Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are a delightful fall treat that perfectly capture the essence of autumn. With their soft, cake-like cookies flavored with apple cider, cinnamon, and apple butter, these whoopie pies are sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or enjoying a cozy night in, these sweet delights are an inviting addition to your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apple cider and warm spices creates a comforting taste reminiscent of fall.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for various occasions like parties, potlucks, or simply as an afternoon snack with tea.
• Soft Texture: The cookies are soft and fluffy, making them irresistible and easy to enjoy.
• Customizable Fillings: Choose between bourbon caramel buttercream or brown sugar cream cheese icing for varied flavors.
• Fun to Make: Baking these whoopie pies can be a fun activity with family or friends.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious Apple Cider Whoopie Pies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Sifter

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing dough ingredients thoroughly.
• Medium saucepan: Ideal for reducing the apple cider to concentrate its flavor before baking.
• Sifter: Ensures that dry ingredients mix evenly, resulting in a lighter cookie texture.

Ingredients

This Apple Cider Whoopie Pie recipe makes soft, delicious cookies that taste like apple cider doughnuts! Made with apple cider, cinnamon, and apple butter, they’re the perfect fall treat. They’re coated with cinnamon sugar and stuffed with either bourbon caramel buttercream or brown sugar cream cheese icing.

For the Cookies

• 2 cups apple cider (reduced to 1/4 cup)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 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 the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

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

For the Buttercream Filling

Bourbon Caramel Buttercream Option

• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 ¼- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons bourbon caramel sauce (or alternative sauce if preferred)
• 1 pinch salt

Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing Option

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

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the apple cider to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until it reduces down to about 1/4 cup. This should take around 30-35 minutes. Set aside to cool before using. Meanwhile, line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. This ensures even distribution of all dry ingredients.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl or using an electric mixer, beat together 6 tablespoons of room temperature butter with both sugars on medium speed until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add in the vanilla extract followed by eggs one at a time. Then mix in the reduced apple cider along with either apple butter or applesauce until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add in the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookies soft.

Step 5: Shape Cookies

Scoop out mounds of dough about 1½ tablespoons each onto your prepared baking sheets. Ensure they are placed about three inches apart as they will spread while baking. Rotate your pan halfway through and bake for about 11-13 minutes or until they spring back when lightly touched.

Step 6: Cool and Coat Cookies

Once baked, allow cookies to cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Brush them with melted butter and then sprinkle or toss them in cinnamon sugar while still warm.

Step 7: Fill Your Whoopie Pies

Once cooled completely on racks, fill each cookie with about 1½ tablespoons of either Bourbon Caramel Buttercream or Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing. Optionally drizzle some caramel sauce inside before sandwiching them together.

Enjoy your homemade Apple Cider Whoopie Pies!

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance their flavors. Here are some fun serving suggestions that will impress your guests and make the most of these delicious cookies.

Classic Pairing

• Hot Apple Cider – Serve these whoopie pies with a warm mug of apple cider for a comforting fall experience.
• Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the spiced flavors beautifully, adding creamy richness.

Festive Touch

• Caramel Drizzle – Drizzling caramel sauce over the top of the whoopie pies adds an indulgent touch that enhances their sweetness.
• Whipped Cream – Top each pie with a dollop of whipped cream for extra fluffiness and a beautiful presentation.

Unique Combinations

• Cheese Plate – Pair these whoopie pies with a selection of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or brie, for a savory contrast.
• Nuts and Dried Fruit – Serve alongside a platter of mixed nuts and dried fruits to add crunch and natural sweetness.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

To create the best Apple Cider Whoopie Pies, keep these tips in mind. They will ensure your cookies turn out soft, flavorful, and perfectly filled.

• Boldly reduce the cider – Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor, making your whoopie pies taste more like apple cider doughnuts.
• Carefully measure flour – Use the scoop and level method for measuring flour to avoid dense cookies; precision matters here!
• Don’t skip cooling time – Allow the cookies to cool completely before filling them. This prevents melting and ensures a neat sandwich.
• Experiment with fillings – Try different fillings like flavored buttercream or cream cheese icing for variety in taste.
• Use room temperature ingredients – Ensure that butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth filling texture.
• Store properly – Keep filled whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

When serving Apple Cider Whoopie Pies, consider these perfect side dishes that complement their sweet, spiced profile. Each option brings out different flavors while enhancing your dessert spread.

1. Pumpkin Spice Muffins – Deliciously moist muffins that echo fall flavors, perfect for brunch or dessert.
2. Maple Glazed Pecans – Sweet and crunchy nuts that add a delightful crunch and pair well with the whoopie pies.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips – Crispy chips dusted with cinnamon sugar make for a fun dipper alongside your whoopie pies.
4. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the pies while adding vibrant colors to your table.
5. Chai Tea Cookies – Spiced cookies that harmonize beautifully with the flavors in the whoopie pies; perfect for tea time!
6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Savory roasted sweet potatoes provide a hearty side dish that contrasts nicely with dessert’s sweetness.
7. Apple Crisp – A warm apple crisp topped with oats offers another layer of apple goodness that’s sure to please everyone.
8. Spiced Hot Cocoa – Rich hot cocoa made with warming spices pairs excellently with these sweet treats during chilly evenings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Apple Cider Whoopie Pies, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the texture and flavor of your treats.

• Using unmeasured apple cider – Ensure you reduce the apple cider to precisely 1/4 cup for the best flavor concentration. Avoid skipping this step.
• Overmixing the dough – Mix just until combined to keep your whoopie pies soft and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Ignoring cooling times – Allow cookies to cool on a rack properly before filling. This prevents melting and ensures they hold their shape.
• Skipping the cinnamon sugar coating – Coating with cinnamon sugar adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor. Don’t skip this step for optimal taste!
• Not using room temperature ingredients – Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth texture in your filling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

• Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Microwave – Heat one pie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What are Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are soft, cookie-like desserts filled with creamy frosting and flavored with apple cider and spices. They are perfect for fall!

Can I use other fillings for my whoopie pies?

Yes! You can customize the filling with various options like cream cheese icing, chocolate ganache, or even fruit preserves to suit your taste.

How should I store leftover whoopie pies?

Store leftover Apple Cider Whoopie Pies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer them chilled.

What is the best way to serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Serve these treats at room temperature for the best flavor. They make excellent additions to fall gatherings or cozy family nights.

Can I make these whoopie pies vegan?

You can substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs to create a vegan version of these whoopie pies.

Final Thoughts

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies combine the comforting flavors of autumn into delightful cookie sandwiches. Their soft texture and sweet filling make them an irresistible treat any time of year. Feel free to experiment with different fillings or toppings based on your preferences!