Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

If you’re looking for a cozy fall treat that brings smiles to everyone around, these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are just the thing! Combining the flavors of warm apple cider and spice, these delightful cookies remind me of crisp autumn days spent at the orchard. They are soft, sweet, and filled with creamy goodness that makes them perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy night in, or even just a busy weeknight when you crave a little something special.

One bite of these treats, and you’ll understand why they’ve become a favorite in my kitchen. The warm spices and comforting apple flavor make them feel like a hug in dessert form. Plus, they’re simple enough for anyone to whip up, even if baking isn’t your strong suit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Unique: These whoopie pies taste just like apple cider doughnuts but in cookie form!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping to fill these sweet sandwiches, making it a fun kitchen activity.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake the cookies in advance and fill them just before serving for an easy treat.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 14 servings, they’re ideal for parties or potlucks where you want to impress.
• Flexible Filling Options: Choose between two delicious fillings to suit your taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies is half the fun! You’ll find that they’re made with simple, wholesome items you likely have on hand or can easily grab from your local grocery store. Let’s take a look at what you need:

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 (light or dark, packed)
• ¼ cup apple butter or applesauce
• 2 eggs
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla

For the 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 of salt

Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing:

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these variations:

• Switch Up the Filling: Try using whipped cream or your favorite store-bought frosting instead of buttercream.
• Add Some Nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough for added crunch.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy this treat without worry.
• Spice It Up: Add extra spices like cloves or cardamom for a more robust flavor profile.

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 to just 1/4 cup concentrates its flavor and sweetness, which is key to making these pies truly delicious. After about 30-35 minutes of simmering, let it cool before adding it to your batter.

Step 2: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. This step ensures that everything blends well together and helps create light and fluffy cookies.

Step 3: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl or mixer, beat together the softened butter with both sugars until well combined. Adding in vanilla followed by eggs gives your batter richness. Then mix in the cooled apple cider along with apple butter or applesauce—this adds moisture and flavor!

Step 4: Combine It All Together

Gently mix in your dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; this will keep your cookies tender! Use about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough per cookie mound on your prepared baking sheets—leave plenty of space between each one.

Step 5: Bake and Coat

Bake those little mounds for about 11-13 minutes until they spring back when touched lightly! Once out of the oven, let them cool briefly before brushing them with melted butter and tossing them in cinnamon sugar. This final touch makes them irresistible!

Step 6: Fill ‘Em Up!

Once completely cooled on a wire rack, it’s time for filling! Spread about 1 ½ tablespoons of either Bourbon Caramel Buttercream or Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing on one cookie half and top with another. The creamy filling perfectly complements the spiced cookies.

And there you have it—your very own batch of delightful Apple Cider Whoopie Pies! Enjoy sharing these treats with friends and family; they’re sure to become a beloved recipe in your home as well!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Making these delightful Apple Cider Whoopie Pies can be a breeze with just a few helpful tricks! Here are some pro tips to ensure your whoopie pies turn out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh apple cider – Freshly pressed apple cider will provide the most intense flavor, making your whoopie pies taste like a cozy autumn day.

• Cool the cookies completely – Allowing the cookies to cool completely before filling them prevents the cream from melting and ensures a perfect sandwich texture.

• Experiment with fillings – While bourbon caramel buttercream and brown sugar cream cheese icing are delicious, feel free to get creative! Consider using maple frosting or even whipped coconut cream for a unique twist.

• Properly measure flour – To avoid dense cookies, be sure to spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This helps maintain the right amount of air in your cookie dough.

• Store properly – Keep your filled whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Serving Apple Cider Whoopie Pies can be just as fun as making them! These delightful treats can be showcased beautifully for gatherings or cozy family nights. Here are some ideas on how to present them.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top adds a sweet touch that complements the flavors perfectly.
• Caramel drizzle – A drizzle of caramel sauce on top not only enhances presentation but adds an extra layer of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the spices.

Side Dishes

• Warm Spiced Cider – A mug of warm spiced apple cider is a classic pairing that brings out the flavors in the whoopie pies and creates a cozy atmosphere.

• Pumpkin Spice Latte – The rich flavors of pumpkin spice latte complement the apple cider whoopie pies beautifully, making it an ideal beverage for fall gatherings.

• Chai Tea – The aromatic spices in chai tea go hand-in-hand with these sweet treats, creating a comforting experience perfect for crisp autumn afternoons.

Each of these serving suggestions will elevate your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies into an unforgettable dessert experience! Enjoy every bite and savor the season.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s how to store and preserve their deliciousness.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the assembled whoopie pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• If you prefer them warm, gently reheat the whoopie pies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• You can also warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delightful Apple Cider Whoopie Pies!

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider in the Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Yes, you can substitute apple juice for apple cider. However, the flavor will be slightly different—apple cider gives a more robust taste that enhances the fall flavors.

How do I ensure my Apple Cider Whoopie Pies turn out soft and fluffy?

To achieve soft and fluffy whoopie pies, avoid overmixing your batter after adding the flour. Just mix until combined. Also, make sure not to overbake; they should spring back when lightly touched!

Can I make these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it’s suitable for baking. The texture may vary slightly but they will still be delicious!

What is the best way to store my Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze well!

Final Thoughts

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are more than just cookies; they’re little bites of autumn bliss! With their tender texture and delightful filling, they’re destined to become a favorite in your household. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do—and don’t forget to share them with friends and family! Happy baking!