Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

If you’re looking for a delightful fall treat that brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen, these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are just the ticket! Imagine biting into soft, cake-like cookies that taste like your favorite apple cider doughnuts. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it perfectly captures the essence of autumn with its cozy flavors of apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Not only are they delicious, but they also make for an impressive dessert at family gatherings or a sweet surprise on busy weeknights.

These whoopie pies are easy to whip up and will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with loved ones, these treats will create warm memories that last long after the last bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and familiar ingredients, you’ll find this recipe approachable and fun.
• Perfect for Sharing: These whoopie pies are ideal for gatherings; they’re sure to impress friends and family alike.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of apple cider, spices, and creamy filling makes each bite a burst of fall flavor.
• Versatile Options: Whether you prefer caramel buttercream or cream cheese icing, you can customize these whoopie pies to suit your taste.
• Make Ahead Delight: Bake the cookies in advance and fill them later for an effortless dessert option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies is part of the joy! You’ll find that everything you need is simple and wholesome. Here’s what you’ll require:

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 the Cinnamon Sugar 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)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and try out different flavors or fillings. Here are some ideas:

• Experiment with Fillings: Swap out the fillings for something new—try maple frosting or even a fruit preserves center.
• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie batter for added texture and flavor.
• Change Up the Spices: Use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a different twist on seasonal flavors.
• Make Mini Whoopie Pies: Scoop smaller mounds of batter to create bite-sized versions perfect for snacking.

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the apple cider to a boil. Then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer until it reduces down to just 1/4 cup—this takes about 30-35 minutes. Reducing the cider concentrates its sweet flavor, giving your cookies that delicious apple taste!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Sifting helps combine these dry ingredients evenly, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl or using an electric mixer, beat together 6 tablespoons of room temperature butter with both sugars until combined. This step is crucial as it creates air pockets in your batter that lead to fluffy cookies. Add in your vanilla followed by eggs—mixing well after each addition.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add in your reduced apple cider along with either apple butter or applesauce. Mix on low until just combined with the flour mixture; overmixing can make your cookies tough!

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Scoop out mounds about 1 ½ tablespoons each onto lined baking sheets, spacing them about three inches apart. Bake for about 11-13 minutes until they spring back when lightly touched. This ensures they’re perfectly soft!

Step 6: Cool and Coat

Once baked, let them cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Brush each cookie with melted butter and coat them generously in cinnamon sugar while still warm—this adds an irresistible sweetness!

Step 7: Fill Your Whoopie Pies

Allow your cookies to cool completely before filling them with either Bourbon Caramel Buttercream or Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing. A generous tablespoon should do! If you’re using caramel sauce too, don’t forget to drizzle that inside as well.

And there you have it—your own batch of scrumptious Apple Cider Whoopie Pies! Enjoy every bite as they bring warmth and sweetness into your home this fall season.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Making these delightful whoopie pies can be a breeze with a few handy tips. Here’s how to ensure your treats turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh apple cider: The quality of your apple cider will significantly impact the flavor of your whoopie pies. Opt for fresh, unfiltered cider for a richer, more authentic taste reminiscent of fall.

• Chill the dough before baking: If your dough feels too sticky, consider chilling it for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop and help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

• Don’t skip the cinnamon sugar coating: Brushing the warm cookies with melted butter and rolling them in cinnamon sugar adds an irresistible sweetness and crunch that enhances the overall flavor.

• Allow cookies to cool completely: Patience is key! Letting your cookies cool fully ensures that they won’t melt your filling and will maintain their texture when you sandwich them together.

• Experiment with fillings: While this recipe includes Bourbon Caramel Buttercream and Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing, feel free to get creative! Try using flavored whipped cream or even a spiced apple filling for a unique twist.

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Here’s how to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Cinnamon stick: A small cinnamon stick placed alongside each whoopie pie adds a charming rustic touch and hints at the warm spices inside.
• Caramel drizzle: A light drizzle of caramel sauce over the tops of filled pies elevates their appearance and adds an extra layer of sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: Serve these whoopie pies alongside steaming cups of hot apple cider for a comforting beverage pairing that complements their flavors perfectly.
• Pumpkin spice lattes: The rich pumpkin spice flavors in these lattes enhance the autumn vibe and create a delightful contrast with the sweetness of the pies.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the whoopie pies, making it an excellent side dish.
• Cheese platter: Pairing your whoopie pies with a selection of cheeses—like sharp cheddar or creamy brie—adds sophistication to your dessert spread while offering a savory counterpoint to sweet flavors.

Enjoy creating these scrumptious Apple Cider Whoopie Pies and sharing them with loved ones! They’re bound to be a hit at any autumn gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delightful treats throughout the week or prepare them ahead of a special occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they can last about a week.
• Always ensure they are fully cooled before sealing them to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap each whoopie pie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped pies in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

• For a warm treat, gently microwave each whoopie pie for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them too soft.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in an oven preheated to 300°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions related to making Apple Cider Whoopie Pies.

Can I make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies without apple butter?

Yes! You can substitute apple butter with unsweetened applesauce for a similar flavor and texture.

How do I ensure my Apple Cider Whoopie Pies come out soft?

To keep your whoopie pies soft, avoid overbaking. They should spring back when lightly touched. Also, ensure they are stored properly after cooling.

What is the best way to frost my Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

A piping bag works best for frosting your whoopie pies neatly. Use either the Bourbon Caramel Buttercream or Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing for delicious results!

Can I use different spices in my Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like allspice or cardamom according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Apple Cider Whoopie Pies! They capture the essence of fall with every bite. Perfectly soft and filled with sweet goodness, these treats are sure to bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces. Enjoy baking and savoring these little pieces of autumn bliss!