Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling

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Why Make This Recipe

Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling are not just cookies; they are a delightful dessert that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. These treats combine the warm spices of fall with the sweet, tangy flavor of apple cider, creating a unique dessert experience. The chewy texture of the whoopie pies pairs perfectly with a rich caramel filling that oozes out as you take a bite. Whether you are hosting a fall get-together, enjoying a cozy night in, or looking for the perfect treat to celebrate the season, these cookies will impress everyone around you. Plus, they are easy to make, making them a great choice for bakers of all skill levels.

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies

Making Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies is simple and fun! Just follow these easy steps, and you will have a batch of delightful cookies ready to enjoy.

Ingredients

Here is a list of the ingredients you will need to gather before starting:

2 cups all-purpose flour
(Consider using gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.)
1 teaspoon baking soda
(Acts as a leavening agent.)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
(Infuses warm, cozy fall flavors.)
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
(Enhances the autumnal essence.)
1/2 teaspoon salt
(Balances sweetness.)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
(Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.)
1 cup brown sugar
(Brings moisture and caramel depth.)
2 large eggs
(Binds the mixture.)
1 cup apple cider
(Essential for the flavor.)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Elevates the flavor profile.)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
(Margarine can be replaced for a dairy-free option.)
1 cup brown sugar
(Sweetens the filling.)
1/4 cup heavy cream
(Coconut cream works for a dairy-free substitute.)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Adds depth to caramel flavor.)

Directions

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies:

Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set this bowl aside for now.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. Around 2-3 minutes should suffice.
Add in the Eggs: Add the two large eggs, beating them into the butter and sugar mixture one at a time until they’re fully incorporated.
Pour in the Cider and Vanilla: Next, add the apple cider and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix this until it’s just combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies soft and chewy.
Scoop the Cookie Dough: Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each as they will spread while baking.
Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. The centers may look soft; that’s okay as they will firm up as they cool.
Let Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Caramel Filling: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the caramel filling. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Once melted, add in 1 cup of brown sugar, heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to boil. Allow it to boil for about 1 minute while stirring.
Cool the Caramel: Remove the pan from heat and let the caramel cool for about 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
Assemble the Whoopie Pies: Once the cookies have cooled entirely, spread or pipe a generous amount of caramel filling onto the flat side of half of the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies, pressing them lightly to create a sandwich.
Serve and Enjoy: Your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling are now ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies

Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies can be served in many delightful ways. Here are a few suggestions:

Solo Treat: Enjoy them plain as a personal treat alongside a warm cup of cider or your favorite tea.
Dessert Platter: Serve on a dessert platter at dinner parties or gatherings. Place some fresh apples around for a seasonal touch.
Holiday Gift: Package them in a festive box or jar as gifts for friends and family during the fall and holiday season.
With Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a delicious dessert sundae.

How to Store Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies

Proper storage can help keep these whoopie pies fresh for longer. Here are storage tips:

At Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a few days. They should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
In the Refrigerator: If you want them to last longer, store the cookies in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing: To keep the cookies for even longer, freeze them. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.

Tips to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies

Here are a few useful tips to enhance your baking experience and ensure great results:

Fresh Apple Cider: Always use fresh apple cider for the best flavor. It will give your cookies that authentic, seasonal flavor.
Chill the Dough: If the cookie dough seems too soft to scoop, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle.
Caramel Consistency: Keep an eye on the caramel while it’s cooking. If it becomes too thick, you could add a splash more cream to reach your desired consistency.
Even Sizes: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop. This helps in getting cookies of the same size, ensuring even baking.

Variation

While the classic Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling is delicious on its own, there are variations worth trying:

Chocolate Chips: Add some chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet contrast to the apple cider flavor.
Nut Addition: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Version: Swap the apple cider for pumpkin puree and add pumpkin spice for a delightful fall twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes! You can replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream for the caramel filling.

2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of the all-purpose flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

3. Can I make the caramel filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the caramel filling a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it gently before using.

4. What if I don’t have apple cider?
You can substitute apple cider with apple juice, but the flavor will be less robust. Adding a tablespoon of vinegar can mimic the tangy taste of cider.

5. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges turn golden brown, but the centers may still appear soft. They will firm up as they cool.

By following this guide to making Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling, you are set for a delightful baking adventure that will fill your home with the comforting aromas of fall. These treats are sure to become a favorite for every gathering and a seasonal must-bake!