Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

If you’re looking for a cozy, autumn-inspired treat that will warm your heart and your kitchen, you’ve come to the right place! These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are an absolute delight, capturing the essence of fall in every bite. With their soft, cake-like cookies reminiscent of classic apple cider doughnuts, they’re perfect for everything from busy weeknights to festive family gatherings. They’re not just desserts; they’re memories waiting to happen!

What makes this recipe special is how easy it is to whip up a batch of these whoopie pies. The combination of apple cider, cinnamon, and apple butter creates flavors that are simply irresistible. Plus, whether you fill them with a luscious bourbon caramel buttercream or a delightful brown sugar cream cheese icing, each pie will have your loved ones coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and assembling these whoopie pies can be a fun family activity.
• Delicious Flavor: The warm spices and apple cider create a mouthwatering flavor that’s sure to please everyone.
• Versatile Fillings: You can choose between a rich buttercream or creamy icing, making it easy to customize for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients! You’ll find that many of these items are likely already in your pantry. These ingredients come together beautifully to create the magic behind our Apple Cider Whoopie Pies.

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 the baked cookies)
• 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 light or dark brown sugar (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, add gradually until desired consistency is reached)
• 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 light or dark brown sugar
• 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted, plus more if needed)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your fillings and toppings. Here are some ideas:

• Try Different Spices: Experiment with pumpkin spice or cardamom instead of cinnamon for a unique twist!
• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add crunch and flavor to your pie filling.
• Use Different Fruit Butters: Swap out apple butter for pear butter or even pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate 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 over medium-high heat, bring the apple cider to a boil. Reducing it down to 1/4 cup intensifies its flavor! This process takes about 30-35 minutes. Once reduced, set it aside to cool while you prepare the other ingredients. Don’t forget to line two baking sheets with parchment paper!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. This step ensures that everything mixes evenly and helps create those fluffy cookies we all love.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl (or using an electric mixer), beat together six tablespoons of room-temperature butter with both sugars on medium speed until well combined. Mixing them well helps incorporate air into the batter for lighter cookies. Add in the vanilla and then mix in the eggs one at a time. Pour in your reduced apple cider followed by either apple butter or applesauce—this adds moisture and flavor!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

With your mixer on low speed, gently mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing; we want tender cookies!

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Scoop out mounds of dough using about 1½ tablespoons each onto your lined baking sheets—make sure they are about three inches apart! Rotate your pans halfway through baking them for about 11-13 minutes until they spring back lightly when touched.

Step 6: Cool and Coat

Once baked, allow them to rest on the sheet for five minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack—this lets them firm up nicely! Brush each cookie with melted butter before tossing them in cinnamon-sugar mixture while they’re still warm.

Step 7: Fill Them Up!

After cooling completely on the rack, it’s time for the fun part! Spread about 1½ tablespoons of either Bourbon Caramel Buttercream or Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing on one cookie half before topping it off with another cookie half.

And there you have it—your very own Apple Cider Whoopie Pies! Enjoy every delicious bite; they are sure to be a hit no matter where you share them!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Making these delightful whoopie pies is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips!

• Use fresh apple cider: Fresh apple cider enhances the flavor of your whoopie pies, giving them that authentic fall taste. Avoid using store-bought varieties that are overly processed.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined is key to keeping your cookies tender and soft. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.

• Cool completely before filling: Allowing your cookies to cool completely ensures that your filling doesn’t melt and ooze out, allowing for a perfect sandwich texture.

• Experiment with fillings: Feel free to switch things up! While this recipe includes Bourbon Caramel Buttercream and Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing, you could also try maple frosting or a spiced whipped cream for a twist.

• Store properly: To keep your whoopie pies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze them; just ensure they’re well-wrapped!

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Serving these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies can be as fun as making them! Here are some ideas to make your presentation extra special.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top adds a sweet touch and highlights the warm spices in the cookies.
• Caramel drizzle: Drizzling a bit of caramel sauce over the assembled whoopie pies not only looks beautiful but also enhances their decadent flavor.

Side Dishes

• Chai Tea: The spicy warmth of chai pairs beautifully with the flavors of apple cider, making it an ideal beverage choice for serving alongside these treats.
• Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup offers a savory contrast to the sweetness of the whoopie pies, creating a balanced fall-inspired meal.
• Apple Slices with Nut Butter: Fresh apple slices served with almond or peanut butter provide a crunchy, healthy side that complements the dessert’s apple flavor without being overly sweet.
• Warm Spiced Cider: Serving warm spiced cider on the side not only ties in with the whoopie pie’s flavors but creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for chilly fall days.

Enjoy making and sharing these delightful Apple Cider Whoopie Pies! They’re sure to be a hit at any autumn gathering or family get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up ahead of time, making them an ideal treat for gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep them fresh longer, place them in the refrigerator for about a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, place unfilled whoopie pie halves in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before filling!

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cookies, gently reheat filled whoopie pies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Avoid overheating to keep the filling from melting too much.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might pop into your mind while making these delightful treats!

Can I use different types of apple butter in my Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Absolutely! You can use any type of apple butter you prefer. Just ensure it’s smooth for the best texture.

How do I make my Apple Cider Whoopie Pies even more flavorful?

Consider adding extra spices like cloves or cardamom to enhance the fall flavor profile. Experimenting with different fillings is also a fun way to mix things up!

Can I use gluten-free flour for my Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Yes! Gluten-free flour blends can work well in this recipe, but make sure they include xanthan gum for better texture and structure.

How long do these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies last after baking?

When stored properly, these whoopie pies will last about 3 days at room temperature and up to a week if refrigerated.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies! They capture the essence of fall with their warm spices and sweet apple flavors. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or treating yourself, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy making your own batch, and don’t forget to savor every delicious bite!