Introduction
Fall desserts don’t get more comforting than Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel Filling. These soft, cake-like cookies are infused with warm apple cider and cozy spices, then sandwiched around a creamy, decadent caramel buttercream. The result is a bite-sized treat that’s both nostalgic and gourmet — like a spiced caramel apple in cookie form.
Perfect for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or just a cozy afternoon with coffee, these whoopie pies capture the very essence of fall.
Ingredients
For the Whoopie Pies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup reduced apple cider (see note below)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Caramel Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (skip if caramel is already salted)
Note: To make reduced apple cider, simmer 1 cup apple cider over medium heat until it reduces by half (about 10 minutes). This intensifies the apple flavor.
Timing
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes per batch
- Assembly: 15 minutes
- Total time: ~50 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Cider
- Reduce apple cider on the stove and let it cool.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt together in a bowl.
Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.
Step 4: Add Cider & Buttermilk
- Alternate adding the dry mixture with apple cider and buttermilk.
- Mix until just combined (do not overmix).
Step 5: Bake the Whoopie Pies
- Scoop batter (about 2 tablespoons each) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until set and lightly golden.
- Cool completely before filling.
Step 6: Make the Caramel Filling
- Beat softened butter until creamy.
- Add caramel sauce and mix well.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with cream, until smooth and fluffy.
Step 7: Assemble
- Spread or pipe caramel buttercream onto the flat side of one cookie.
- Top with another cookie to make a sandwich.
- Repeat with remaining cookies.
Tips for Success
- Reduce the apple cider — this concentrates the flavor and prevents a watery batter.
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized pies.
- Chill the filling for 10 minutes if it’s too soft to pipe.
- Make ahead: Bake cookies a day in advance and assemble before serving.
Nutrition (per whoopie pie, ~16 pies)
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Sugar: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
(Approximate values, depending on caramel used.)
Healthier Alternatives
- Use Greek yogurt in place of half the butter in the cookies.
- Swap in coconut sugar for refined sugar.
- Make a lighter filling with whipped cream cheese and a caramel drizzle instead of buttercream.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a rustic wooden tray for a cozy fall vibe.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel for extra flair.
- Pair with warm apple cider, chai latte, or coffee.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on the filling for a salted caramel twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not cooling cider reduction — hot cider can curdle the batter.
- Overbaking — these should stay soft and cake-like.
- Filling too runny — add extra powdered sugar or chill it before piping.
Storage
- Room temp: 1 day in an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days (bring to room temp before serving).
- Freezer: Cookies (unfilled) can be frozen for 2 months. Assemble after thawing.
Conclusion
These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel Filling are a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. The spiced apple cookies paired with creamy caramel filling make every bite irresistible — a little handheld taste of autumn.
👉 Bake a batch this weekend and watch them disappear fast!
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