Name: Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup apple cider; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup caramel sauce (for filling)

Apple cider whoopie pie cookies with caramel are exactly what you want when fall starts whispering in your kitchen. These pillowy-soft cookies are bursting with warm spiced apple flavor and sandwiched with a gooey caramel center that’s both sweet and slightly salty. It’s like biting into an autumn fairytale—sweet apples, cozy cinnamon, and that luxurious caramel that melts just right between two cake-like cookies.

If you love the rich, spiced aromas of baking apples and cinnamon drifting through your home, these cookies will be your new favorite. They capture everything you adore about apple cider donuts, but in a handheld, melt-in-your-mouth cookie sandwich. Whether you’re hosting a fall get-together, baking for a school event, or simply want a cozy treat on a chilly day, these whoopie pies are pure apple-caramel bliss.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel

These cookies are a soft and fluffy spin on the classic whoopie pie, with the flavor depth of real apple cider reduced into a syrupy concentrate that brings serious punch. Combined with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, each bite is a spiced dream. The creamy caramel filling adds contrast in texture and brings a decadent richness that balances out the cookie’s fruity spice.

They’re not only stunning to serve, but also surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need any special equipment, and the dough comes together quickly. Plus, they store beautifully, making them perfect for preparing in advance. It’s an ideal fall baking project, especially if you want a showstopper dessert that feels homemade and nostalgic.

What Kind of Apple Cider Should I Use?

Go for the good stuff—fresh, unfiltered apple cider is your best bet here. It’s usually found in the refrigerated section during fall months and has a naturally sweet, rich apple flavor that reduces beautifully. Avoid using apple juice, as it’s often too sweet and lacks the complexity of true cider. If you can find local or orchard-pressed cider, that’s the gold standard. Reducing it on the stove concentrates its flavor, turning it into a deeply spiced, syrup-like base that makes these cookies unforgettable.

Ingredients for the Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel

The ingredients are cozy and familiar, with a couple of small twists that make a big difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Apple cider – The star of the show, reduced to intensify the fall flavor.

All-purpose flour – A solid base to hold the tender structure of these cookies.

Baking soda & baking powder – Both are used for the perfect puff and softness.

Salt – Just enough to balance out the sweetness.

Cinnamon and nutmeg – Warming spices that pair beautifully with apples.

Brown sugar – Adds depth and moisture to the cookies.

Granulated sugar – For balanced sweetness and a tender crumb.

Vegetable oil – Helps create that moist, soft texture we want in whoopie pies.

Egg – Binds everything together and provides richness.

Vanilla extract – Adds aroma and warmth.

Caramel sauce – Either store-bought or homemade, this creamy center is the finishing touch.

How To Make the Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Pour the apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces by half or more and becomes syrupy. This concentrates the flavor. Let it cool before using.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

In another bowl, beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, and egg until smooth. Add in vanilla extract and the cooled reduced apple cider. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft batter forms.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Scoop heaping tablespoons of batter onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them apart as they will spread slightly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until puffed and set. Let them cool completely before assembling.

Step 5: Fill with Caramel

Once cooled, spread or pipe caramel sauce onto the flat side of half the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies to form sandwiches. Chill slightly to set, or serve immediately for gooey indulgence.

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

These whoopie pie cookies are best served slightly chilled or at room temperature so the caramel softens just enough to ooze with each bite. They make a gorgeous addition to dessert trays for parties, Thanksgiving spreads, or cozy nights in with a mug of tea.

The recipe yields about 12 whoopie pies (24 cookies total), which easily serves 12 people depending on sweet tooth levels. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze unfilled cookies and add caramel filling fresh before serving.

What to Serve With Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel?

Hot Spiced Chai

A warm mug of chai brings out the cinnamon and apple flavors even more.

Salted Pretzel Bites

A salty snack contrast makes these sweet cookies even more addictive.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Sounds unusual, but apple and cheddar are classic companions. Serve small cubes for a sweet-savory platter.

Apple Cider Mimosas

Elevate your dessert hour with a sparkling cider-based drink.

Whipped Cream Topped Coffee

That creamy topping pairs beautifully with the caramel center.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

For the ultimate indulgence, serve one of these cookie sandwiches beside a scoop of ice cream.

Cinnamon Roasted Nuts

Adds crunch and spice to your dessert spread.

If you loved these apple cider whoopie pie cookies with caramel, take a look at these other crave-worthy cookie creations:

Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies for ooey-gooey campfire flavor in one bite.
Lemon Truffles Recipe when you’re craving a bright, citrusy finish.
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies if you love cinnamon sugar everything.
Classic French Butter Cookies for buttery, crisp elegance.
Baby Lemon Impossible Pies if you want a tiny dessert with big personality.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you drizzle the caramel or go full-on sandwich? Did you spice it up even more? I love hearing your creative spins.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Apple cider whoopie pie cookies with caramel are fall wrapped up in a cookie sandwich. Every bite is cozy, rich, and nostalgic with bold apple flavor and buttery caramel goodness. They’re simple enough for a weekend project but special enough to share at any autumn gathering. Once you try them, don’t be surprised if they become a yearly tradition.