Name: Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 41 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups apple cider (to reduce); ¾ cup brown sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg; 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling); 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rolling); 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup thick caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel are like little bites of autumn wrapped in a soft, spiced sandwich. Two cinnamon-sugar apple cider cookies cradle a swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting, all drizzled with gooey, golden caramel. They taste just like your favorite fall drink, transformed into a decadent dessert.

Whether you’re cozying up for a movie night or bringing treats to a harvest party, these whoopie pies are the kind of showstopping sweet that gets people talking. They’re soft, rich, perfectly spiced, and look absolutely bakery-worthy with their golden sugar-dusted tops and caramel drip. But the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make at home.

What Kind of Apple Cider Should I Use?

Use a high-quality, unfiltered apple cider for the deepest flavor. The kind that’s cloudy with bits of apple sediment gives your cookies that rich, real-apple punch. Avoid apple juice—it lacks the body and depth of flavor you want here. If you can get it from a local orchard or farmer’s market, even better!

Ingredients for the Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel

Apple Cider – The star of the show. Reduced apple cider intensifies the flavor and adds moistness to the cookie.

Brown Sugar – Adds warmth and chewiness to the cookies while complementing the apple spice.

Unsalted Butter – Softened butter ensures a tender cookie and helps carry all the spice notes.

Egg – Just one is enough to bind the dough and keep the cookies soft.

Flour – All-purpose flour gives structure without being too dense.

Baking Soda + Baking Powder – A combo to ensure a soft rise and slight puff, perfect for sandwiching.

Cinnamon + Nutmeg – These warm spices echo the cozy fall vibes of apple cider.

Salt – A small pinch enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.

Cream Cheese – Used in the filling for a tangy contrast to the sweet cookies.

Powdered Sugar – To sweeten and thicken the cream cheese frosting.

Vanilla Extract – Adds depth and ties the filling together.

Caramel Sauce – Choose a thick, rich caramel that won’t run too much, or make your own for extra flair.

Granulated Sugar + Cinnamon (for rolling) – Gives the cookies a snickerdoodle-like crust that sparkles.

How To Make the Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Pour 1 ½ cups of apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to ½ cup. This concentrates the flavor. Let it cool completely before using in the dough.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and cooled reduced apple cider. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet until just combined.

Step 3: Roll and Bake

Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Scoop dough into balls (about 1 tablespoon each), roll in the cinnamon sugar, and place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes until set but still soft in the center. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Filling

Beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a star tip or just use a spoon for assembly.

Step 5: Assemble the Whoopie Pies

Pipe or spoon cream cheese frosting onto the flat side of half the cookies. Drizzle with caramel, then top with another cookie to make a sandwich. If desired, drizzle more caramel over the tops for extra flair.

How to Serve and Store Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel

Serve these whoopie pies slightly chilled or at room temperature. They’re rich and creamy, so a short chill helps the filling set just right without being overly firm. Perfect for dessert platters, coffee dates, or gifting in fall treat boxes.

To store, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Separate layers with parchment to avoid sticking. Let them sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes before enjoying to soften the frosting. You can also freeze assembled whoopie pies for up to a month—wrap each individually in plastic, then seal in a freezer bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?

Apple juice doesn’t offer the same depth or richness. Stick to real apple cider for the best flavor.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 15–30 minutes before baking. This helps hold their shape and keeps them thick and chewy.

Can I make the cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the cookies up to 2 days ahead and store them airtight. Assemble just before serving for best texture.

Is the caramel drizzle optional?

Technically yes—but highly recommended. It adds a luxurious finish and pairs beautifully with the tangy frosting.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can swap in mascarpone or a thick vanilla buttercream, but you’ll lose that signature tang.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales well. Just make sure to rotate your pans and work in batches so everything bakes evenly.

If you love these Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth winter treat.
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies if you crave gooey centers and creamy richness.
Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecanbread for something cozy with a crunch.
Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups if you’re after fruity and elegant.
Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats for a next-level marshmallow moment.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Jam on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you double the caramel? Add a touch of sea salt? Try a maple twist?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 41 minutes
Yield: 12 whoopie pies
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Soft and spiced Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies are sandwiched with a fluffy cream cheese frosting and a rich caramel drizzle. These cozy fall treats taste just like your favorite apple cider—perfect for holiday gatherings, dessert trays, or as edible gifts. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious!

Instructions

1. Reduce the apple cider: In a saucepan over medium heat, simmer 1½ cups apple cider until reduced to ½ cup. Let it cool completely.

2. Make the cookie dough: Cream butter and brown sugar together until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and cooled apple cider reduction. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined.

3. Shape and roll: Combine ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl. Scoop dough (1 tablespoon each), roll into balls, then roll in cinnamon sugar.

4. Bake: Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes. Let them cool completely.

5. Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until light and fluffy.

6. Assemble: Pipe or spoon frosting onto the bottom of half the cookies. Drizzle caramel over the frosting. Top with the remaining cookies to form sandwiches. Drizzle more caramel on top if desired.