Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel

Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel are a delightful treat that brings together soft, spiced cake-like cookies filled with a creamy apple cider-flavored filling and a drizzle of sweet…

By Luna • October 9, 2025 • Reading time: 7 min

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Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel are a delightful treat that brings together soft, spiced cake-like cookies filled with a creamy apple cider-flavored filling and a drizzle of sweet caramel. These whoopie pies are like tiny pockets of autumn happiness, combining the cozy flavors of apple and cinnamon with the rich, buttery taste of caramel.

I love making these when the weather starts to cool down because they fill the house with the smell of fall and feel like a special homemade snack. One little tip I have is to let the cookies cool completely before filling them, so the caramel stays gooey but doesn’t melt everything apart. It makes every bite perfectly balanced between soft cake and gooey sweetness.

These whoopie pies are great for sharing at gatherings or just enjoying with a cup of hot tea or apple cider. I find that they disappear fast whenever I bring them out — everyone loves the mix of warm apple spice and creamy caramel. If you want a cozy, sweet treat that’s easy to hold in your hands and hard to put down, these cookies are a wonderful choice.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Apple Cider: This adds the warm, fruity flavor that makes these cookies special. If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice or a mix of apple juice and a splash of lemon juice for a bit of tang.

Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves): These spices give the cookies their cozy fall flavor. Ground cloves is optional but adds depth. If you prefer, pumpkin pie spice can be used instead for a simpler mix.

Butter and Brown Sugar: Use unsalted butter to control saltiness. Brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like taste. If needed, coconut sugar can substitute brown sugar for a less sweet option.

Heavy Cream and Cream Cheese (Optional) in Filling: Heavy cream whipped with powdered sugar makes a light, fluffy filling. Adding cream cheese or mascarpone gives richness and stability, but you can skip this if you want a lighter filling.

Caramel Sauce: Homemade caramel with granulated sugar gives a deep, buttery flavor. If time is tight, store-bought caramel sauce works too. Just warm it slightly before drizzling.

How Can You Make Perfectly Soft and Sugary Whoopie Pie Cookies?

Getting soft, cake-like cookies that hold their shape can be tricky. Here’s how I keep mine perfect every time:

• Use room temperature butter: Soft butter creams better with sugar, making your dough airy and tender.
• Don’t overmix: Combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended to avoid dense cookies.
• Chill or handle dough gently: Once scooped, the dough holds shape better when cooled slightly before baking.
• Rolling in sugar: Rolling dough rounds in granulated sugar before baking gives a pretty, sparkly finish and slight crunch.
• Watch baking time closely: Baking 10-12 minutes gives a soft center. Cookies will feel slightly soft but firm up as they cool.
• Cool completely: Allow cookies to cool fully before filling so the cream and caramel don’t melt or slide off.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheets – for evenly baking the whoopie pie cookies without spreading too much.
• Parchment paper – keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Mixing bowls – you’ll need several for combining dry ingredients, creaming butter, and whipping the filling.
• Electric mixer or stand mixer – makes whipping cream and creaming butter quick and smooth.
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon – helps portion even-sized cookies for uniform baking.
• Wire cooling racks – lets cookies cool completely so filling doesn’t melt.
• Heavy saucepan – essential for making smooth caramel sauce without burning.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap apple cider for pear cider for a subtle floral twist that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
• Add finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts in the filling for a crunchy texture contrast.
• Try mixing pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the cookie dough for a pumpkin version.
• Use maple syrup in the filling or drizzle maple caramel instead for warm, rich sweetness.

Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Whoopie Pie Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup apple cider

For the Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• Optional: 2 tbsp cream cheese or mascarpone (for extra richness)

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
• 1/2 tsp sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)

To Finish:

• Granulated sugar for rolling the cookies before baking

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, 10-12 minutes to bake, plus time to cool cookies and chill the filling—about 1 hour total including assembly.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cookies:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, beating until combined. Alternately add the dry ingredients and apple cider, starting and ending with the dry, mixing just until smooth.

2. Shape and Bake the Cookies:

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, form dough into 2-inch rounds. Roll each in granulated sugar and place on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cookies are set and spring back lightly when touched. Let cool completely on wire racks.

3. Make the Filling:

Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form. If you like, add cream cheese or mascarpone and continue whipping until fluffy. Refrigerate until ready to use.

4. Make the Caramel Sauce:

Over medium heat in a heavy saucepan, melt granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. Carefully add the butter and stir until melted and combined. Slowly pour in warmed heavy cream while stirring. Let boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in sea salt if using. Allow to cool slightly to thicken.

5. Assemble the Whoopie Pies:

Spread or pipe a generous amount of the whipped filling onto the flat side of one cookie. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the filling, then sandwich with another cookie. Add more caramel drizzle over the edges if you like.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to two days. These soft, spiced whoopie pies filled with creamy apple cider filling and drizzled with caramel are perfect for sharing or any cozy occasion!

Can I Use Frozen Apple Cider for This Recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge and shake well before measuring to ensure the flavors are well mixed.

How Do I Store Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Store assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If storing cookies and filling separately, keep cookies at room temperature and filling chilled.

Can I Make the Caramel Sauce Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Make the caramel sauce in advance and keep it refrigerated. Warm gently before drizzling to get it back to a pourable consistency.

What If I Don’t Have a Mixer for the Filling?

You can whisk the cream and sugar by hand, but it will take more time and effort. Use a chilled bowl and whisk vigorously until soft peaks form.