Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

If you’re looking for a delightful fall treat that will fill your kitchen with the cozy aroma of spices and sweetness, you’ve come to the right place! These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of autumn in every bite. Imagine soft, cake-like cookies reminiscent of apple cider doughnuts, all lovingly filled with creamy frosting. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, these whoopie pies are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).

Each bite brings together the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg with the rich flavor of apple cider. They’re so easy to make that you’ll find yourself wanting to whip up a batch for busy weeknights or as a sweet surprise for your loved ones. Trust me, once you bake them, you’ll understand why this recipe is one of my favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of apple cider and spices creates a taste that’s like autumn on a plate!
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love these cookie sandwiches, making them perfect for baking days with the family.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip these up without any fuss.
• Versatile Fillings: Choose between bourbon caramel buttercream or brown sugar cream cheese icing to match your mood.
• Make-Ahead Delight: These whoopie pies can be made in advance and stored for special occasions or spontaneous cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this recipe. You might already have many of them in your pantry! 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 (packed)
• ¼ cup apple butter or applesauce
• 2 eggs
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla

For Cinnamon Sugar Coating

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

For Bourbon Caramel Buttercream Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 ¼- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• (add gradually until desired consistency is reached)
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons Bourbon Caramel Sauce (optional)
• 1 pinch salt

For 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! You can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Change the Filling: Swap the bourbon caramel buttercream for a classic vanilla frosting if you prefer something simpler.
• Add Nuts: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie batter for added crunch and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with adding other spices like cloves or allspice for an extra kick in your cookies.
• Make Them Mini: Create mini whoopie pies by using smaller mounds of dough. They make great bite-sized treats!

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 just 1/4 cup concentrates its sweet flavor and enhances the overall taste of your whoopie pies. This process takes about 30-35 minutes. Once done, let it cool before using it in the cookie batter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures even distribution throughout your batter. It also helps give your cookies that lovely rise!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl or an electric mixer bowl, beat together 6 tablespoons of room-temperature butter with both sugars on medium speed until well combined. Scraping down the sides is key here so everything gets mixed well! Next, add the vanilla followed by the eggs—this creates a nice base for your dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Once your egg mixture is smooth, add in the reduced apple cider along with either apple butter or applesauce. Turn the mixer on low and gently mix in your flour mixture until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so stop when everything looks blended.

Step 5: Shape and Bake Cookies

Scoop out about 1½ tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets placed about three inches apart from each other. Rotating halfway through baking ensures even cooking. Bake for about 11-13 minutes until they spring back when touched lightly.

Step 6: Cool and Coat

After removing from 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 and sprinkle them generously with cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm; this adds extra flavor!

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—whichever suits your fancy! Use about 1½ tablespoons per pie along with an optional drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce inside.

And there you have it! Your homemade Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are ready to be enjoyed warm or stored away for later indulgence!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Making these delightful whoopie pies is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure perfection.

• Use Fresh Apple Cider: Opt for fresh apple cider instead of store-bought options, as it enhances the flavor and richness of your cookies, giving them that homemade warmth.
• Chill Your Dough: If you’re finding that your dough is too sticky to scoop, chilling it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes can make it easier to handle and shape.
• Check Doneness Carefully: A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few crumbs when you check your cookies. Baking them just until they’re set will keep them soft and moist.
• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to swap out the Bourbon Caramel Buttercream for other flavors like maple cream or vanilla frosting — variety is the spice of life!
• Store Properly: To keep your whoopie pies soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread can help maintain moisture!

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Presenting your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies beautifully can turn this delightful dessert into a showstopper at any gathering. Here are some ideas to make serving even more special.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar Dusting: Lightly dusting the tops of your whoopie pies with powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and a bit of sweetness.
• Cinnamon Stick Accents: Placing a cinnamon stick beside each pie on the serving plate not only looks charming but also hints at the warm spices within.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side complements the spiced flavors of the whoopie pies perfectly, creating a delicious contrast.
• Spiced Hot Apple Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider alongside your treats to reinforce those cozy fall flavors and provide a comforting beverage option.
• Caramel Dipping Sauce: A small bowl of caramel sauce allows guests to dip their whoopie pies for an extra indulgent experience that’s sure to impress!
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring apples, pears, and cranberries adds freshness and balance to the rich flavors of the whoopie pies.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are sure to be a hit, bringing warmth and joy to your table! Enjoy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and enjoy their delightful flavors throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve their deliciousness.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer them chilled, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled whoopie pies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Allow the whoopie pies to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
• For a warm treat, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

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

Can I use other types of applesauce instead of apple butter?

Yes! You can substitute apple butter with unsweetened applesauce without compromising the flavor too much. Just keep in mind that apple butter adds a richer taste.

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

To make these cookies gluten-free, simply replace all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

What should I do if my Apple Cider Whoopie Pies turn out too dry?

If your whoopie pies feel dry, they might have been overbaked. Keep an eye on them while baking; they should be soft and spring back when touched lightly. Consider adding more moist ingredients next time or reducing the baking time slightly.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

You can enhance the flavor by adding chopped nuts or raisins to the dough or using spiced apple cider instead of regular apple cider.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are not just cookies; they’re little bites of fall! With their soft texture and warm spices, they’re sure to bring comfort and joy to your table. I hope you enjoy making these delightful treats as much as I do! Share them with friends and family, and watch their faces light up with every bite. Happy baking!