Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel are a delightful treat that brings together soft, cake-like cookies with the warm flavors of apple cider and a sweet caramel twist. These little sandwiches are cozy and full of fall vibes, with just the right balance of spice and sweetness that makes them stand out.
I love making these when the air turns crisp because they smell like autumn in every bite. The apple cider keeps the cookies moist and flavorful, while the smooth caramel filling adds a rich, gooey surprise that everyone really enjoys. I often find myself sneaking an extra one when no one’s looking—it’s hard to resist!
One of my favorite ways to enjoy these is with a cup of hot tea or coffee in the afternoon. They’re the perfect little pick-me-up and a fun twist on classic whoopie pies. Whether for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, these cookies always bring smiles and make the day a bit sweeter.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: Using real apple cider gives a fresh, fruity flavor and moisture to the cookies. If you can’t find cider, unsweetened apple juice is a fine substitute, just reduce other sweeteners slightly.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add warm autumn aromas. You can adjust the amounts or swap cloves for allspice if desired. These spices make the cookies feel seasonal.
Butter: Softened unsalted butter is key for a tender texture in both cookies and filling. You can swap with margarine, but butter gives the best flavor.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel is convenient, but homemade caramel makes the treat extra special. Use a thick sauce so it doesn’t run too much between the cookies.
Heavy Cream in Filling: This helps make the frosting smooth and pipeable. You can substitute milk or a plant-based milk if needed, but the texture will differ slightly.
How Can I Get Soft, Moist Cookies That Hold up as Whoopie Pies?
The secret lies in careful mixing and baking:
- Don’t overmix: Combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended to keep cookies tender.
- Use apple cider: It adds liquid and flavor, helping keep the cookie moist.
- Roll in sugar: Coating dough scoop in sugar before baking creates a slight crunch outside but soft inside texture.
- Watch baking time: Bake until tops spring back gently; avoid overbaking so cookies stay soft enough to sandwich.
Once cooled, gently pair similarly sized cookies for even sandwiches. This ensures the filling and caramel stay nicely between the cookies without sliding out too much.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – you’ll bake the cookies on these; a rimmed one helps catch any drips.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – keep cookies from sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls – at least two, one for dry and one for wet ingredients, to keep mixing organized.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar fast and smooth.
- Spoon or small ice cream scoop – helps portion cookies evenly for uniform baking.
- Wire rack – perfect for cooling cookies without sogginess.
- Spatula – great for folding ingredients gently and spreading filling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap caramel sauce for maple butter to add a rich, cozy twist that pairs well with apple cider.
- Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch and a nutty flavor contrast.
- Use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for easier seasoning.
- Try cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream for a tangy balance that cuts the sweetness.
Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
For the Assembly:
- Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade, about 1 cup)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Plan for about 30 minutes of active prep and baking time, plus some extra time to cool the cookies before assembling. You can enjoy them right away or chill briefly to let the filling set for a firmer bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to keep cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This spice mix gives the cookies their warm autumn flavor.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this makes for tender cookies.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined.
5. Combine Apple Cider and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients and apple cider alternately to the wet mixture, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined to keep cookies soft and moist.
6. Form and Bake Cookies
Using a tablespoon or small scoop, grab batter, roll each scoop in granulated sugar, and place on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops spring back when pressed gently. Cookies should be soft, not hard.
7. Cool Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before filling.
8. Prepare the Filling
Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and cream, beating until fluffy. Adjust cream to get a creamy but pipeable filling.
9. Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Match cookies in pairs by size. Spread or pipe a generous amount of filling on one cookie’s flat side, drizzle caramel sauce over it (don’t add too much to avoid slipping), then gently press another cookie on top.
10. Serve and Store
Enjoy right away or chill for firmer filling. Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before eating to enjoy the soft cookie and creamy filling perfectly.
Can I Use Frozen Apple Cider for the Cookies?
Yes! Just make sure the cider is completely thawed and at room temperature before using. This helps the batter mix evenly and keeps the cookies soft.
Can I Make These Whoopie Pies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookies and prepare the filling a day in advance. Assemble just before serving or store assembled pies in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To enjoy, bring them to room temperature or warm slightly; this helps soften the caramel and filling.
What Can I Substitute for Caramel Sauce?
You can swap caramel sauce with maple butter, chocolate ganache, or even a simple fruit jam for a different but delicious twist on the filling.
