Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to celebrate the flavors of fall, look no further than these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies! Soft and fluffy, these cookie sandwiches are reminiscent of warm apple cider doughnuts, making them the perfect addition to any cozy gathering. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dessert or a sweet surprise for your family and friends during autumn festivities, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

What makes these whoopie pies truly special is the wonderful blend of spices and apple goodness. The warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg combined with rich apple butter create a taste that feels like a hug on a chilly day. Plus, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apple cider, cinnamon, and spices creates an irresistible taste that captures the essence of fall.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves whoopie pies! They’re fun to make together and even more fun to eat.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake the cookies ahead of time and fill them just before serving for a fresh treat.
• Customizable: Choose between bourbon caramel buttercream or brown sugar cream cheese icing for the filling—both are delicious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies is simple with wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Gather the following items, and you’ll be well on your way to baking up a storm!

For the Cookies

• 2 cups apple cider (reduced to 1/4 cup)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature, divided: 6 tablespoons for the dough and 2 tablespoons melted for brushing)
• 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 (packed)
• ¼ cup apple butter or applesauce
• 2 eggs
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla

For Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• 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 salt

Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to switch things up according to your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the filling: Try using a maple cream cheese icing instead of brown sugar cream cheese icing for a new twist!
• Add nuts: Fold in some finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
• Change the spices: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique flavor profile.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.

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. Reducing it down to 1/4 cup will intensify its flavor, creating that delicious apple essence in your cookies. This step takes about 30-35 minutes, so be patient while it simmers. Once reduced, set it aside to cool slightly before using.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Sifting helps incorporate air into the dry ingredients for lighter cookies. It also ensures there are no lumps in your mix!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl or an electric mixer bowl, beat together 6 tablespoons of softened butter with both sugars on medium speed until combined. Scraping down the sides ensures everything mixes evenly. Then add in vanilla followed by eggs. Mixing in this order keeps your batter smooth and well-combined. Finally, stir in the cooled apple cider along with either apple butter or applesauce.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Turn your mixer speed down low and gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing as this can toughen your cookies—a soft batter equals soft cookies!

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Using about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough per cookie mound, place them about three inches apart on lined baking sheets. Rotate your pans halfway through baking them for an even bake. They should spring back when touched lightly—a sign they’re ready!

Step 6: Add Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Once out of the oven, let them cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Brush each cookie with melted butter then sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar—this adds an extra layer of sweetness that’s simply irresistible.

Step 7: Fill Your Whoopie Pies

Once completely cooled on racks, it’s time to fill! Use about 1 ½ tablespoons of either Bourbon Caramel Buttercream or Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing between two cookies for a delightful treat.

And there you have it—homemade Apple Cider Whoopie Pies that are sure to impress! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Making the perfect Apple Cider Whoopie Pies is all about the details! Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out soft, flavorful, and utterly delightful.

• Use Fresh Apple Cider: The flavor of your whoopie pies will greatly benefit from fresh apple cider. It adds a vibrant taste that enhances the overall sweetness and warmth of the cookies.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies rather than light and fluffy ones.

• Check Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature, so it’s a good idea to use an oven thermometer. Baking at the correct temperature ensures even baking and prevents burnt edges.

• Cool Completely Before Filling: Allowing your cookies to cool fully on a wire rack ensures they won’t melt your filling. This step is crucial for maintaining the structure of your whoopie pies.

• Experiment with Fillings: While this recipe features bourbon caramel buttercream and brown sugar cream cheese icing, feel free to experiment with other flavors like maple cream or vanilla bean frosting for a unique twist!

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Serving up these delightful treats is just as fun as making them! Whether it’s for a cozy fall gathering or a simple family dessert night, here are some ideas to elevate your presentation.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a sweet touch and makes your whoopie pies look extra special.
• Cinnamon Stick: For a rustic touch, place a cinnamon stick beside each serving. It gives a hint of spice and enhances the fall aesthetic.
• Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of caramel sauce over the top not only looks gorgeous but adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the apple cider beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Hot Apple Cider: Nothing pairs better with these whoopie pies than a warm cup of spiced apple cider. The flavors harmonize perfectly, making it an ideal autumn treat.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream serves as a lovely contrast to the rich filling of the whoopie pies. It adds an airy texture that balances out each bite.
• Pumpkin Soup: Serve up some comforting pumpkin soup on the side for a cozy meal. The savory warmth complements the sweetness of the whoopie pies wonderfully.
• Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory balance. Cheddar or brie would work particularly well, offering richness that contrasts nicely with the dessert’s sweetness.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to whip up some fabulous Apple Cider Whoopie Pies! Enjoy every scrumptious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store them, which is great for busy fall days when you want a sweet treat without the fuss.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you’d like to keep them longer, consider refrigeration to extend their freshness for up to a week.
• Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap each whoopie pie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• For a warm treat, reheat individual whoopie pies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

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

Can I use store-bought apple cider for Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works just fine. Just make sure it’s fresh and not overly processed for the best flavor.

What’s the difference between Bourbon Caramel Buttercream and Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing?

Bourbon Caramel Buttercream has a rich caramel flavor with a hint of bourbon, while Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing is creamy with a delightful brown sugar sweetness. Both pair perfectly with the whoopie pies!

How do I make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that measures cup-for-cup as a direct replacement.

Can I add nuts or other ingredients to my Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Yes! Feel free to mix in chopped nuts or even chocolate chips if you’d like to add some texture and flavor variety.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Apple Cider Whoopie Pies! They truly capture the essence of fall with every bite. Whether you’re sharing them at gatherings or enjoying them by yourself, they’re sure to bring warmth and happiness. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your fillings or toppings – make this recipe your own! Enjoy baking these sweet treats!