There’s nothing that says fall quite like apple cider. From warm drinks to spiced cakes, it’s one of the most comforting flavors of the season. These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies capture all of that autumn coziness in a handheld treat.
Imagine soft, spiced cookie sandwiches filled with apple cider buttercream and just enough caramel to make every bite indulgent. Perfect for Thanksgiving tables, harvest gatherings, or simply enjoying with a hot cup of tea, these whoopie pies will quickly become your favorite fall bake.
Why You’ll Love Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
- Packed with Fall Flavor: Reduced apple cider infuses both the cookies and the buttercream.
- Soft & Spiced: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves give these cookies the perfect autumn spice blend.
- Caramel Bonus: A gooey caramel center takes them to the next level.
- Bake Sale Ready: Pretty, portable, and always a crowd favorite.
Key Ingredients
- Apple Cider Reduction: Boiling down cider intensifies the flavor and prevents runny batter.
- Warm Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves balance sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth.
- Butter & Whole Milk: Ensure a soft, cake-like texture.
- Buttercream: Made with cider reduction, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Caramel: Store-bought or homemade, it adds richness and indulgence.
How to Make the Cookies
- Reduce the Cider: Simmer 1 cup apple cider until reduced to ¼ cup. Let it cool.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream butter and brown sugar. Add egg, vanilla, and cider reduction.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Alternate with whole milk for a smooth batter.
- Bake: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto parchment-lined trays. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
How to Make the Filling
- Beat softened butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar gradually.
- Mix in apple cider reduction, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
Assemble the Whoopie Pies
- Pair cookies of similar size.
- Pipe or spoon buttercream onto one cookie half.
- Drizzle caramel in the center.
- Top with the second cookie and gently press.
Optional: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for contrast.
Storage & Serving
- Fridge: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cookies (unfilled) up to 1 month. Fill before serving.
- Best Enjoyed: Slightly chilled so the filling sets but remains creamy.
Variations
- Swap caramel for apple butter for a lighter version.
- Use cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream for extra tang.
- Add chopped pecans for crunch.
Final Thoughts
Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies are the kind of dessert that makes fall baking irresistible. With spiced cookies, creamy cider buttercream, and a drizzle of caramel, they’re cozy, indulgent, and festive.
Save this recipe to your Fall Cookie Recipes board and enjoy the sweetest taste of autumn! 🍎🍪🍂
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Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies – A Cozy Fall Dessert
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies 1x
Description
These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies are soft, spiced, and filled with apple cider buttercream and caramel. The perfect fall dessert for Thanksgiving or cozy nights in!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/4 cup
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Buttercream: 1/2 cup butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup reduced cider, 1 tsp vanilla, pinch of salt
Caramel Filling: 1/2 cup caramel sauce, flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Reduce apple cider by simmering 1 cup until 1/4 cup remains. Cool.
- Cream butter and brown sugar. Add egg, vanilla, and cider reduction.
- Whisk dry ingredients and add alternately with milk.
- Scoop batter onto lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
- For buttercream: beat butter, add sugar gradually, then mix in cider, vanilla, and salt.
- Assemble pies with buttercream and caramel drizzle between cookies. Chill before serving.
Notes
Best stored in the fridge for 2–3 days. Cookies can be frozen unfilled for up to 1 month. Add caramel and buttercream just before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 462
- Sugar: 55g
- Sodium: 342mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 76g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Keywords: apple cider whoopie pies, fall cookies, caramel whoopie pies, autumn baking, Thanksgiving desserts