Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place with these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies! These delightful cookies bring the warm flavors of apple cider doughnuts right to your kitchen. Each bite is a soft, sweet hug that’s perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Whether you’re gearing up for a festive holiday or just want a special dessert on a busy weeknight, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

What makes these whoopie pies so special? Well, they’re not just delicious; they’re also incredibly easy to whip up! Plus, with their fluffy fillings of bourbon caramel buttercream or brown sugar cream cheese icing, they offer a little something for everyone. Trust me; once you try them, you’ll be making them all season long!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these whoopie pies come together in no time!
• Perfect for sharing: They make great gifts or treats at gatherings — everyone loves a good whoopie pie!
• Delicious flavors: The combination of apple cider, cinnamon, and creamy fillings creates an irresistible taste that’s perfect for autumn.
• Make ahead: Prepare the cookies in advance and assemble them when you’re ready to serve. They stay fresh and tasty!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have on hand. Let’s gather what we need to create this delightful treat!

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 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 brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted, plus more if needed)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to get your creativity flowing:

• Change the filling: Swap out the bourbon caramel buttercream for classic vanilla frosting or even chocolate ganache!
• Add nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into your cookie batter for extra texture and flavor.
• Dairy-free option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
• Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or cloves in your cookie dough for unique flavor notes.

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. Then reduce the heat and simmer until it reduces down to just 1/4 cup. This process intensifies the flavor of the cider and makes it super delicious! Set aside to cool before using. Don’t forget to line two baking sheets with parchment paper while you wait.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Sifting helps ensure there are no lumps in your dry ingredients and allows them to mix evenly into your dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl or an electric mixer’s bowl, beat together 6 tablespoons of butter with both sugars on medium speed until well combined. Scrape down those sides! Now add in your vanilla followed by eggs—this ensures everything mixes evenly. Once combined, add in that rich apple cider followed by either apple butter or applesauce.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low speed, gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender cookies!

Step 5: Form Cookies

Using about 1½ tablespoons of dough per cookie, drop mounds onto your prepared baking sheets about three inches apart. Rotating your pan halfway through baking helps ensure even cooking; bake for about 11-13 minutes until they spring back when touched lightly.

Step 6: Brush with Butter & Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Once baked, let those delicious cookies cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Brush each one with melted butter and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar—they deserve it!

Step 7: Fill Your Whoopie Pies

Allow those beauties to cool completely before filling them! Use either Bourbon Caramel Buttercream or Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing—whichever suits your fancy! If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle some extra caramel inside as well.

And there you have it! A lovely batch of Apple Cider Whoopie Pies that will warm hearts this fall season! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Making these delightful whoopie pies can be a fun and rewarding experience! Here are some tips to ensure your treats turn out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh apple cider: The flavor of your whoopie pies relies heavily on the quality of the apple cider. Fresh, unfiltered cider will provide a richer taste and aroma, making your cookies even more delicious.

• Cool the cider completely: Letting the reduced apple cider cool before adding it to your batter prevents the mixture from cooking the eggs prematurely. This helps achieve a perfect texture in your cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and tender ones.

• Space cookies adequately on the baking sheet: Placing the cookie mounds at least 3 inches apart ensures they have room to spread while baking without merging into each other, giving you perfectly shaped whoopie pies.

• Experiment with fillings: While bourbon caramel buttercream is a fantastic choice, feel free to try different fillings like maple cream cheese or spiced whipped cream for a unique twist!

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any gathering or fall celebration. Here are some ideas on how to present and enjoy them!

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top adds an extra touch of sweetness and enhances their autumnal flavor.

• Caramel drizzle: A drizzle of non-alcoholic caramel sauce over the filled pies creates an eye-catching presentation and complements the apple flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: Serve a cup of warm apple cider alongside your whoopie pies. The flavors will complement each other wonderfully and create an inviting autumn atmosphere.

• Pumpkin spice latte: A cozy pumpkin spice latte pairs well with these treats, enhancing the seasonal vibe while providing a delicious contrast in flavors.

• Chai tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea are a lovely match for the cinnamon and nutmeg in your whoopie pies, making for a comforting pairing that’s perfect for chilly days.

• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like pears and apples provides freshness that balances out the sweetness of the whoopie pies beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their deliciousness throughout the week. Preparing them in advance means you can savor this delightful treat whenever a craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
• For the best texture, let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

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

Reheating

• To enjoy your whoopie pies warm, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain their soft texture.

FAQs

If you’re curious about making these delightful treats, here are some common questions that might help!

Can I use regular apple sauce instead of apple butter for Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Yes! You can substitute apple butter with applesauce in this recipe without any issues. The flavor will still be deliciously apple-y!

What makes Apple Cider Whoopie Pies so special?

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies combine the flavors of fall with soft cookies and sweet fillings. They’re perfect for cozy gatherings or as a treat to enjoy at home.

How do I achieve the best texture for my Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Make sure not to overmix your dough once you add the flour. Mixing just until combined helps keep them tender and soft!

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

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies as I am! They capture all the wonderful flavors of fall in each bite and are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether it’s for a cozy gathering or just a sweet treat for yourself, these whoopie pies are sure to delight. Enjoy baking, and don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s truly special!