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As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked treats wafting through the kitchen. I discovered these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel during one of those perfect fall afternoons when the leaves were a kaleidoscope of color. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors—the sweetness of apple cider, the warmth of cinnamon, and a luscious, gooey caramel filling that simply melts in your mouth.

These cookies are not just desserts; they are a celebration of the season and the comforting gatherings that come with it. With their cake-like texture and a delightfully rich center, they are bound to become your new favorite go-to treat for cozy evenings or festive potlucks. Whether you’re enjoying them warm with a hot cup of tea or sharing them with friends, these whoopie pies are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Get ready to impress with a dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite!

Why are Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel irresistible?

Warm flavors bring the essence of fall right into your kitchen, making these whoopie pies perfect for seasonal gatherings. Soft cake-like texture means each bite feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day. Indulgent caramel filling delights your taste buds and leaves you craving more. Easy to make, even novice bakers can impress with this crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re ideal for sharing! Serve them at your next cozy gathering or enjoy them as a sweet treat while sipping your favorite beverage.

Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies Ingredients

Get ready to bake these delightful fall treats!

For the Cookies

All-purpose flour – Provides structure to these delicious whoopie pies; substitute with a gluten-free flour mix for those with dietary restrictions.
Baking soda – A vital leavening agent; ensure it’s fresh for optimal cookie rise.
Ground cinnamon – Adds warm, seasonal flavor; try pumpkin pie spice for an extra kick.
Ground nutmeg – Enhances the autumn aroma; omit if you don’t have any on hand.
Salt – Balances the sweetness, ensuring every bite is perfectly flavored.
Unsalted butter (½ cup) – Brings moisture and richness; can be swapped with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Brown sugar (1 cup) – Provides not only sweetness but also moisture; white sugar can be used but will change the taste.
Large eggs (2) – Bind the ingredients and add moisture; a flax egg works well for vegan versions.
Apple cider (1 cup) – Infuses flavor and moisture into each cookie; opt for fresh cider for the best results.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – Elevates overall flavor; pure vanilla extract is the best choice.

For the Caramel Filling

Unsalted butter (½ cup) – The base for your gooey caramel; salted butter can also work for a different twist.
Brown sugar (1 cup) – The key sweetener for the rich filling; light brown sugar can provide a milder flavor.
Heavy cream (¼ cup) – Adds richness and creaminess; coconut cream is a great dairy-free substitute.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – Complements the richness of the caramel filling and rounds out the flavor experience.

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel

Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for baking those lovely whoopie pies to perfection.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. This step ensures an even distribution of flavors.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes—trust me, the fluffier, the better!
Add Eggs and Cider: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the apple cider and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is nicely mixed together.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—your cookies will thank you for that!
Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart for spreading during baking.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are soft but will firm up as they cool.
Make Caramel Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle boil for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens. Finish by adding the vanilla extract.
Assemble: Once the whoopie pie cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of caramel on the flat side of one cookie and top it with another, forming sandwiches that are irresistibly gooey.

Optional: Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top for an extra touch of indulgence!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Variations

Feel free to get creative with these delicious cookies and make them your own!

Pear Cider: Substitute apple cider with pear cider for a different and delightful flavor twist.
Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch and depth of flavor. They provide a lovely contrast against the soft cookies.
Chocolatey Delight: Mix in chocolate chips to the cookie dough to create a decadent chocolate-apple combo. This will please chocolate lovers and enhance the experience.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of ginger for a subtle heat that plays beautifully against the sweet caramel.
Maple Sweetness: Swap brown sugar for maple sugar for a uniquely sweet twist that complements the fall flavors beautifully.
Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with flax eggs and use coconut cream in the filling to create a delicious vegan alternative everyone can enjoy.
Caramel Drizzle: After assembling, drizzle melted caramel sauce over the whoopie pies for an extra layer of sweet indulgence. This adds an eye-catching finish and an extra caramel kick.
Pumpkin Spice: Substitute ground cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist that enhances the autumn experience. Perfect for cozy gatherings!

