Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are the ultimate fall treat, blending the warm flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and apple butter into soft, cake-like cookies. These delicious whoopie pies are perfect for cozy gatherings, festive celebrations, or simply indulging in a sweet moment at home. With their unique taste reminiscent of apple cider doughnuts, they are a delightful way to celebrate the season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of apple cider, spices, and apple butter creates a rich and comforting taste that captures the essence of autumn.
• Easy to Make: This recipe features straightforward instructions that make baking these whoopie pies fun and simple for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Versatile Filling Options: Choose between bourbon caramel buttercream or brown sugar cream cheese icing to customize your dessert experience.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 14 whoopie pies in one batch, they’re ideal for sharing at parties or family gatherings.
• Festive Presentation: The dusting of cinnamon sugar gives these whoopie pies an inviting look that enhances their appeal.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure a great baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together for a smooth batter.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy when baking your cookies on baking sheets.

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 Coating

• 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For Bourbon Caramel Buttercream (or Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing)

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

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 F. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the apple cider to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until it reduces down to 1/4 cup—this should take about 30-35 minutes. Set aside to cool before using. Meanwhile, 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: Make the Cookie Batter

In a large mixing bowl or using an electric mixer, beat together 6 tablespoons of room temperature butter with both sugars on medium speed until well combined. Scrape down the sides and add vanilla followed by eggs. Mix in the cooled apple cider and either apple butter or applesauce. Gradually add in the dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Scoop out cookie mounds of about 1½ tablespoons each onto prepared baking sheets, leaving about three inches between them. Rotate pans halfway through baking for even results; bake for approximately 11-13 minutes until cookies spring back when touched lightly.

Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Once out of the oven, let cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Brush each cookie with reserved melted butter then sprinkle or toss them in cinnamon sugar while still warm.

Step 6: Fill with Icing

Allow cookies to cool completely before filling them with either bourbon caramel buttercream or brown sugar cream cheese icing—about 1½ tablespoons per pie—and drizzle with additional bourbon caramel if desired.

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are a delightful fall treat that pairs well with various accompaniments. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them solo, these suggestions will enhance your experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the whoopie pies.
• Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea adds an aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with apple cider.
• Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a creamy hot chocolate for a comforting dessert combination.

As a Dessert Platter

• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the pies.
• Cheese Board: Include some mild cheeses for a savory contrast to the sweet whoopie pies.
• Mini Pastries: Offer a variety of mini pastries for guests to enjoy alongside their whoopie pies.

During Fall Celebrations

• Thanksgiving Dessert Table: Add these pies as a unique option to your traditional dessert spread.
• Harvest Parties: Serve them at harvest-themed parties for a seasonal treat that everyone will love.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Making perfect Apple Cider Whoopie Pies requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Here are some key points to ensure success.

• Boldly Reduce Cider: Make sure to reduce your apple cider properly for concentrated flavor; it should be about 1/4 cup before mixing.
• Boldly Measure Ingredients: Accurate measurements, especially for flour and sugar, will lead to better texture and taste.
• Boldly Preheat Oven: Always preheat your oven fully before baking to ensure even cooking and perfect rise.
• Boldly Cool Cookies: Letting cookies cool completely before filling prevents the frosting from melting or running out.
• Boldly Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Pairing side dishes with Apple Cider Whoopie Pies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Bold Pumpkin Soup: A warm, creamy pumpkin soup adds cozy fall flavors that complement the whoopie pies beautifully.
2. Bold Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a savory contrast that balances the sweetness of the pies.
3. Bold Salad with Apples and Walnuts: A fresh salad featuring crisp apples and crunchy walnuts enhances the autumn theme.
4. Bold Cheddar Biscuits: Flaky cheddar biscuits offer a savory bite that pairs well with the sweet whoopie pies.
5. Bold Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet maple-glazed carrots bring out the apple flavors while adding color to your plate.
6. Bold Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy sweet potato mash is rich and comforting, making it an ideal side dish alongside desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Apple Cider Whoopie Pies, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect cider reduction: Not reducing the apple cider enough can lead to overly moist cookies. Ensure you simmer the cider until it’s reduced to about 1/4 cup for the best flavor.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding the flour can make the cookies tough. Mix until just combined for soft, tender whoopie pies.
• Inaccurate measurements: Using incorrect amounts of ingredients can change the texture and taste. Always measure your ingredients carefully with proper tools.
• Skipping cooling time: Filling warm cookies will melt your frosting and create a mess. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.
• Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect how well they incorporate into the batter. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• • Container: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Freezing Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

• • Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• • Container: Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one pie on medium power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are soft cookie sandwiches filled with delicious frosting, capturing the flavors of fall and apple cider doughnuts.

Can I customize my filling for Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Absolutely! You can use different frostings like cream cheese icing or flavored buttercreams to match your taste preferences.

How do I get my cookies perfectly round?

Use a cookie scoop for uniform mounds of dough and space them evenly on the baking sheet to help them bake evenly.

Why did my whoopie pies spread too much?

Overmixing or not chilling the dough before baking can cause them to spread. Ensure you mix just until combined and consider chilling if necessary.

Final Thoughts

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are an inviting treat perfect for any autumn gathering or cozy evening at home. Their delightful flavor and soft texture make them versatile; feel free to mix up the fillings or even add nuts or dried fruits to your batter. Try this recipe today, and enjoy these delicious cookie sandwiches!