Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel are the ultimate fall treat, blending the warm spices of apple cider with a soft, pillowy texture and a luscious caramel or cream cheese filling. Growing up just outside Asheville, I learned to love baking through trial and error, especially during cozy autumn afternoons. These whoopie pies bring that same sense of comfort and nostalgia, capturing the scents and flavors of the season in every bite. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday desserts, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of cider, they’re as forgiving as they are delicious.
Table of Contents
Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel – The Ultimate Fall Dessert
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel are soft, spiced cookies filled with luscious caramel or cream cheese icing, perfect for cozy fall baking.
Ingredients
2 cups apple cider (reduced to 1/4 cup)
½ cup unsalted butter, divided (6 tbsp for dough, 2 tbsp for brushing)
1 ¾ cups flour
½ tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ginger
½ tsp nutmeg
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup + 2 tsp brown sugar
¼ cup apple butter or applesauce
2 eggs
¼ tsp vanilla
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.
Reduce apple cider to ¼ cup over medium heat; set aside.
In a bowl, cream 6 tbsp butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
Beat in eggs, apple butter, and vanilla.
Whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, then stir in reduced cider.
Scoop dough onto sheets in 2-inch rounds; brush with 2 tbsp melted butter.
Bake 12–14 minutes until edges are set but centers soft; cool completely.
Prepare filling (bourbon caramel buttercream or brown sugar cream cheese) and sandwich cookies.
Notes
Ensure cookies are fully cooled before filling to prevent melting.
Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes.
Optional: Roll cookies in cinnamon-sugar for extra flavor.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel, fall dessert, spiced cookies
Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel: A Cozy Autumn Treat
The Story Behind Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel
For me, Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel are more than just dessert—they’re a memory of crisp fall days in Asheville, where my kitchen smelled like cinnamon and nutmeg. Baking these soft, spiced cookies with a rich caramel filling takes me back to Saturday mornings with my mom, experimenting with simple ingredients. Over the years, I’ve learned that whoopie pies are forgiving; they embrace small mistakes and turn them into perfectly tender treats. If you’ve tried my Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies or Maple Pumpkin Cookies, you know I believe baking should feel joyful, not intimidating.
Why Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel Are So Special
What makes these pies stand out is the balance of flavors and textures. The spiced cookie, slightly crisp on the edges but soft in the middle, pairs perfectly with a creamy caramel or cream cheese filling. Unlike store-bought versions, homemade whoopie pies let you control sweetness and spice levels. You can even try a bourbon caramel buttercream for a more adult twist or a brown sugar cream cheese icing for classic comfort. These pies are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings, as gifts, or for an indulgent weekend treat.
Ingredients & Preparation for Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apple cider | 2 cups (reduced to 1/4 cup) | Freshly reduced for flavor |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup, divided | 6 tbsp for dough, 2 tbsp melted for brushing |
| Flour | 1 ¾ cups | All-purpose |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Balance flavors |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | Leavening |
| Baking soda | ¼ tsp | Leavening |
| Cinnamon | 1 ½ tsp | Warm spice |
| Ginger | ¼ tsp | Optional |
| Nutmeg | ½ tsp | Optional |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | Sweetness |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup + 2 tsp | Light or dark, packed |
| Apple butter or applesauce | ¼ cup | Moisture and flavor |
| Eggs | 2 | Room temperature |
| Vanilla | ¼ tsp | Flavor enhancer |
For Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
For Bourbon Caramel Buttercream (optional):
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temp
- 1 ¼–1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp + 2 tsp Bourbon Caramel Sauce, cooled
- Pinch of salt
For Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing (optional):
- 4 ½ oz cream cheese, room temp
- 3 tbsp butter, room temp
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.
- Reduce 2 cups apple cider to ¼ cup over medium heat; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream 6 tbsp butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, apple butter, and vanilla.
- Whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, then stir in reduced apple cider.
- Scoop dough onto sheets in 2-inch rounds; brush with 2 tbsp melted butter.
- Bake 12–14 minutes until edges are set but centers soft; cool completely.
