Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are a delightful treat that perfectly capture the essence of fall. These soft, cake-like cookies are infused with the warm flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and apple butter, reminiscent of classic autumn desserts. Whether for a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth with their luscious filling and comforting taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apple cider and spices gives these whoopie pies a unique and rich flavor profile that’s perfect for fall.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these treats without any hassle.
• Versatile Filling Options: Choose between bourbon caramel buttercream or brown sugar cream cheese icing for a customizable dessert experience.
• Perfect for Sharing: These whoopie pies make wonderful gifts or party treats that are sure to delight friends and family alike.
• Festive Presentation: Coated in cinnamon sugar, they look as good as they taste, making them a great addition to any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Apple Cider Whoopie Pies, having the right tools is essential. Here are some must-haves to ensure your baking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack for cooling

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes it easy to beat the butter and sugars together until fluffy, ensuring a light texture in your cookies.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to prepare ingredients separately before combining them.
• Baking sheets: A sturdy sheet ensures even baking and prevents cookies from spreading too much during the cooking process.

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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.

For the Cookies

• 2 cups apple cider (reduced to 1/4 cup)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature, divided)
• 6 tablespoons for the dough
• 2 tablespoons melted for brushing 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 Cinnamon Sugar Topping

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

For Bourbon Caramel Buttercream Filling (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)
  (leave it at room temperature for at least an hour before making)
• 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 and add vanilla followed by the eggs. Add the cooled apple cider along with the apple butter or applesauce. Turn the mixer on low and mix in the flour mixture until just combined.

Step 4: Shape Cookies

Turn out mounds of cookie dough about 1 ½ tablespoons each onto prepared baking sheets, placing them three inches apart. Rotate pans halfway through baking time; bake for about 11-13 minutes or until cookies spring back when touched lightly.

Step 5: Cool and Coat Cookies

Once out of the oven, let cookies cool on baking sheets for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar while still warm.

Step 6: Fill Your Whoopie Pies

Allow cookies to cool completely on racks before filling them with either bourbon caramel buttercream or brown sugar cream cheese icing along with a teaspoon of bourbon caramel if desired.

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 serving them at a gathering or simply indulging at home, these whoopie pies are sure to impress. Here are some creative serving suggestions:

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee or Tea: Pair your whoopie pies with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy experience. The rich flavors enhance the sweetness of the pies.
• Hot Chocolate: A mug of hot chocolate creates a perfect sweet and comforting combination, especially during chilly fall evenings.

For Dessert Buffets

• Dessert Table Feature: Include Apple Cider Whoopie Pies as the highlight on a dessert table at parties or gatherings. Their unique flavor adds variety to the spread.
• Miniature Versions: Consider making smaller versions of the whoopie pies for bite-sized treats that guests can easily enjoy.

As an Afternoon Snack

• On-the-Go Treats: These whoopie pies make great snacks for busy afternoons. Pack them in lunchboxes or take them along for picnics.
• With Ice Cream: Serve a whoopie pie alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an irresistible dessert pairing.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Creating the perfect Apple Cider Whoopie Pies requires attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your baking game:

• Bold Flavor Reduction: Make sure to reduce the apple cider properly to intensify its flavor. This step is crucial for achieving that authentic apple taste.
• Cream Temperature Matters: Ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing and smooth frosting.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices like cinnamon and nutmeg can significantly enhance the overall flavor profile of your whoopie pies.
• Consistent Sizes: Use a cookie scoop for uniform mounds of dough, ensuring even baking and consistent sizes for each whoopie pie.
• Cool Before Filling: Allow cookies to cool completely before adding frosting. This prevents melting and ensures neat filling.
• Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to try different fillings like flavored creams or fruit preserves for unique variations.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

To complement your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies, consider serving these delicious side dishes. They pair well and balance out the sweetness of the cookies:

1. Cinnamon Apples: Sautéed apples coated in cinnamon make a warm, flavorful side that echoes the pie’s ingredients.
2. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup brings fall flavors together, providing a savory contrast to sweet whoopie pies.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness and earthy flavor of roasted sweet potatoes create an excellent side dish pairing.
4. Apple Salad: A fresh apple salad with greens, nuts, and vinaigrette adds crunch and brightness alongside the rich cookies.
5. Maple Glazed Carrots: These sweet-glazed carrots offer a vibrant color and lovely flavor balance to your dessert spread.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory note against the sweetness of the whoopie pies, making it an attractive option for gatherings.
7. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide crunch and flavor that complements the autumnal theme beautifully.
8. Chai Tea Cookies: Another spiced treat that pairs well with whoopie pies while offering variety in texture and taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Apple Cider Whoopie Pies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft whoopie pies.
• Ignoring the cooling time: Allowing the cookies to cool completely before filling is crucial for preventing the icing from melting.
• Not measuring apple cider properly: Reducing apple cider down to 1/4 cup is essential for concentrated flavor. Use a measuring cup for accuracy.
• Skipping the cinnamon sugar coating: This final touch adds an extra layer of deliciousness. Don’t skip it!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

• Wrap each whoopie pie individually in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place whoopie pies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one pie at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat!
• Stovetop: Place a non-stick skillet over low heat, add the whoopie pie, and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Apple Cider Whoopie Pies.

Can I use other types of fruit juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, you can experiment with other fruit juices, but apple cider gives these whoopie pies their signature flavor.

How do I customize my Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

You can add nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.

What is the best way to store leftover whoopie pies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them individually for longer preservation.

How long do these whoopie pies last?

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies stay fresh for about 5 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer if stored properly.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. They make an excellent treat during fall gatherings or as a sweet surprise at any dessert table. Feel free to customize your filling with different flavors or add toppings for extra flair!