Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are the ultimate fall treat, combining the warmth of apple cider with the sweetness of a whoopie pie. These delightful cookie sandwiches evoke memories of crisp autumn days and family gatherings. With their soft texture and rich flavor, they are perfect for any occasion—from cozy evenings at home to festive gatherings with friends and family. The unique combination of spices and apple butter makes these pies stand out, while the bourbon caramel or brown sugar cream cheese icing adds an irresistible finishing touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The blend of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm, comforting taste that is perfect for fall.
- Versatile Filling Options: Choose between bourbon caramel buttercream or brown sugar cream cheese icing to customize your whoopie pies.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious treats ready in no time.
- Perfect for Sharing: These whoopie pies make great gifts or treats for parties, ensuring everyone gets a taste of fall.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Each bite offers a delightful chewiness that pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling.
Tools and Preparation
To make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies efficiently, gather a few essential tools that will streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: This tool speeds up the mixing process and ensures that all ingredients are well combined.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your whoopie pies.
- Cooling rack: Using a cooling rack allows air to circulate around your cookies, preventing them from becoming soggy.
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.
- 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
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 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
- 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
How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350 F.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer until cider reduces down to 1/4 cup, about 30–35 minutes. Set aside to cool before using.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, sift together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Spices
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl or electric mixer bowl:
- Beat 6 tablespoons of butter with both sugars on medium speed until combined.
- Scrape down sides of the bowl; add vanilla followed by eggs.
- Add cooled apple cider then mix in apple butter or applesauce.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
- Turn mixer on low; gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
Step 5: Bake Cookies
- Turn out dough into mounds about 1.5 tablespoons each, placing them 3 inches apart on baking sheet.
- Rotate pan halfway through baking; bake for 11–13 minutes, until cookies spring back when touched lightly.
Step 6: Cool and Coat Cookies
- Once out of oven, cool cookies on baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Brush cookies with reserved melted butter; sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar.
Step 7: Fill Cookies
- Allow cookies to cool completely before filling with either:
- Bourbon Caramel Buttercream
- Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing
Enjoy your delicious Apple Cider Whoopie Pies!
How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply indulging at home, these whoopie pies will surely impress.
With a Hot Beverage
- Coffee – The rich flavor of coffee complements the sweetness of the pies.
- Cider – Pair with warm apple cider for an extra autumnal experience.
- Tea – A cozy cup of spiced tea offers a lovely contrast to the cookies.
As Dessert After Dinner
- With Ice Cream – Serve alongside vanilla or caramel ice cream for a delicious twist.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle – A light drizzle of chocolate sauce adds decadence.
- Whipped Cream – Top with freshly whipped cream for added fluffiness.
At Parties and Gatherings
- Platter Display – Arrange on a festive platter for an eye-catching dessert table.
- Mini Versions – Make smaller whoopie pies for bite-sized treats perfect for sharing.
How to Perfect Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
To ensure your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Always use fresh apple cider and spices for the best flavor.
- Cool Completely Before Filling – This prevents the filling from melting and keeps your pies intact.
- Adjust Consistency of Icing – Add powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired thickness for spreadability.
- Space Cookies Properly – Leave enough room between cookie mounds on the baking sheet to allow them to spread evenly while baking.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
When serving Apple Cider Whoopie Pies, pairing them with side dishes can enhance the overall experience. Here are some tasty options to consider.
- Pumpkin Soup – A warm, creamy soup that adds a savory balance to the sweetness of whoopie pies.
- Cheese Platter – An assortment of cheeses offers a variety of textures and flavors that complement the pies well.
- Salad with Apples and Nuts – A fresh salad brings crunch and brightness, contrasting nicely with the rich whoopie pies.
- Candied Pecans – These sweet snacks add a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the soft cookies.
- Spiced Nuts – Roasted spiced nuts bring warmth and complexity, enhancing your fall-themed dessert spread.
- Caramel Dip with Fruit – Fresh fruit served with caramel dip offers a refreshing, light contrast to the rich whoopie pies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Apple Cider Whoopie Pies can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes is key to achieving the perfect result.
- Using unmeasured ingredients: Always measure your ingredients accurately. This ensures the right consistency and flavor in your whoopie pies.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, tender whoopie pies.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allow your apple cider reduction to cool before using it. This step is essential for the right texture and flavor in your cookies.
- Not spacing cookies properly: Place cookie mounds at least 3 inches apart on the baking sheet. This prevents them from merging during baking.
- Ignoring temperature settings: Make sure your oven is preheated to 350 F. An improperly heated oven can result in unevenly baked cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Apple Cider Whoopie Pies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep them separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
- Freeze whoopie pies for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap for best results.
Reheating Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
- Oven: Preheat to 350 F and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Warm each pie for about 10-15 seconds. Keep an eye on them to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat and cover until warmed through, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Apple Cider Whoopie Pies.
How do I make my whoopie pies more flavorful?
Adding spices like nutmeg or ginger can enhance the flavor of your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies. Experiment with different amounts!
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, store-bought apple cider works well in this recipe. Just ensure it’s good quality for the best taste.
What’s the best way to store leftover whoopie pies?
Store leftover Apple Cider Whoopie Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I customize the filling?
Absolutely! You can use different flavored buttercreams or creams, such as vanilla or chocolate, to fill your whoopie pies.
How long do these whoopie pies last?
When stored properly, Apple Cider Whoopie Pies last about 5 days at room temperature or up to 2 months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are an irresistible treat that captures the essence of fall with their delightful flavors and soft texture. Feel free to customize them with various fillings or spices to suit your taste. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try today!
Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are the epitome of cozy fall indulgence. These delightful cookie sandwiches combine the rich, warm flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg, offering a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Filled with either bourbon caramel buttercream or brown sugar cream cheese icing, these treats are perfect for any autumn occasion—whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting a festive gathering. The unique spices and sweet apple butter elevate these whoopie pies, making them a standout dessert that embodies the essence of the season.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider (reduced to 1/4 cup)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1¾ cups flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup apple butter
- 2 eggs
- Filling options: bourbon caramel sauce or brown sugar cream cheese icing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Boil apple cider in a saucepan until reduced to 1/4 cup; set aside to cool.
- In a bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices together.
- In a mixer bowl, beat butter and sugars until smooth. Add eggs and cooled cider; mix well.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Drop tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them three inches apart.
- Bake for 11–13 minutes or until cookies spring back when lightly touched.
- Cool on racks before filling with your choice of frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie (60g)
- Calories: 209
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
