Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies – Caramel Fall Treat Recipe
Introduction
Welcome, culinary enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the delectable world of apple cider whoopie pie cookies with caramel. This autumnal treat combines the cozy flavors of apple cider with the indulgent sweetness of caramel, all wrapped up in a soft, pillowy cookie sandwich. As a chef who’s traveled the globe, I can assure you that these cookies will transport your taste buds to a crisp fall day in New England. Let’s embark on this baking adventure together!
Why is it Perfect for You?
These apple cider cookies recipe whoopie pie cookies caramel cookie fall baking fall dessert spiced apple cookies festive cookies are the epitome of autumn indulgence. They’re perfect for those who crave a unique twist on traditional whoopie pies, combining the comforting flavors of apple cider with the luxurious sweetness of caramel. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, looking for a showstopper for your holiday dessert tray, or simply want to treat yourself to a cozy baking session, these cookies are sure to impress.
Ingredients List
◾ 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
◾ 1 teaspoon baking powder
◾ 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
◾ 1/2 teaspoon salt
◾ 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
◾ 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
◾ 1 cup brown sugar, packed
◾ 1 large egg, room temperature
◾ 1/2 cup apple cider reduction (1 cup apple cider simmered down to 1/2 cup)
◾ 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
◾ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the caramel filling:
◾ 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
◾ 2 cups powdered sugar
◾ 1/2 cup store-bought caramel sauce
◾ 1/4 teaspoon salt
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes (including cooling time)
Servings: 12 whoopie pies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Cider Reduction
Begin by simmering 1 cup of apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to reduce to 1/2 cup, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and apple pie spice. This mixture of warm spices will infuse your cookies with that quintessential fall flavor.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect, tender cookie texture.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, followed by the cooled apple cider reduction, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and help prevent spreading during baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare the Caramel Filling
While the cookies cool, make the filling. Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar. Mix in the caramel sauce and salt until smooth and fluffy.
Step 9: Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe a generous amount of caramel filling onto the flat side of half the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies to create sandwiches.
Nutritional Information
◾ Calories: 450 per whoopie pie
◾ Fat: 24g
◾ Carbohydrates: 58g
◾ Protein: 3g
◾ Fiber: 1g
◾ Sugar: 42g
Calories per Person
Each whoopie pie contains approximately 450 calories.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make these treats a bit lighter, consider the following substitutions:
◾ Use whole wheat pastry flour instead of all-purpose flour
◾ Replace half the butter with mashed banana or additional applesauce
◾ Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of some of the sugar
◾ Opt for a Greek yogurt-based filling instead of the caramel cream
Serving Suggestions
These apple cider whoopie pie cookies with caramel are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them further by:
◾ Serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
◾ Pairing with a warm mug of spiced apple cider
◾ Garnishing with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt
Common Mistakes to Avoid
◾ Overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough cookies
◾ Skipping the chilling step, resulting in cookies that spread too much
◾ Overbaking, which can dry out the cookies
◾ Not allowing the cookies to cool completely before filling
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To keep your whoopie pies fresh:
◾ Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
◾ Refrigerate for up to a week
◾ Freeze unfilled cookies for up to 3 months; thaw and fill before serving
FAQs
Can I use store-bought apple cider instead of making a reduction?
While you can use regular apple cider, the reduction intensifies the flavor. If using store-bought, reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly, they’ll stay fresh for 3-5 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze these whoopie pies?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled whoopie pies for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
These apple cider whoopie pie cookies with caramel are the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. With their soft, spiced cookies and creamy caramel filling, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these whoopie pies are guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to any autumn day.
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Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
