Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are soft and cake-like treats filled with sweet, creamy goodness. Each bite is bursting with autumn flavors, thanks to the apple cider and spices!
Who doesn’t love a cookie sandwich? I like to enjoy them with a cup of warm cider. They’re perfect for chilly days or when you just want a cozy treat! 🍏🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: The star of these whoopie pies! Look for fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor. If unavailable, you can use apple juice, but the taste will be a bit sweeter and less complex.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best here, providing the right texture. If you’re gluten-free, consider a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and it should work just fine!
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves all bring warmth to these cookies. If cloves aren’t on hand, you can increase the nutmeg slightly or use allspice as a substitute for a similar flavor profile.
Cream Cheese: This gives the filling a nice tang. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you could try vegan cream cheese or a blendo of coconut cream with a bit of lemon juice for tanginess.
Apple Butter: For a rich apple flavor, apple butter is perfect! If you don’t have it, mixing more apple cider into the filling could create a nice, creamy texture, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Cake Cookie Texture?
The key to perfect whoopie pies lies in the texture of the cake cookies. You want them to be soft and cake-like while still holding their shape. Here’s how to nail it:
- Reduce the cider: Cooking down the cider not only intensifies the flavor but also helps create a moist cookie. Make sure to cool it before adding it to the batter!
- Don’t overmix: When adding dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the batter: Refrigerating the batter helps it firm up, making it easier to scoop and ensuring better shape retention while baking.
- Watch the bake time: Bake until puffed but slightly soft in the center. They will finish baking on the cooling rack! Pull them out right before they look done.
Taking these extra steps will help make your whoopie pies soft and delightful, perfectly balancing with the sweet filling and cozy spices. Enjoy baking! 🍏
Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Cider Cake Cookies:
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp apple butter (or apple cider jelly)
For Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for preparation and approximately 12 minutes for baking. After baking, you’ll want to cool the cookies for about 15 minutes, plus a little time for the filling and assembly. Altogether, you can expect around 1 hour to enjoy these delicious whoopie pies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the cider is reduced to about 1/4 cup and looks syrupy, but be careful not to let it burn. Set it aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This helps ensure everything mixes evenly and adds air to the flour.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This is an important step for creating a good texture.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until everything is fully combined and smooth.
5. Mix in the Reduced Cider:
Now, slowly pour the cooled apple cider reduction into the butter mixture. Mix it well to ensure it’s fully incorporated.
6. Add Dry Ingredients:
Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients by mixing just until all is combined. The batter will be thick, which is perfect.
7. Chill the Batter:
Cover your bowl and place the batter in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the batter firm up, making it easier to work with.
8. Preheat the Oven:
While the batter chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
9. Form the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each one.
10. Bake:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. They should be puffed up and set, but still soft. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
11. Coat the Cookies:
In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together. Gently press the flat sides of each cooled cookie into the cinnamon sugar to coat.
12. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the filling is fluffy and well combined.
13. Fill the Whoopie Pies:
Take one of the cookies and spread or pipe a generous layer of the cream cheese filling onto the flat side. Add a small dollop of apple butter on top of the filling, then sandwich it with another cookie, making sure the cinnamon sugar sides are facing out.
14. Serve:
Enjoy your delicious apple cider whoopie pies right away or refrigerate them until you’re ready to eat. For the best texture, let them come to room temperature before serving.
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These whoopie pies are a delightful fusion of tender spices, creamy filling, and the comforting taste of apple cider, complete with a light cinnamon sugar exterior. They’re ideal for fall gatherings or a sweet treat on a cozy afternoon!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works great in this recipe. Just make sure to choose a variety that’s fresh and has a rich apple flavor for the best results.
Can I Make the Cookies in Advance?
Yes, you can bake the cookies ahead of time! Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper before freezing.
What Variations Can I Try for the Filling?
If you’re looking to switch things up, you can add a dash of cinnamon or maple syrup to the cream cheese filling for extra flavor. You could also try a buttercream frosting if you prefer something sweeter!
How Should I Store Leftover Whoopie Pies?
Store any leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their softness, place a piece of bread in the container—it will help keep them moist!