Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling

Why Make This Recipe

Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of fall with the comforting texture of a whoopie pie. These cookies are perfect for anyone who enjoys sweet, spiced desserts and is looking for a warm and inviting treat to share with family and friends. The combination of apple cider and warm spices creates a wonderful flavor profile, while the gooey caramel filling gives each bite a deliciously rich touch.

This recipe is not only delicious, but it is also quite simple to make. It’s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy night in. The cookies themselves are soft and cake-like, making them a joy to eat. Plus, they look impressive, which makes them a great choice for potlucks or special occasions.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe is a fantastic way to experience the warmth of autumn and the sweetness of caramel in cookie form!

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling

Making these whoopie pie cookies requires a few simple steps. Once you gather your ingredients, you’ll find that the process is straightforward and manageable. Follow the directions carefully, and you’ll end up with delicious cookies that are sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and will be easy to remove after baking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This step helps to ensure that the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy. Use an electric mixer if you have one, as it will make this step easier.

4. Add Eggs: Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after adding each egg, so everything is well incorporated.

5. Combine Wet Ingredients: Next, add the apple cider and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring until everything is combined. This will add moisture and flavor to your cookie batter.

6. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be sure to stir until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so mix carefully.

7. Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave some space between each mound of dough, as they will spread while baking.

8. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake.

9. Let Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Make the Filling: For the gooey caramel filling, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.

11. Bring to a Boil: Let the mixture come to a boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will help the filling thicken and become gooey.

12. Cool the Filling: Once boiled, remove the filling from the heat and let it cool slightly before using. It should be thick but still spreadable.

13. Assemble the Whoopie Pies: Once your cookies have completely cooled, take one cookie and spread or pipe a generous amount of the caramel filling on the flat side. Then, place another cookie on top to form a sandwich.

14. Serve and Enjoy: Your Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling are now ready to serve! Enjoy them fresh or share them with family and friends.

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling

Serving these delicious whoopie pies can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Here are some suggestions:

• Display on a platter: Arrange the whoopie pies on a beautiful platter for a lovely presentation. This is great for parties or gatherings.

• Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon: A light dusting of ground cinnamon on top adds an extra touch and hints at the flavors inside.

• Pair with drinks: These cookies pair well with warm beverages like apple cider, hot chocolate, or coffee, making them a perfect treat for chilly evenings.

• Serve as dessert: They can be served as a dessert after a meal. The gooey caramel filling makes them a sweet finish that everyone will love.

How to Store Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling

To keep your treats fresh and delicious, it’s important to store them properly. Here’s how to do it:

• Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the whoopie pies within a few days, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the whoopie pies. Place them in an airtight container and they can last up to a week in the fridge. Just make sure to separate layers with wax paper or parchment to avoid sticking.

• Freezing: If you want to save them for later, these cookies freeze very well. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can last for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Tips to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling

1. Use fresh apple cider: For the best flavor, use fresh apple cider instead of bottled or concentrated varieties. It makes a significant difference in taste.

2. Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until ingredients are just combined for soft, cake-like cookies.

3. Check for doneness: Since ovens can vary, keep an eye on the cookies while baking. You want the edges to be golden but the centers should remain soft.

4. Adjust the filling consistency: If the caramel filling is too thick, add a little more cream until it reaches the desired consistency. You want it gooey but not runny.

5. Experiment with spices: Feel free to add more spices to taste. Cloves or ginger can work well with the flavors and add a warm kick.

Variation

While this recipe is amazing as is, you can easily make adjustments to suit your preferences. Here are a couple of variations:

• Nutty Additions: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie batter for added texture and flavor. The nuts will complement the apple cider beautifully.

• Pumpkin Spice Version: For a twist, replace half of the apple cider with pure pumpkin puree and adjust spices to include ginger. You’ll have a Pumpkin Cider Whoopie Pie!

• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the whoopie pies for an extra sweet touch and an eye-catching presentation.

FAQs

1. Can I make these whoopie pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cookies and the filling ahead of time. Store them separately (cookies in an airtight container and filling in the fridge) and assemble them when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I substitute the apple cider?

If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different. For a spiced version, consider adding a little cinnamon and nutmeg to the juice.

3. What can I do if my filling is too runny?

If your caramel filling is too runny, simmer it on low heat for an extra minute or two, stirring constantly until it thickens. Allow it to cool completely before using on the cookies.

4. How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much when baking?

To prevent the cookies from spreading too much, make sure your butter is just softened, not melted. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can also help.

5. Can I use different types of sugar in these cookies?

Certainly! You can use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar for a different texture and sweetness level, though it will alter the flavor somewhat. Brown sugar adds more moisture and a richer taste.

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Gooey Caramel Filling are a treat that combines a delightful fall flavor with comforting textures, enhancing any dessert table. So gather your ingredients and have fun baking! Enjoy the cozy flavors of autumn in every bite.

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