Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are a delightful twist on traditional whoopie pies, bringing the warmth of apple cider doughnuts right into your kitchen. Each bite is soft, spiced, and filled with either a luscious bourbon caramel buttercream or a creamy brown sugar icing that will make your taste buds sing!

What I love most about this recipe is how it brings people together. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering, surprising friends at a potluck, or just indulging on a busy weeknight, these whoopie pies are sure to be a hit. They are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: The steps are simple and straightforward, perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Perfect for sharing: With 14 whoopie pies in one batch, there’s plenty to share with loved ones!
• Fall flavors: Enjoy the rich taste of apple cider and warm spices that scream autumn.
• Flexible filling options: Choose between two delicious fillings to suit your mood or occasion.
• Make-ahead friendly: These whoopie pies can be prepared in advance and stored for later enjoyment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple and wholesome ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Gather these up, and let’s get started on creating something truly special!

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, plus more if needed)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Variations

This recipe is flexible and allows you to play around with flavors according to your preferences! Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the filling: Instead of bourbon caramel buttercream, try using a chocolate ganache for a rich twist!
• Add nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for an extra crunch.
• Spice it up: Experiment with additional spices like cloves or allspice to create your own unique flavor profile.
• Make mini versions: Use smaller mounds of dough for bite-sized treats that are perfect for snacking!

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Cider Reduction

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a medium saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Reducing it down to just 1/4 cup concentrates its flavor and sweetness, which is key for our cookies. After about 30-35 minutes of simmering, remove it from heat and let it cool.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. This step ensures everything mixes evenly and helps prevent clumps in your cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl or using an electric mixer, beat together 6 tablespoons of room-temperature butter with both sugars until well combined. Scrape down the sides as needed. Adding vanilla followed by eggs gives richness and moisture to our batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly mix in the cooled apple cider along with apple butter or applesauce. Then gently fold in your dry mixture until just combined—overmixing can lead to tougher cookies!

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop out mounds of dough about 1 1/2 tablespoons each onto lined baking sheets; keep them spaced out about three inches apart. Bake them for about 11-13 minutes until they spring back lightly when touched.

Step 6: Cool Down and Coat

Let your cookies cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Brush them with melted butter while still warm and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.

Step 7: Fill Your Whoopie Pies

Once cooled completely, fill half of them with either bourbon caramel buttercream or brown sugar cream cheese icing. Top with another cookie half to create delightful sandwiches!

And there you have it! A warm treat that embodies everything wonderful about fall—enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Making these delightful Apple Cider Whoopie Pies is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Reduce the apple cider thoroughly: The key to intense flavor lies in reducing the apple cider down to 1/4 cup. This concentrated flavor will really shine through in your whoopie pies.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter and cream cheese to come to room temperature ensures they blend smoothly into the batter and frosting, resulting in a tender texture.

• Don’t overmix the dough: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and fluffy ones.

• Rotate your baking sheets: To achieve even baking, rotate your pans halfway through the cooking time. This helps prevent uneven browning and ensures all cookies are perfectly baked.

• Cool before filling: Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before adding any filling. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a perfect whoopie pie structure!

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

These scrumptious whoopie pies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully for sharing or enjoying yourself.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top adds an extra touch of sweetness and enhances the fall flavors.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzling a bit of caramel sauce over the top gives an indulgent finish and makes them look irresistible!

Side Dishes

• Spiced Hot Apple Cider: Serve with a warm cup of spiced apple cider for a comforting pairing that enhances those autumn flavors.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: A creamy pumpkin spice latte complements these whoopie pies perfectly, creating a cozy fall treat.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside offers a delightful contrast to the warm spices in the whoopie pies.
• Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea echo those in the cookies, making it an excellent beverage choice for an afternoon snack.

Enjoy serving these scrumptious Apple Cider Whoopie Pies at gatherings or simply savor them during quiet moments with a warm drink. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, store them properly, and enjoy their scrumptious flavor throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Place leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• If you have filled cookies, it’s best to separate the filling and cookies during storage to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

• To freeze, place unfilled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• When you’re ready, let them thaw at room temperature before filling.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat filled whoopie pies by placing them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• If you prefer a warm cookie, you can also pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Apple Cider Whoopie Pies:

Can I make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies without apple butter?

Absolutely! You can substitute apple butter with applesauce in this recipe. It will still provide that lovely apple flavor and moisture.

How do I get my Apple Cider Whoopie Pies to be fluffier?

For fluffier whoopie pies, ensure that your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with sugar. This helps incorporate air into the mixture, creating a lighter texture.

Can I use another type of cider besides apple cider?

While the recipe is specifically designed for apple cider, you could experiment with pear cider for a different flavor profile. Just ensure it’s reduced similarly!

What if I don’t have cinnamon sugar on hand?

No worries! You can easily make your own by mixing equal parts granulated sugar and cinnamon. Use it generously on your baked cookies for that delightful finishing touch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies—they’re such a special treat that embodies the flavors of fall! Whether you’re preparing them for family gatherings or just indulging yourself, they’re bound to bring smiles all around. Enjoy baking and savor every delicious bite!