Description
These pillowy apple cider whoopie pie cookies are filled with gooey caramel for the ultimate easy fall dessert. Warm spices and concentrated apple cider bring pure autumn flavor to every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 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 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For the caramel filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Pour 2 cups apple cider into a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 20-25 minutes. Let cool.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In another large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter with 1 cup brown sugar until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Mix in the reduced apple cider (batter may look curdled).
- Add half the dry ingredients to the wet mixture; mix just until combined. Add the rest and mix again. Do not overmix.
- Drop 2-tablespoon mounds of batter onto prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until puffed and just set. Let cool on pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
- For the caramel filling: In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Stir until smooth and bubbling, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Let cool until thickened, about 15-20 minutes.
- Pair cookies by size. Pipe or spread about 1 tablespoon caramel onto the flat side of one cookie. Top with a second cookie and press gently.
- Optional: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on the edges.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Reduce the apple cider for concentrated flavor. Don’t overbake the cookies—they should be just set for a soft texture. If caramel is too runny, chill briefly; if too stiff, microwave for a few seconds. Cookies can be made ahead and assembled before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 29
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 47
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: apple cider, whoopie pie, cookies, caramel, fall dessert, autumn, easy dessert, American, spiced cookies