Apple cider whoopie pie cookies with caramel drizzle and buttercream filling on a rustic plate.

Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Filling

There’s something about crisp autumn air, fallen leaves crunching under your feet, and the scent of warm spices in the kitchen that makes you reach for a treat like these apple cider whoopie pie cookies with caramel filling. When I was a kid, my grandmother used to simmer a big pot of apple cider on the stove, and the house would smell like cinnamon and comfort. I loved sneaking a sip of that warm, spiced cider and dreaming of cookies just like these. This recipe combines spiced apple cider, a fluffy apple‑cider‑buttercream, and a rich buttery caramel filling — resulting in buttery soft apple cookies sandwiched with creamy layers and drizzled caramel. It’s texture heaven, flavor punch, and fall nostalgia all in one.

By the end of this you’ll have a tray of these dreamy dessert sandwiches that are perfect for your next gathering, cozy night in, or simply because you deserve a little indulgence.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cider Cookies with Caramel Buttercream Filling

Packed with Flavor from Reduced Apple Cider

  • We start by reducing apple cider to concentrate that rich apple flavor.
  • This step elevates these into standout apple cider baked goods.

Cozy Spices for Spiced Apple Cookies

  • Classic warm spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  • Perfect for autumn cookie recipes that feel like a warm hug.

Texture: Soft Apple Cookies with Gooey Caramel Whoopie Pie Filling

  • These soft apple cookies are light and fluffy, not dense.
  • The caramel buttercream filling and caramel drizzle make every bite luxurious.
  • You’re getting one of the most indulgent cookie sandwiches with filling you’ll ever taste.

Perfect Fall Dessert Idea for Any Occasion

  • Whether it’s a party or a weeknight treat, this belongs on your fall dessert ideas list.
  • Think of it as one of the ultimate caramel dessert recipes with a seasonal twist.

Ingredients for Homemade Whoopie Pies with Apple Cider and Caramel

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda + baking powder
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves
  • Unsalted butter (softened)
  • Brown sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Reduced apple cider
  • Whole milk

b. For the Apple Cider Buttercream Filling

  • Butter (room temperature)
  • Powdered sugar
  • Reduced apple cider
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

c. For the Caramel Whoopie Pie Filling

  • Caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • Optional: flaky sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions for These Apple Cider Desserts

Apple cider whoopie pies with buttercream and caramel on a rustic fall plate.

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider for Intense Flavor

  • Simmer apple cider down to ¼ cup to use in both cookies and buttercream.
  • This reduced apple cider is key for flavor.
  • Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
  • Cream butter and sugar, then add egg and vanilla.
  • Alternate adding the dry mix, reduced cider, and milk.
  • This creates a dough perfect for whoopie pie recipes.

Step 3: Bake the Soft Apple Cookies

  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
  • Bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes until golden.
  • Let cool completely before assembling these apple cider cookies.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Cider Buttercream

  • Beat butter, gradually add sugar, cider reduction, vanilla, and salt.
  • This creamy layer makes a rich caramel buttercream filling base.
  • Pipe buttercream on one cookie, drizzle caramel, and top with another.
  • You now have classic homemade whoopie pies with a gooey middle.

Step 6: Add a Final Caramel Drizzle and Sea Salt

  • Drizzle with more caramel and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
  • This final step transforms these into unforgettable caramel dessert recipes.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies

  • Always use room temperature butter for better mixing.
  • Don’t skip reducing the cider—it defines the flavor of these apple cider desserts.
  • Cool the reduced cider before mixing—it matters.
  • Store assembled cookies in an airtight container to preserve softness.
  • Use a cookie scoop to ensure even, neat cookie sandwiches with filling.
Stacked apple cider whoopie pies with buttercream filling and caramel drizzle on a fall-themed plate.

Recipe Notes for the Best Apple Cider Baked Goods

  • The reduced apple cider is your flavor MVP.
  • Want a stronger apple vibe? A drop of apple extract can boost the flavor.
  • Homemade caramel really takes these caramel whoopie pie filling cookies to another level.
  • Sea salt balances all the sweet—don’t skip it.

FAQs About Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Filling

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cookies, store them, and assemble when ready.

Can I freeze these apple cider cookies?

Freeze unfilled cookies only. Assembled cookies don’t freeze well.

What if I don’t have apple cider?

Apple juice is a mild substitute, but lacks the punch of reduced apple cider.

Can I use homemade caramel?

Absolutely. It makes the best caramel whoopie pie filling.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Likely due to warm dough. Chill slightly before baking.

Are these crunchy or soft apple cookies?

They’re soft and pillowy—perfect for homemade whoopie pies.

Storage Instructions for These Fall Dessert Ideas

  • Room Temp: Airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Fridge: Up to 1 week (bring to room temp before serving).
  • Freezer: Freeze unfilled cookies for up to 3 months.
  • Buttercream: Store 3 days in the fridge and re-whip before using.

More Apple Cider Desserts and Caramel Dessert Recipes

Conclusion

If you’re searching for the ultimate apple cider cookies or caramel dessert recipes to ring in the season, these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Filling deliver. They’re bursting with cozy spice, layered with creamy buttercream and gooey caramel, and they’ll easily become your go-to fall dessert idea. These are the apple cider baked goods that make your kitchen smell like fall.

Give them a shot—and hey, follow my Pinterest page for more sweet stuff: https://www.pinterest.com/emiliorecipes/
This is the cookie sandwich I want to eat. I hope it becomes one of your favorites too.

Print

Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel Filling

Soft apple cookies packed with cozy spices and rich reduced cider, sandwiched with apple cider buttercream and caramel drizzle. These whoopie pies are the ultimate fall dessert indulgence.

  • Author: Emilio
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 whoopie pies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup reduced apple cider
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • Apple Cider Buttercream Filling:
  • ½ cup butter, room temperature
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons reduced apple cider
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Caramel Filling:
  • ½ cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • Optional: flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions

  1. Simmer apple cider in a saucepan until reduced to ¼ cup. Let cool.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. Cream softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
  4. Add egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix well.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients, reduced cider, and milk to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
  6. Use a cookie scoop to portion dough onto a lined baking sheet.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden and set. Let cool completely.
  8. For buttercream, beat butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, then add reduced cider, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until creamy.
  9. Pipe buttercream onto the flat side of one cookie. Drizzle caramel over the buttercream and sandwich with another cookie.
  10. Drizzle more caramel over the top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.

Notes

Reduce the apple cider ahead of time and let it cool before using. Chill the dough slightly before baking if it’s too soft. Store assembled cookies in an airtight container. For best flavor, use homemade caramel and a drop of apple extract if desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: apple cider, whoopie pies, caramel filling, fall dessert, cookie sandwich

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