Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling

Spread the love

Why Make This Recipe

Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling are a delightful treat that beautifully combines the flavors of fall with a fun, sandwich-style dessert. These cookies are soft, moist, and packed with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, making them perfect for any autumn gathering or cozy evening at home. The addition of apple cider not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the cookies irresistibly moist. What really sets these whoopie pies apart is their creamy caramel filling, which adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness. Whether you are baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, these whoopie pies are sure to impress everyone with their taste and presentation.

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling

Making Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies is easier than you might think. The process involves mixing together simple ingredients and following straightforward steps. Here’s a complete guide to help you create these delightful treats right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

To make your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling, you will need the following ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup apple cider
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for caramel filling)
1 cup brown sugar (for caramel filling)
1/4 cup heavy cream (for caramel filling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel filling)

Directions

Follow these simple steps to make your delicious Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important as a properly heated oven ensures even baking.
Prepare Your Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This will help to evenly distribute the baking soda and spices throughout the flour.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or a whisk to cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Flavorings: Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the apple cider and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Drop the Dough: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Caramel Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Cool the Caramel: After 1 minute, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the caramel to cool for about 10 minutes. It should thicken as it cools.
Assemble the Whoopie Pies: Take half of the cooled cookies and spread or pipe the gooey caramel filling onto the flat side of each cookie. Top each with another cookie to create a sandwich.
Enjoy: Your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling are ready! You can enjoy them right away or share them with friends and family.

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies

Serving these delicious whoopie pies can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. For a casual family gathering, feel free to place the whoopie pies on a large plate and let everyone help themselves. If you are hosting a special event or holiday dinner, consider arranging them on a dessert platter. You can dust the tops with powdered sugar or drizzle additional caramel sauce over them for a festive touch. Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of apple cider, or your favorite hot beverage to complement the flavors. No matter how you serve them, these whoopie pies are sure to be a hit!

How to Store Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies

To keep your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be aware that the cold may make the cookies a bit firmer. If you prefer them soft, take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. For extended storage, you can freeze the assembled whoopie pies. Wrap each pie in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Tips to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies

Use Fresh Apple Cider: The flavor of your cookies depends a lot on the quality of the apple cider. Fresh, unfiltered apple cider will provide the best taste.
Soften Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. If you forget to take it out of the fridge, you can microwave it in short bursts (about 10 seconds) until softened.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just enough to combine the ingredients. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
Cool Before Filling: Allow the cookies to cool completely before adding the caramel filling. This prevents the filling from melting or sliding off.
Make Ahead: If you’re short on time, consider baking the cookies ahead of time and storing them. You can then fill them with caramel just before serving.
Adjust the Spices: Feel free to tweak the spices to your taste. If you love nutmeg, add a bit more, or if cinnamon is your favorite, increase its amount.

Variation

While the Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling are delicious as-is, there are some fun variations you can try.

Chocolate Drizzle: After assembling your whoopie pies, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra treat.
Spiced Cream Cheese Filling: Instead of a caramel filling, opt for a spiced cream cheese filling. Just mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, a dash of cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Nutty Addition: Chop up some walnuts or pecans and mix them into the cookie dough for a delightful crunch and added flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?
Yes, you can definitely use store-bought caramel sauce for a quicker option. Just make sure to warm it slightly if it has thickened up in the fridge.

2. What if I don’t have apple cider?
If you don’t have apple cider, you can substitute it with apple juice, although the flavor might be milder. You can also add a touch of apple extract for more flavor.

3. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it?
Absolutely! You can mix the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to allow it to come to room temperature before baking for best results.

5. How do I get my whoopie pies to be uniform in size?
Using a cookie scoop can help you achieve uniformly sized cookies. This will ensure they bake evenly and fit nicely together when assembling.

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling are a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. With their warm spices and sweet filling, they are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful treats with friends and family!

Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling

Print Recipe

Delightful soft cookies filled with gooey caramel, perfectly combining fall flavors.

Author: natasha
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup apple cider
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for caramel filling)
1 cup brown sugar (for caramel filling)
1/4 cup heavy cream (for caramel filling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel filling)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl.
Cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by apple cider and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until cookies are golden at the edges.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
For the caramel filling, melt the butter in a saucepan, then stir in brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla; let boil for 1 minute.
Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes.
Spread the caramel filling onto the flat side of half the cookies and sandwich with the other halves.
Enjoy your whoopie pies or serve with a warm beverage.