Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. These soft and flavorful cookie sandwiches are reminiscent of apple cider doughnuts, making them an ideal dessert for parties, gatherings, or cozy evenings at home. With their sweet and spiced filling options, these whoopie pies stand out as a must-try seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of apple cider, cinnamon, and apple butter creates a rich, warm flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Fall: These whoopie pies embody the spirit of autumn, making them a great addition to any fall celebration or holiday gathering.
• Versatile Fillings: Choose between bourbon caramel buttercream or brown sugar cream cheese icing for a filling that suits your taste.
• Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make it simple for both novice and experienced bakers to whip up these delicious treats.
• Great for Sharing: With 14 servings in this recipe, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort by efficiently mixing ingredients to achieve the right texture.
• Medium saucepan: Necessary for reducing apple cider to intensify its flavor before adding it to the batter.
• Baking sheets: Provides a stable surface for baking multiple cookies at once while ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients

This Apple Cider Whoopie Pie recipe makes soft, delicious cookies that taste like apple cider doughnuts! Made with apple cider, cinnamon, 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, 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 brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
• ¼ cup apple butter or applesauce
• 2 eggs
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla

For 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) (leave it at room temperature for at least an hour before making)
• 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

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. 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 approximately 30–35 minutes. Set aside to cool before using. 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.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl or electric mixer bowl, beat together 6 tablespoons of butter with both sugars on medium speed until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add in vanilla followed by eggs. Next, mix in the reduced apple cider along with either apple butter or applesauce. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 4: Shape Cookies

Drop mounds of batter about 1½ tablespoons each onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about three inches apart. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking—bake for 11–13 minutes or until cookies spring back when lightly touched.

Step 5: Cool Cookies

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

Step 6: Fill Cookies

Let cookies cool completely on a rack before filling them with either Bourbon Caramel Buttercream or Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing along with a teaspoon of Bourbon Caramel if desired.

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are a delightful treat, perfect for sharing. They can be served in various ways to elevate your dessert experience.

Casual Gatherings

• Coffee Pairing: Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Tea Time: A great addition to any tea party, complementing herbal or spiced teas.

Special Occasions

• Fall Celebrations: These pies are perfect for fall festivals or Thanksgiving gatherings.
• Dessert Tables: Include them in dessert buffets at birthday parties or potlucks for a seasonal touch.

Individually Wrapped

• Party Favors: Wrap each whoopie pie in clear cellophane and tie with a ribbon for guests to take home.
• Lunch Box Treats: Include them in lunch boxes for a sweet surprise during school days.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Creating the perfect Apple Cider Whoopie Pies is an art that requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your whoopie pies turn out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh apple cider and butter provide richer flavor and better texture.
• Monitor Baking Time: Check your cookies around the 11-minute mark to avoid overbaking and ensure they remain soft.
• Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool completely before filling them; this prevents melting and ensures neat sandwiches.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the spices according to your taste preference for a personalized touch.
• Experiment with Fillings: Try different fillings like cream cheese frosting or flavored buttercreams for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Pairing side dishes with your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies can enhance the overall experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai perfectly complement the flavors of the whoopie pies.
2. Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider as a festive drink alongside these sweet treats.
3. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup offers a savory contrast that balances sweetness well.
4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese to add creaminess and depth to your dessert spread.
5. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits can refresh the palate after indulging in whoopie pies.
6. Caramel Dipped Apples: These sweet and crunchy treats echo the apple flavor while adding an extra layer of fun.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Apple Cider Whoopie Pies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to steer clear of.

• Wrong cider reduction: Failing to reduce the apple cider to 1/4 cup can result in overly wet dough. Always simmer until the desired amount is reached for balanced flavors.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much after adding flour can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined for soft, fluffy whoopie pies.
• Incorrect baking time: Baking for too long or not enough will affect texture. Keep an eye on them, and remove once they spring back when touched.
• Skipping cooling time: Filling warm cookies can lead to a messy outcome. Ensure they cool completely on a wire rack before adding your delicious filling.
• Imprecise measurements: Not measuring ingredients accurately can alter the taste and texture. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

• Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually for 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a covered skillet for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use store-bought apple butter?

Yes, store-bought apple butter works well if you want a quicker option. Just ensure it’s high-quality for the best flavor.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) as an egg substitute.

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

Simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum.

Can I customize the filling for my Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Absolutely! You can try different flavors like cream cheese frosting or whipped cream to suit your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are a perfect fall treat that combines the essence of autumn spices with sweet apple flavor. They are versatile; feel free to experiment with various fillings or even add nuts or chocolate chips to the cookies. Dive into this delightful recipe and enjoy every bite!