Cooking Notes & Nutritional Info for Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel
Key Cooking Notes
Baking perfect Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel is all about timing and texture. The cookies should be slightly crisp at the edges while soft and tender in the center. Avoid overbaking, as they will continue to firm up as they cool. For even baking, scoop dough in uniform sizes and space them about 2 inches apart. Brushing the tops with melted butter before baking enhances browning and flavor.
For a sweet twist, roll cooled cookies in the cinnamon-sugar coating for extra spice and crunch. You can also choose between the bourbon caramel buttercream or brown sugar cream cheese icing for the filling. Both pair beautifully with the spiced apple cider base, creating that iconic soft, flavorful bite.
Nutritional Information (Per Whoopie Pie, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220–250 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Sugars | 18 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 110 mg |
| Cholesterol | 40 mg |
These values vary depending on the filling you choose and the size of your whoopie pies. To reduce sugar, try light brown sugar or a smaller amount of powdered sugar in the filling. Proper storage is key—keep pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Tips & Serving Suggestions for Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel
Expert Tips for Perfect Whoopie Pies
To make your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel truly shine, pay attention to a few key details. First, always measure your flour correctly—spoon it into the measuring cup and level it with a knife to prevent dense cookies. Use room-temperature eggs and butter for smooth, well-incorporated batter. When scooping dough, use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform size, so all pies bake evenly. For an extra flavor boost, reduce the apple cider slowly to concentrate sweetness and spice.
Rolling cooled cookies in cinnamon sugar adds texture, while choosing between bourbon caramel buttercream or brown sugar cream cheese filling allows you to tailor sweetness to your taste. If you prefer a lighter version, try the cream cheese filling, which pairs beautifully with the spiced cookie base.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these whoopie pies at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. They’re perfect alongside a warm cup of apple cider, coffee, or hot chocolate. Stack them on a dessert platter for gatherings, or wrap individually as gifts. You can even refrigerate or freeze them for later enjoyment—just thaw to room temperature before serving.
For a fun twist, drizzle extra bourbon caramel sauce on top or sprinkle with chopped nuts. These pies also make a beautiful addition to holiday dessert tables, afternoon tea, or casual fall get-togethers.
Conclusion
Baking Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel is more than a dessert—it’s a way to bring warmth, nostalgia, and a cozy fall vibe into your home. From the soft, spiced cookies to the creamy caramel or cream cheese filling, each bite celebrates comfort and tradition. Whether you’re sharing them at a family gathering, gifting them to friends, or enjoying one with a warm drink, these whoopie pies never disappoint. They’re forgiving to bake, flexible in flavor, and perfect for anyone looking to create a sweet, seasonal treat. Embrace the joy of baking, and let these pies become part of your autumn memories.
For more recipes follow me in Pinterest & Facebook
FAQ: Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel
Q1: Why do Amish make whoopie pies?
The Amish consider whoopie pies a traditional treat, often made for holidays, community events, or celebrations. Their soft, spiced cookies and creamy filling are perfect for sharing, and recipes are passed down through generations, much like my own family baking traditions with Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel.
Q2: What state is known for whoopie pies?
Pennsylvania is most famous for whoopie pies, particularly the Amish communities there. Maine also has a variation known as the “Maine whoopie pie,” which is slightly different in texture and filling but equally delicious.
Q3: How to keep whoopie pies from getting sticky?
To prevent stickiness, allow cookies to cool completely before filling. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper. Properly cooled and stored Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel will stay tender without sticking.
Q4: What is the difference between a whoopie pie and a moon pie?
Whoopie pies are soft, cake-like cookies with creamy filling, while moon pies are denser, cookie-like, and usually dipped in chocolate. The texture and flavor balance in Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel aligns more with traditional whoopie pies.
Q5: What is the difference between Maine whoopie pies and Pennsylvania whoopie pies?
Maine whoopie pies are often smaller, slightly firmer, and sometimes have a marshmallow-style filling. Pennsylvania whoopie pies, especially Amish versions, are softer with a creamy buttercream or frosting filling.
Q6: What is Maine’s signature dessert?
Maine’s signature dessert is the whoopie pie, often chocolate with a marshmallow or cream filling. The spiced, apple-flavored twist in Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel gives a seasonal variation perfect for autumn.