Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe
Introduction
These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel combine the warm flavors of spiced apple cider with soft, cakey cookies and a luscious caramel filling. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy treat, they are both flavorful and fun to make.
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup caramel sauce or caramel candies
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cookie dough by combining the apple cider and flour, mixing until smooth.
- Step 2: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden and spring back when touched.
- Step 3: Allow the cookies to cool completely. Spread a generous amount of caramel sauce or melted caramel candies on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with another cookie.
Tips & Variations
- Chill the dough before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape and develop a more intense apple flavor.
- For extra spice, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the flour.
- Use salted caramel for a subtle contrast to the sweetness of the apple cider.
Storage
Store the whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Bring to room temperature before serving and if needed, warm the caramel filling slightly to regain softness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works well and saves time. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold between the cookies without oozing out.
What can I substitute for apple cider?
If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice or a mix of water and applesauce, although the flavor will be slightly less intense.
PrintApple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe
Delight in the fall-inspired Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies filled with luscious caramel, combining soft, spiced apple cider-flavored cookies with a rich and creamy caramel filling for a perfect seasonal treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 18 whoopie pies (36 cookies) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel Filling
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon heavy cream (optional, for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare Apple Cider Reduction: Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the cider until it measures about ¼ cup, concentrating the flavor and intensifying the sweetness. Let it cool completely before using.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined.
- Incorporate Apple Cider and Flour: Gradually add the cooled apple cider reduction to the wet ingredients, mixing well. Then, slowly add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Scoop and Bake Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Caramel Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the caramel sauce and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. If needed, add heavy cream a teaspoon at a time to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble Whoopie Pies: Spread a generous amount of caramel filling on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with another cookie, gently pressing together. Repeat with remaining cookies.
- Chill and Serve: For best results, refrigerate the whoopie pies for about 30 minutes to allow the filling to set before serving. Enjoy your seasonal Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel!
Notes
- Apple cider reduction intensifies flavor and prevents cookies from being too wet.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Caramel filling can be made ahead and refrigerated, bring to room temperature before assembling.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Feel free to add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for extra fall spice aroma.
Keywords: apple cider cookies, whoopie pies, caramel filling, fall desserts, spiced cookies, seasonal treats
