Name: Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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); 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)

Jump to Recipe

The magic of fall is baked into every bite of these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling. Imagine soft, spiced cake-like cookies bursting with apple cider flavor, sandwiching layers of creamy apple cider buttercream and gooey caramel. Each bite captures cozy autumn afternoons and is guaranteed to please both friends and family. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies always steal the show—and the best part is, they’re easier to make than you’d expect!

Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling might seem simple, but each one plays a starring role in creating flavor, tenderness, or an irresistible aroma. Gather these pantry staples, and prepare for the wonderful scents that will soon fill your kitchen!

All-purpose flour: Gives structure and soft texture to the cookies.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise for that perfect, cake-like bite.
Baking powder: Adds lift so every pie is fluffy and springy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the autumn spices.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses the dough with deep, warming spice.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a nutty-sweet layer to the overall flavor.
Ground cloves: Offers bold, spicy notes that are classic in fall baking.
Unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich, tender texture in both cookies and buttercream.
Light brown sugar (packed): Provides molasses depth and chewiness.
Large egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the spice and adds smooth sweetness.
Apple cider (reduced): Concentrates that crisp apple flavor for a punchy taste in both cookies and buttercream.
Whole milk: Ensures the cookies bake up moist and tender.
Powdered sugar: Makes the buttercream fluffy and sweet.
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade): Brings a luscious, silky caramel layer that pairs beautifully with spiced apple.
Flaky sea salt (optional): Adds a gourmet touch and balances the caramel’s sweetness.

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Begin the adventure by pouring 1 cup of apple cider into a saucepan and simmering it over medium heat until it reduces to just ¼ cup. This reduction intensifies the sweet apple flavor and fills your kitchen with the scent of pure autumn. Set it aside to cool—it’ll go into both your cookie dough and buttercream, giving every layer a boost of apple magic.

Step 2: Make the Whoopie Pies

With your cider reduced and cooled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla, followed by the cooled apple cider reduction. Alternate adding your dry ingredients and milk, mixing gently for a tender, airy dough. Scoop out 2-tablespoon mounds, spacing them a couple of inches apart, and bake for 10–12 minutes until the tops spring back. Cool completely on a wire rack—this is key for perfect assembly!

Step 3: Prepare the Buttercream

Time for possibly the dreamiest filling: apple cider buttercream! Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually work in the powdered sugar. Slowly add the remaining cider reduction, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, beating until the mixture is fluffy and luxuriously smooth. The result is a cloud of frosting that smells like a fall fairground and tastes even better.

Step 4: Assemble the Whoopie Pies

Now the fun part—creating those signature Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling sandwiches! Pair cookie halves by size, then pipe or spoon a generous swirl of buttercream onto the flat side of one. Drizzle on a slick of caramel sauce and, if you love a salty-sweet combo, sprinkle some flaky sea salt over the caramel. Press on a second cookie and gently squeeze until the filling peeks out. Repeat until you have a beautiful batch of autumnal treats!

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling

Garnishes

Bring your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling to life by finishing each with a flourish. A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of extra caramel, or a tiny apple slice perched daintily on top adds an elegant touch. If you opted for sea salt in the filling, a tiny pinch on top looks lovely and adds an enticing sparkle.

Side Dishes

For a truly autumnal dessert tray, pair your whoopie pies with spiced apple cider, a warm mug of chai tea, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cool creaminess of ice cream is a wonderful contrast to the warm spices and gooey caramel in the cookies, making every bite feel like a celebration of the season.

Creative Ways to Present

You can stack the Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling in a rustic basket lined with plaid napkins for a picnic vibe, or serve each on a dessert platter with fresh apple wedges and cinnamon sticks scattered around for a festive party centerpiece. For gifting, wrap individual pies in parchment and tie with twine—charming, thoughtful, and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling (they’re usually gone fast!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days. For best texture, keep them single-layered or place parchment between layers to prevent sticking and squishing.

Freezing

These whoopie pies freeze so well! Simply place assembled cookies on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep up to a month. When you have a craving, thaw a few at room temperature and indulge in instant happiness!

Reheating

If you love your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling slightly warm (who could blame you?), microwave each for 10–15 seconds. This softens the caramel and makes the buttercream wonderfully creamy again. Be careful not to overheat, so the filling doesn’t ooze out too much.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

While apple juice is similar, apple cider is unfiltered and brings much richer, more concentrated apple flavor to these cookies. If apple cider isn’t available, look for unfiltered apple juice as the next best thing.

Is homemade caramel better than store-bought?

Homemade caramel sauce definitely adds a gourmet touch, but a good-quality store-bought caramel works beautifully and saves time. Go with whichever fits your schedule—either way, the results are divine!

Can I make the cookies in advance for a party?

Yes! Bake the cookies and prepare the buttercream up to two days ahead. Keep them separate until ready to serve, then assemble with the caramel filling just before your event for the freshest, prettiest results.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is just softened (not melted), and don’t overmix the dough. Baking the cookies on cool, parchment-lined sheets also helps maintain those gorgeous, puffy shapes.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour and follow the recipe as written. The texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still get that delicious fall flavor in every bite.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough good things about these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling—they truly are a taste of the season in every soft, sweet, spiced bite. If you adore cozy flavors and crave something unique for your fall baking lineup, give this recipe a go. I promise, your kitchen will smell incredible and you’ll want to make them again and again!