Description
Soft, spiced apple cider whoopie pies filled with tangy apple cider buttercream and a gooey caramel center. These cozy fall sandwich cookies are a nostalgic, bakery-style dessert perfect for chilly weather gatherings, Thanksgiving, or seasonal baking.
Ingredients
For the Whoopie Pies:
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2½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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½ tsp ground nutmeg
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¼ tsp ground cloves
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup light brown sugar, packed
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup apple cider (reduced to ¼ cup)
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½ cup whole milk
For the Apple Cider Buttercream:
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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3 cups powdered sugar
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¼ cup reduced apple cider
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
For the Caramel Filling:
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½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Apple Cider Reduction
• Pour 1 cup apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat.
• Reduce to about ¼ cup (takes 12–15 minutes), cool completely.
2️⃣ Make the Whoopie Pie Batter
• Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
• In a separate bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
• Add egg and vanilla, then mix in the cooled cider reduction.
• Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with dry.
• Scoop 2-tbsp portions onto baking sheets, 2 inches apart.
3️⃣ Bake the Cookies
• Bake for 10–12 minutes until domed and springy to the touch.
• Cool completely on a wire rack.
4️⃣ Prepare the Apple Cider Buttercream
• Beat butter until creamy.
• Gradually add powdered sugar and reduced cider.
• Mix in vanilla and salt; beat until fluffy and smooth.
5️⃣ Assemble the Whoopie Pies
• Pipe buttercream onto one half of each cookie.
• Spoon caramel in the center of the buttercream.
• Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
• Top with a second cookie and press gently to seal.
Notes
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For best flavor, use fresh unfiltered apple cider for the reduction.
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Caramel filling can be homemade or store-bought but should be thick.
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Cookies can be made one day ahead; store unassembled cookies at room temperature.
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Once assembled, refrigerate due to the caramel and buttercream fillings.
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Bring to room temp before serving for optimal texture.
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Use a piping bag for even buttercream and caramel distribution.
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Optional: Add a cinnamon sugar dusting before serving for extra visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: : 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: apple cider cookies, whoopie pie recipe, caramel buttercream, fall dessert, soft sandwich cookie, spiced whoopie pie, apple caramel dessert, autumn baking