Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling
If you’re looking for a cozy treat that brings the warmth of fall right into your kitchen, you’ve come to the right place! These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling are a delightful blend of soft, spiced cookies sandwiched around a creamy caramel filling. Every bite is like a hug in dessert form, making them perfect for everything from busy weeknights to festive gatherings with friends and family. The best part? They showcase the wonderful flavor of apple cider, which is a true star in this recipe!
These whoopie pies are not just delicious; they also carry that nostalgic feel that makes them a favorite among everyone who tries them. Whether you’re enjoying them after school with your kids or serving them at a holiday party, they’re sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have these treats ready in no time!
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and spicy flavors in every bite.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the cookies and filling ahead of time, making it easy to enjoy fresh whoopie pies whenever you want.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of apple cider and warm spices makes these cookies irresistible.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a festive gathering, these whoopie pies fit right in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably 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 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
The beauty of these whoopie pies is their flexibility! Here are some fun ideas to give your treats a twist:
- Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch and extra flavor to the filling.
- Swap the Spice: Experiment with different spices like ginger or allspice to change up the flavor profile.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted chocolate over the top adds an indulgent touch!
- Fruit Filling: Swap out caramel for fruit preserves or apple butter for a fruity alternative.
How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients together. This way, you’ll have everything on hand when you begin mixing. Also, remember to reduce that apple cider beforehand—it concentrates the flavor beautifully!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This step is crucial because it ensures even distribution of all those wonderful spices throughout your cookies.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until fluffy. This process incorporates air into your mixture, leading to light and tender cookies. Add the egg and vanilla extract next—mixing well until combined.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients while alternating with the reduced apple cider. This helps keep your dough smooth without overmixing.
Step 5: Bake Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto lined baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for about 10 minutes until they’re puffed and lightly golden around the edges. Allow them to cool completely before filling.
Step 6: Make the Filling
While your cookies cool down, prepare the filling by beating softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Incorporate reduced apple cider and vanilla extract until smooth. If it’s too thick, feel free to add a splash more milk!
Step 7: Assemble Whoopie Pies
Once cooled, spread or pipe a generous amount of caramel filling on one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top for that sweet-salty contrast!
With these steps complete, you’ve created delicious Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling! Enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling
Making these whoopie pies is a delightful experience, and a few simple tips can help you achieve the best results!
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Use fresh apple cider: Fresh cider adds a vibrant flavor that really shines through in your cookies. If you can find some locally pressed cider, you’re in for a treat!
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Chill the dough: After mixing your batter, consider chilling it for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to scoop out uniform dollops.
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Don’t skip the reduction: Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor, making your filling much more delicious. It’s worth the extra step!
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Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different. Start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended time to avoid overbaking.
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Let them cool completely: Before assembling, ensure your whoopie pie cookies are completely cooled. This will prevent the filling from melting and give you that perfect sandwich texture.
How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling
These whoopie pies not only taste fantastic but also look adorable when served right! Here are some fun ideas on how to present them.
Garnishes
- Flaky sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of your filled whoopie pies adds a beautiful contrast to the sweet caramel filling.
- Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon on top brings out the warm spices in the cookie and enhances its visual appeal.
- Caramel drizzle: For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the assembled pies before serving.
Side Dishes
- Warm apple cider: Serve alongside a cup of warm spiced apple cider to create a cozy autumn experience that perfectly complements the flavors of your whoopie pies.
- Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a creamy contrast to the soft cookies and gooey filling, making each bite truly decadent.
- Spiced chai tea: The warming spices in chai tea pair beautifully with these whoopie pies, enhancing their comfort-food quality while providing a lovely beverage option.
- Roasted pumpkin seeds: For a crunchy sidekick, roasted pumpkin seeds provide a nutty flavor that balances out the sweetness of your dessert.
Enjoy creating this sweet treat and sharing it with friends and family! Your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling are not only delicious but also fantastic for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance for gatherings or just to satisfy your sweet tooth throughout the week. Here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
Storing Leftovers
- Store the whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer them chilled, keep them in the refrigerator; they will last for about a week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Freezing
- To freeze, wrap each assembled cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- For best results, freeze without the caramel filling, and add it fresh after thawing.
Reheating
- If you like them warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the whoopie pies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds for a soft and gooey treat!
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling:
Can I use a different filling instead of caramel?
Absolutely! While the caramel filling adds a wonderful flavor, you can substitute it with cream cheese frosting or even apple butter for a unique twist.
How do I make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well!
What makes these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies unique?
The combination of spices along with reduced apple cider gives these cookies a warm autumn flavor that’s perfectly complemented by the rich caramel filling.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Yes! You can reduce the brown sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness, but keep in mind that it might affect the texture slightly.
Final Thoughts
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine! The comforting flavors of apple cider combined with the creamy caramel filling create a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to dive into this scrumptious adventure—happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
If you’re craving a cozy autumn treat, these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling are just what you need! This recipe features soft, spiced cookies infused with rich apple cider, sandwiched around a creamy caramel filling. Each bite is like a warm hug, making them perfect for everything from casual family nights to festive gatherings. The delightful blend of spices and the sweet caramel center will transport you to a fall wonderland. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, these whoopie pies are sure to become a seasonal favorite!
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
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup reduced apple cider
- ½ cup store-bought caramel sauce
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Cream the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture while adding reduced apple cider until smooth.
- Drop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto prepared sheets and bake for about 10 minutes until golden at the edges. Allow cookies to cool completely.
- For the filling, beat butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar and mix in reduced apple cider and vanilla until smooth.
- Assemble whoopie pies by spreading caramel filling between two cookies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie (70g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
