Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are the perfect dessert to celebrate the warmth and flavors of autumn. These soft, cake-like cookies are infused with apple cider and filled with a spiced, creamy frosting that creates a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. Each bite captures the essence of fall with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple, making them ideal for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or simply as a sweet indulgence to enjoy with a warm cup of tea. Their nostalgic charm and seasonal flavor profile make them stand out from ordinary cookies or pies. The handheld nature of whoopie pies makes them fun, portable, and perfect for sharing. Whether you are baking them for your family or preparing a festive tray for a party, these treats are guaranteed to impress
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Apple Cider Whoopie Pies – A Cozy Fall Dessert You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, spiced whoopie pies made with apple cider and filled with a creamy frosting, capturing the flavors of autumn in a handheld treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup apple cider (reduced for stronger flavor)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for filling)
- 2–3 tablespoons apple cider (for filling)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Mix in the reduced apple cider and buttermilk alternately with the dry ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Do not overmix.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until tops are set and spring back lightly when touched. Cool completely.
- For the filling, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in apple cider and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread or pipe filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie to form a whoopie pie.
Notes
- Reduce the apple cider by simmering it until half the volume remains for a richer flavor.
- Cookies can be made a day ahead and assembled later.
- Store whoopie pies in the refrigerator for freshness, but let sit at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Apple cider
The star of this recipe, apple cider brings a rich, tangy sweetness and a natural apple flavor that enhances the cakes. Reducing it down concentrates its flavor, ensuring every bite bursts with autumnal warmth.
Flour
All-purpose flour provides structure to the whoopie pies, giving them their signature soft, cake-like consistency while ensuring they hold together well with the filling.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar adds sweetness with a hint of molasses, giving the cakes depth of flavor and a tender texture. It also helps keep the pies moist.
Granulated sugar
Balancing the flavors, granulated sugar lightens the batter and enhances the sweetness without overpowering the spices.
Butter
Creamy butter enriches both the cakes and the frosting. It adds a velvety texture and buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with warm spices.
Eggs
Eggs act as a binding agent, helping the batter rise while providing moisture and richness to the cakes.
Baking powder and baking soda
These leavening agents ensure the whoopie pies rise properly, creating a fluffy, soft texture.
Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice)
A medley of warming spices brings out the cider’s natural flavor, making the whoopie pies fragrant and cozy.
Salt
A small amount of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla complements the spices and cider, adding a sweet, aromatic undertone to both the cakes and the filling.
Powdered sugar
Used in the filling, powdered sugar creates a smooth, creamy texture and balances the tang of the cider.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese is essential for the frosting, adding tanginess and a luscious, creamy consistency that pairs beautifully with the apple-spiced cakes.
Directions
Start by reducing the apple cider in a saucepan until it becomes a thick, concentrated syrup. This step ensures the flavor is bold and not diluted. While the cider cools, preheat your oven and prepare baking sheets lined with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. In another bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then blend in the vanilla and reduced cider. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Scoop portions of batter onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Bake until the cakes spring back when lightly pressed.
While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting by beating together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then blend in a small amount of vanilla and, if desired, a touch of reduced cider for added flavor. Spread the frosting generously on the flat side of one cake, then sandwich with another. Repeat until all cakes are filled. Allow them to set slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 whoopie pies, depending on the size of the scoops used. Preparation takes around 25 minutes, baking requires 10–12 minutes per batch, and cooling and assembling take an additional 20 minutes. Altogether, you can expect to spend about an hour from start to finish.
Storage/reheating
Apple Cider Whoopie Pies should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To serve, bring them to room temperature for the best texture. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just wrap individually in plastic wrap before storing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Variations and Customizations
Caramel drizzle
Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the filling before sandwiching the cakes for extra indulgence.
Apple butter filling
Swap part of the cream cheese frosting with apple butter for a deeper apple flavor and smoother texture.
Maple glaze
Instead of cream cheese frosting, use a maple-flavored glaze for a sweet twist.
Gluten-free version
Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend to make this recipe accessible to everyone.
Pumpkin spice variation
Add pumpkin purée to the batter and extra spice for a seasonal blend of apple and pumpkin.
Mini whoopie pies
Make smaller scoops of batter for bite-sized treats perfect for parties.
Nut crunch
Fold in finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture.
Cinnamon sugar dusting
Roll the cakes in cinnamon sugar before baking for a doughnut-like finish.
Spiked version
Add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon to the frosting for an adult-only treat.
Sandwich bar
Serve the cakes unfilled and let guests choose from different frostings and spreads to create their own.
FAQs
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Apple juice can be used, but it will result in a milder flavor. Cider has a stronger, spiced apple taste.
Do I need to reduce the cider?
Yes, reducing intensifies the flavor and prevents excess liquid from thinning the batter.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container before filling.
Can I freeze whoopie pies?
Yes, wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
What is the best way to get evenly sized cakes?
Use a cookie scoop to portion the batter consistently.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Butter is preferred for flavor, but oil can be used for a slightly lighter texture.
How do I keep the cakes from spreading too much?
Chill the batter for 15–20 minutes before baking to help them hold shape.
Can I add fresh apple pieces to the batter?
It is not recommended, as they release moisture and alter the texture.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, but homemade cream cheese frosting gives the best flavor and texture.
How long should I let them cool before filling?
Allow at least 20 minutes to cool completely before adding frosting.
Conclusion
Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a handheld dessert. With their tender, spiced cakes and creamy filling, they strike a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Versatile enough to adapt to your preferences, these whoopie pies can be dressed up with caramel, maple, or even a hint of rum for a festive twist. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, they are bound to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.
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