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

Imagine biting into a soft, spiced cookie that tastes like autumn itself, paired with a buttery apple cider frosting and a ribbon of gooey caramel. Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves seasonal flavors and playful desserts. With every bite, you’ll get a rush of cozy apple cider, warm cinnamon, sweet caramel, and a touch of nostalgia—perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring all to yourself!

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling truly special is how every ingredient comes together, effortlessly creating those irresistible layers of flavor and texture. Each element, from apple cider to spices and caramel, brings something essential to the magic—so here’s why you won’t want to skip a single one.

All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their light, cakey structure without being too dense.
Baking soda: Helps our whoopie pies rise to fluffy perfection in the oven.
Baking powder: Lends an extra boost for softness and height.
Salt: Just a touch keeps every bite balanced and brings out the sweet apple flavor.
Ground cinnamon: That warm, familiar spice that instantly says “fall is here.”
Ground nutmeg: Adds richness and depth to every cookie.
Ground cloves: Lends a gentle spike of aromatic spice—don’t be tempted to skip it!
Unsalted butter, softened: For both the cookies and the buttercream, this gives a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Light brown sugar, packed: Sweetens the batter and enhances the caramel notes.
Large egg (room temperature): Binds the dough and provides structure.
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, sweet aroma that complements the apple and caramel flavors.
Apple cider, reduced: The star of the show—boiling it down intensifies the autumn flavor in every bite.
Whole milk: Creates a tender crumb and helps the batter stay smooth.
Powdered sugar: For a cloud-like, creamy buttercream that holds its shape.
Store-bought caramel sauce (or homemade): A rich, sweet layer that ties everything together.
Flaky sea salt (optional): Just a sprinkle can make the caramel pop and add wonderful contrast.

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by prepping your flavor powerhouse: bring 1 cup of apple cider to a gentle simmer in a small saucepan. Let it bubble away for about 10 to 15 minutes, watching as it transforms into a thick, syrupy reduction (down to 1/4 cup). This concentrate will infuse your cookies and buttercream with bold apple flavor—just make sure to cool it before adding it to the batter!

Step 2: Make the Whoopie Pies

While your kitchen fills with the scent of simmering cider, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment. In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. In another, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy, then mix in the egg and vanilla. Pour in your cooled apple cider reduction and blend it all together. Now, alternate adding your dry mix and milk in thirds—this helps keep the batter light and airy. Scoop 2-tablespoon rounds onto the baking sheets, spacing them out so they puff rather than spread. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until just set, and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Buttercream

Let’s whip up that luscious apple cider buttercream! Take your softened butter and beat it until creamy, then add in the powdered sugar gradually—this helps the frosting get super fluffy. Swirl in the rest of your reduced apple cider, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, and continue beating until everything comes together in a smooth, dreamy cloud. The scent is reason enough to sneak a taste!

Step 4: Assemble the Whoopie Pies

This is where the magic of Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling really happens. Match your cookies in pairs for even sandwiches. Use a piping bag or spoon to dollop a generous layer of apple cider buttercream onto one half. Drizzle with as much caramel sauce as your heart desires (and, optionally, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt). Top with the second cookie, press gently, and repeat. Pat yourself on the back—you’re about to enjoy something spectacular!

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling

Garnishes

The finishing touches make these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling look as good as they taste! Dust the tops with a bit of powdered sugar, drizzle with extra caramel, or add a tiny pinch of sea salt for a beautiful sparkle and a little extra flavor burst. If you’re feeling fancy, a slice of dried apple on top is a showstopper.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine alongside cozy drinks like warm apple cider (of course), chai lattes, or even a simple cup of coffee. For a festive dessert platter, pair them with vanilla ice cream or serve with a bowl of spiced nuts for a satisfying sweet-meets-savory experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your friends by wrapping individual Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling in parchment and tying with string for rustic “cookie sandwiches,” perfect for gifting. Or, stack them up on a cake stand with an autumn-inspired centerpiece for a beautiful party dessert display. They’re also fabulous tucked into lunchboxes for a happy midday surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’re stretching it longer, stash them in the fridge, and just bring to room temperature before serving so the buttercream softens up.

Freezing

These treats freeze surprisingly well! Once assembled, wrap each whoopie pie individually (plastic wrap works best) and freeze in a zippered freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll taste freshly baked for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before biting in.

Reheating

If your cookies have chilled, bring them back to their perfect, pillowy state by letting them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. There’s no need to heat them in the oven or microwave—though five seconds in the microwave can gently revive that creamy caramel center!

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

For the deepest fall flavor, apple cider is your best bet since it’s tangier and less sweet than juice. Apple juice will work in a pinch, but you might miss out on some of the beautiful tart notes that make these whoopie pies unforgettable.

How can I make the caramel from scratch?

If you love DIY, making your own caramel is totally doable—just simmer sugar until it’s golden, then stir in cream and butter. Use your favorite homemade recipe, then cool completely before assembling your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling.

Are these suitable for kids?

Absolutely! Kids will love the soft cookie texture and sweet apple-caramel flavors. They’re fun for little hands to help assemble, too (just mind the sticky caramel spills along the way).

Do I have to boil down the apple cider?

Reducing the apple cider is what really packs concentrated apple flavor into both the cookies and the buttercream. It only takes a few minutes and is so worth the extra step—if you skip it, the flavor just won’t be as beautifully bold.

Can I make the components ahead of time?

Definitely! You can bake the whoopie pie cookies and make the buttercream up to two days before assembling. Store them separately, then fill and finish with caramel just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about sharing a batch of Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with Caramel Filling, whether around a family table or at an autumn get-together with friends. Give this recipe a try—you just might find yourself with a new fall tradition in your kitchen!