Make Ahead Options

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet, cover tightly, and pop it in the fridge. For the caramel filling, make it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply bring the dough to room temperature, bake the cookies, and fill them with the caramel once they have cooled. This way, you’ll enjoy warm, fresh whoopie pies with minimal effort!

How to Store and Freeze Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fresh while maintaining that delightful caramel filling.
Freezer: If you want them to last longer, wrap each whoopie pie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds—just enough to melt the caramel slightly!
Make-Ahead: Feel free to prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This enhances the flavors of your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies and makes it super convenient for busy baking days.

What to Serve with Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel?

Warm your heart this fall with delightful pairings that make your sweet treats even more special.

Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spiced flavors enhance the comforting notes of apple cider, creating a cozy drink to enjoy with every bite.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream beautifully contrasts the warm whoopie pies and adds a delightful chill to your dessert experience.
Caramel Drizzle: For that extra touch of indulgence, drizzle additional caramel over your whoopie pies—this rich addition amplifies every decadent flavor.
Fresh Apple Slices: Crisp, tart apple slices add freshness and balance the sweetness, making for a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
Pecan Praline Topping: Chopped pecans mixed with a touch of caramel create a crunchy topping—sprinkle it on your whoopie pies for added texture and flavor.
Hot Apple Cider: Sip on warm apple cider spiced with cinnamon to match the whoopie pies, enhancing those delicious fall flavors in every sip.
Pumpkin Spice Coffee: The aromatic notes of pumpkin spice coffee create a warm cafe vibe, perfect for pairing with the sweetness of the whoopie pies.
Homemade Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a lightness that balances the rich caramel filling inside the cookies.

Expert Tips for Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies

Perfect Butter: Use softened butter at room temperature. This allows for easy mixing, creating a light and fluffy texture in your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be soft in the center when finished. Overbaking can lead to dry whoopie pies—nobody wants that!
Chill for Flavor: For a richer taste, refrigerate your cookie dough for up to 24 hours before baking. The flavors from the apple cider will deepen beautifully.
Accurate Measurements: Invest in a digital kitchen scale for best results, especially with ingredients like flour. Precision leads to consistency in your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies.
Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking soda and spices are fresh for optimal lift and flavor. Stale ingredients can affect the final outcome.
Adjust for Sweetness: Taste your caramel filling! If you prefer it sweeter, feel free to tweak the amount of brown sugar to your liking.

Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe FAQs

Are my apples ripe enough for the apple cider?
Absolutely! For the best flavor in your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel, choose fresh, ripe apples. Look for apples that are firm and fragrant, without any dark spots or bruises. If you can find local, freshly pressed apple cider, that will elevate your cookies even more!

How should I store leftover whoopie pies?
Store your whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you find you have extra that you won’t finish quickly, they can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Just be sure to enjoy them while they’re at their softest and freshest!

Can I freeze the whoopie pies?
Certainly! To freeze your whoopie pies, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored this way for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. For that fresh-baked warmth, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds!

What if my cookies are too dry or crumbly?
If your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies turn out dry, it could be due to overbaking or too much flour. To troubleshoot, I recommend adjusting the baking time next time, keeping a close eye past 12 minutes. If you’re measuring flour, use the spoon-and-level method rather than packing it into the cup. This will help ensure a moist, cake-like texture!

Are these cookies safe for my pets?
While the ingredients in your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies are safe for humans, the sugar and butter content can be harmful to pets. It’s best to enjoy these delicious treats yourself and keep them away from your furry friends to prevent any tummy troubles.

Can I make the filling dairy-free?
Yes, you can definitely make the caramel filling dairy-free! Substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and instead of heavy cream, use coconut cream or a dairy-free milk alternative thickened with a bit of cornstarch. This way, everyone can enjoy the sweet, gooey goodness!