Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are a delightful treat that perfectly capture the essence of fall. With their soft, cake-like texture and warm spices, these cookie sandwiches are reminiscent of apple cider doughnuts. Ideal for gatherings or cozy evenings at home, they bring comfort and joy to any occasion. The combination of apple cider, cinnamon, and apple butter creates a unique flavor profile that makes these whoopie pies simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of apple cider, cinnamon, and apple butter results in a sweet and spicy treat that’s perfect for fall.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Filling Options: Choose between bourbon caramel buttercream or brown sugar cream cheese icing to customize your whoopie pies.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 14 servings, these whoopie pies are great for parties, potlucks, or as gifts for friends and family.
• Comforting Treat: The warm flavors evoke nostalgia and comfort, making them a favorite during the cooler months.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare these delectable Apple Cider Whoopie Pies, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheets: Ensure even baking and easy transfer of cookies from the oven.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and energy while achieving the perfect mix for your batter.

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Ingredients

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 brushed 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 Filling

• 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 Filling

• 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 is reduced down to 1/4 cup. This will take about 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 the bowl of an electric mixer, beat 6 tablespoons of the butter with both sugars on medium speed until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add in the vanilla followed by the eggs. Next, mix in the apple cider along with either apple butter or applesauce. Turn the mixer on low and gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 4: Shape Cookies

Turn out mounds of dough about 1 ½ tablespoons each onto your prepared baking sheets, placing them about 3 inches apart. Rotate your pan halfway through baking for even results. Bake for about 11-13 minutes or until cookies spring back when lightly touched with your fingertip.

Step 5: Cool Cookies

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

Step 6: Fill Cookies

Allow cookies to cool completely on a rack before filling them with either Bourbon Caramel Buttercream or Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing—using about 1 ½ tablespoons per cookie—and adding a teaspoon of Bourbon Caramel if using it.

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 enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

For a Cozy Dessert

• Warm with Cinnamon Sugar: Serve the whoopie pies warm, brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Pair with Hot Cider: Enjoy these pies alongside a steaming cup of hot apple cider for a comforting fall experience.

As a Party Treat

• Dessert Platter: Arrange whoopie pies on a beautiful platter with other seasonal treats like pumpkin cookies and pecan bars for an inviting dessert spread.
• Mini Pies: Cut the whoopie pies into smaller pieces for bite-sized desserts at gatherings or parties, making them easy to share.

On Special Occasions

• Birthday Celebrations: Use Apple Cider Whoopie Pies as a unique alternative to traditional birthday cake. Decorate with colorful sprinkles for festive flair.
• Holiday Gifts: Wrap individual whoopie pies in clear bags tied with autumn-themed ribbons for thoughtful homemade gifts during the holiday season.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

To ensure your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are the best they can be, follow these helpful tips.

• Boldly Reduce the Cider: Take time to properly reduce the apple cider to concentrate its flavor. This step is crucial for achieving that authentic apple taste.
• Boldly Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all dairy products like butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smoother batter and filling.
• Boldly Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft whoopie pies.
• Boldly Control Cookie Size: Use a consistent measuring spoon to shape your cookie mounds. This ensures even baking and uniform sizes for stacking.
• Boldly Cool Completely Before Filling: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before adding your filling. This prevents the icing from melting and maintains texture.
• Boldly Experiment with Fillings: While caramel buttercream is delicious, feel free to try different fillings like vanilla or chocolate cream cheese frosting for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies pair well with several side dishes that complement their sweet flavor profile. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Bold Apple Salad: A fresh apple salad with mixed greens, nuts, and a light vinaigrette balances out the sweetness of the pies.
2. Bold Pumpkin Soup: Creamy pumpkin soup offers warmth and depth, making it a perfect accompaniment on cooler days.
3. Bold Cheese Board: Include cheeses such as brie or sharp cheddar on a cheese board; their savory notes beautifully contrast with sweet whoopie pies.
4. Bold Caramelized Pears: Sautéed pears drizzled with honey add an elegant touch that pairs wonderfully with apple flavors.
5. Bold Spiced Nuts: A mix of spiced nuts adds crunch and enhances the autumn theme while being easy to prepare ahead of time.
6. Bold Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combo that everyone loves!
7. Bold Hot Chocolate: A rich cup of hot chocolate complements the flavors of apple cider in the whoopie pies perfectly, creating a cozy treat.
8. Bold Fruit Compote: Serve a warm fruit compote on the side; its tanginess will balance out the sweetness of your whoopie pies beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Apple Cider Whoopie Pies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for soft, tender whoopie pies.
• Not Reducing the Apple Cider Properly: Failing to reduce the cider can result in overly wet batter. Make sure to simmer until it reaches 1/4 cup for concentrated flavor.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Filling warm cookies can lead to melted icing. Allow them to cool completely before adding any filling.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cold can affect baking times. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
• Ignoring Ingredient Temperature: Using cold butter or eggs can affect the texture of your cookies. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Apple Cider Whoopie Pies in an airtight container in the fridge.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

• Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and warm the whoopie pies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a whoopie pie in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make my Apple Cider Whoopie Pies more flavorful?

You can enhance flavor by adding more spices like nutmeg or using flavored apple butter.

Can I substitute other sweeteners?

Yes! You may use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar for a different taste.

What can I use instead of bourbon caramel sauce?

Try using maple syrup, honey, or homemade caramel made with fruit juices as alternatives.

How should I store leftover whoopie pies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are not only delicious but also versatile! They’re perfect for fall gatherings and can be filled with various icings or toppings based on your preference. Don’t hesitate to customize them with different spices or fillings—your creativity will make these treats even more special!