If you’re craving a cozy treat that perfectly captures the spirit of crisp autumn days, you’re going to love this Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe. These soft, spiced cookies are infused with rich apple cider and warm cinnamon notes, then sandwiched with a luscious, homemade caramel filling that’s so irresistible, you’ll find yourself dreaming about them long after the last bite. This recipe is a beautiful blend of comfort and a touch of elegance, making it a showstopper for any seasonal gathering or a delightful snack to brighten your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and that signature soft cookie bite. Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for your cookies, giving them structure and softness.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise nice and fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Adds a subtle lift and tender crumb to the cookies.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings that warm, cozy spice that’s essential for apple desserts.
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a hint of earthy sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: For rich flavor and incredible moistness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For just the right amount of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a delicious caramel-like richness to the cookies.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together while keeping cookies tender.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer to round out the spices.
- 1/2 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/4 cup: Delivers authentic apple flavor intensified by reduction.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that lifts the cookie flavor.
- For the Caramel Filling: Unsalted butter, brown sugar, whole milk, vanilla extract, salt, and powdered sugar combine to make a smooth, luscious spread.
How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, giving you a flawless finish right out of the oven.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl. Combining these first makes it easier to blend the spices evenly into your cookie dough and ensures each bite is perfectly balanced with spice.
Step 3: Cream Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to getting that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture for your cookies. The creaming process traps air that helps create the perfect crumb.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. These add richness and enhance the overall flavor, making every bite a little more special.
Step 5: Incorporate Apple Cider and Buttermilk
Stir in the reduced apple cider and buttermilk. This mixture adds moisture and a subtle tang with a wonderful apple punch that keeps the cookies bursting with autumn freshness.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients from Step 2 until everything just comes together. Avoid over-mixing here to keep the cookies tender and soft, which is exactly what makes them truly special.
Step 7: Portion Dough and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden. The slight golden edges mean you’ve got the perfect chewy center with a hint of crispness.
Step 8: Cool Cookies
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy and gets them ready for the final touch.
Step 9: Make the Caramel Filling
While cookies cool, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until smooth, then slowly whisk in milk, vanilla extract, and salt, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in powdered sugar for a glossy, perfectly spreadable caramel filling.
Step 10: Assemble Whoopie Pies
Sandwich a heaping spoonful of the luxurious caramel between two cooled cookies. Press gently to spread the filling evenly, creating the classic whoopie pie look and an irresistible combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the caramel filling after assembling your whoopie pies. The contrast between sweet and salty is divine and really elevates the caramel flavor. You can also dust a tiny pinch of cinnamon or powdered sugar on top for a rustic fall feel.
Side Dishes
These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel are wonderful paired with a warm cup of chai tea or a mug of spiced apple cider to highlight their autumnal flavors. If you’re thinking of serving at a party, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side takes this treat to the next level.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging these cookies in a decorative stack tied with a rustic ribbon for a charming gift or party centerpiece. For an interactive dessert bar, let guests add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate on top – the caramel filling is the perfect canvas for customization.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your finished Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cookies soft with the caramel staying wonderfully creamy and spreadable.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled whoopie pies tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy; the cookies will remain tender and the caramel perfectly luscious.
Reheating
If you like your cookies a little warm, microwave a whoopie pie for about 10 seconds before eating. This softens the caramel filling beautifully and enhances the spicy apple notes, making them taste freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of whole milk for the caramel filling?
Absolutely! Whole milk adds richness, but regular milk works fine and will still yield a smooth caramel filling. Just keep the simmer gentle to avoid burning.
How do I reduce apple cider for the recipe?
Simply simmer 1/2 cup of apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reduces by half (to 1/4 cup). This concentrates the apple flavor perfectly for the cookies.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can even enhance the flavor as the spices meld. Just bring it back to room temperature before scooping.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This gives the tangy effect needed for tender cookies.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum or similar binding agents. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavors will still shine.
Final Thoughts
These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe truly capture the essence of comfort and seasonal joy. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, these cookies offer that perfectly balanced sweetness and spice that feel like a warm hug in dessert form. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a cherished staple in your fall baking repertoire. Give them a go and watch smiles and seconds follow instantly!
Print
Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 12m
- Total Time: 0h 32m
- Yield: Approximately 16 whoopie pie cookies (8 sandwich cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel offer a delightful fall-inspired treat, combining tender spiced cookies infused with reduced apple cider and a luscious homemade caramel filling. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet seasonal indulgence.
Ingredients
Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/4 cup
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Caramel Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for tender cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Liquids: Mix in the reduced apple cider and buttermilk, stirring until well incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Drop Dough on Sheets: Using a tablespoon, drop dough portions onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly cooked while remaining soft inside.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely to avoid melting the filling.
- Prepare Caramel Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until fully liquefied.
- Add Brown Sugar: Stir in the packed light brown sugar and cook until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
- Whisk in Milk and Flavorings: Slowly whisk in whole milk, vanilla extract, and salt, bring the mixture to a low simmer for a rich caramel base, then remove from heat.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the caramel filling is smooth, glossy, and thick enough to spread.
- Assemble Whoopie Pies: Once cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous spoonful of caramel filling onto one cookie and sandwich with a second cookie.
- Serve: Serve your delicious Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel immediately or store for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Reducing apple cider intensifies its flavor; be sure to simmer gently to avoid burning.
- Allow cookies and caramel to cool properly before assembling to maintain filling consistency.
- For firmer filling, refrigerate the caramel for 10-15 minutes before spreading.
- Store assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer storage.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
