Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling?

Yes! You can substitute apple juice, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly. Reduce it similarly to concentrate the flavor.

How do I get my Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling to stay moist?

To ensure your cookies stay moist, avoid overbaking and store them properly in an airtight container. The caramel filling also helps maintain moisture!

Can I make the caramel filling from scratch?

Absolutely! To make homemade caramel filling, simply melt sugar on low heat until golden brown and add cream (or a non-dairy alternative) and butter substitute.

What if I can’t find whole milk?

You can replace whole milk with any non-dairy milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk. Just ensure it’s unsweetened for best results!

Are these cookies suitable for kids?

Definitely! These cookies are kid-friendly and make a delightful treat for school lunches or family gatherings.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling as much as I do! They’re not just desserts; they’re little bites of joy that bring warmth and comfort. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them solo, each bite is sure to brighten your day. Happy baking!