Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are like a warm hug on a chilly day. With each bite, you’ll experience the comforting flavors of apple cider and warm spices, reminiscent of cozy afternoons spent sipping hot cider. Whether it’s a family gathering or just a busy weeknight, these whoopie pies are sure to bring smiles all around.

This recipe is extra special for me because it combines simplicity with deliciousness. The cookies are soft and tender, while the filling can be customized to suit your taste. Trust me, once you bake these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies, they’ll quickly become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can whip these up in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen, and everyone will enjoy devouring them.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or an afternoon snack, these whoopie pies fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the cookies in advance and fill them just before serving for maximum freshness.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of apple cider, cinnamon, and creamy filling creates an irresistible taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookies

• 2 cups apple cider (reduced to 1/4 cup)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature, divided)
• 1 ¾ cups flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ginger
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup plus 2 teaspoons brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
• ¼ cup apple butter or applesauce
• 2 eggs
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla

For Coating

• 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Fillings

Bourbon Caramel Buttercream

• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 ¼- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons Bourbon Caramel Sauce
• 1 pinch of salt

Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 ½ ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted, plus more if needed)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Variations

One great thing about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily mix things up based on what you have at home or your flavor preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Try Different Fillings: Swap out the bourbon caramel for chocolate ganache or vanilla frosting for a new twist.
• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts in the filling add a delightful crunch.
• Spice It Up: Incorporate other spices like cloves or cardamom into the cookie batter for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour to cater to dietary needs.

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a medium saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce heat to medium and let it simmer until it reduces down to just 1/4 cup—this should take about 30-35 minutes. Allow it to cool before using. While it simmers, line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. This step ensures even distribution of flavors and helps create fluffy cookies.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl or using an electric mixer, beat together 6 tablespoons of softened butter with both sugars until well combined. Scrape down the sides of your bowl as needed. Add in the vanilla extract followed by the eggs; mix until incorporated. Then stir in your cooled apple cider and either apple butter or applesauce until well blended.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Turn your mixer speed down low and gradually mix in your dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing; this keeps your whoopie pies soft and tender.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Using about 1½ tablespoons of dough per cookie, scoop mounds onto your prepared baking sheets—make sure they’re about three inches apart! Rotate your pans halfway through baking for even cooking. Bake for about 11-13 minutes until they spring back when lightly touched.

Step 6: Cool and Coat

Once out of the oven, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Brush each cookie with melted butter then roll them in cinnamon sugar for that extra touch!

Step 7: Fill Your Whoopie Pies

Let your cookies cool completely before filling them! Use either Bourbon Caramel Buttercream or Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing—about 1½ tablespoons per pie—and add a drizzle of bourbon caramel if desired before sandwiching them together.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Apple Cider Whoopie Pies! Each bite will transport you straight into autumn bliss!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Making these delightful whoopie pies is a joy, and with a few extra tips, you’ll ensure they’re perfect every time.

• Reduce Cider Properly: Make sure to simmer your apple cider down to 1/4 cup. This concentrates the flavor and gives your cookies that delicious apple cider doughnut taste!

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This creates a smoother batter and frosting, leading to a better texture in your whoopie pies.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, fluffy ones.

• Use a Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to portion out the dough. This ensures uniform baking and perfect sandwiching.

• Cool Completely Before Filling: Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before filling them. This prevents the filling from melting and keeps your whoopie pies intact!

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Serving Apple Cider Whoopie Pies can be as fun as making them! These treats are perfect for cozy gatherings or festive fall events.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
• Cinnamon Stick: Placing a cinnamon stick beside each whoopie pie not only enhances presentation but also reinforces the autumnal flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Warm Spiced Apple Cider: Serve this alongside your whoopie pies for a comforting beverage that complements their flavors perfectly.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds richness and balances the spiced sweetness of the cookies.
• Caramel Popcorn: The crunchiness and sweet-savory flavor of caramel popcorn make for a delightful contrast to the soft whoopie pies.
• Cheese Board: A selection of mild cheeses like Brie or Gouda pairs beautifully with the sweet flavors, creating an unexpected yet delicious combination.

Enjoy crafting these wonderful treats and sharing them with family and friends—there’s nothing quite like homemade goodies during this beautiful season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment, making them a fantastic option for gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For optimal freshness, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Wrap each whoopie pie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy your whoopie pies warm, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
• If you prefer them warm, microwave for about 10 seconds or until just warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the recipe that might help you out!

Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted butter in Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Yes, you can use regular butter, but it’s best to omit additional salt from the recipe since salted butter already contains salt.

How should I store Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Store your whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I substitute apple butter with applesauce in Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Absolutely! Applesauce is a great alternative if you don’t have apple butter on hand. It will still give your whoopie pies that delicious apple flavor!

What makes these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies special?

These whoopie pies capture the essence of fall with their delightful flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg. They’re soft, flavorful, and perfect for sharing!

Can I make these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Apple Cider Whoopie Pies! They truly embody the warmth and comfort of fall with every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with friends at a gathering or indulging by yourself on a cozy evening, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face. Enjoy this sweet treat and don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings! Happy baking!