Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are the perfect treat for cozy autumn baking. With their warm spices and sweet caramel filling, these delightful cookies bring a taste of fall to any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or looking for a fun baking project with family, these whoopie pies will impress everyone. The combination of apple cider buttercream and spices ensures every bite is filled with flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of warm spices and apple cider creates a rich and comforting taste.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or an afternoon snack, these whoopie pies fit right in.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to experiment with different fillings or toppings to suit your taste.
• Great for Sharing: With 12 servings, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies, you’ll need some essential tools that will simplify your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Having several sizes allows you to mix dry and wet ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon: This helps create uniform whoopie pie shapes for even baking.
• Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after baking.

Ingredients

Apple Cider Whoopie Pie cookies with caramel filling combine warm fall spices and apple cider buttercream in every bite. Perfect for cozy autumn baking!

For the Whoopie Pies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup apple cider, reduced to ¼ cup (boil down 1 cup until it reduces)
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Apple Cider Buttercream:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup reduced apple cider (see note above)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Caramel Filling:

• ½ cup store-bought caramel sauce (or homemade if you prefer)
• Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by making the apple cider reduction. Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces to ¼ cup. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Once done, let it cool while you prepare the whoopie pie batter.

Step 2: Make the Whoopie Pies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until combined.

Gradually mix in the cooled apple cider reduction. Add the dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with dry ingredients; mix until just combined. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop 2-tablespoon-sized rounds onto prepared sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to touch; test with a toothpick in center. Transfer whoopie pie halves to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Buttercream

In a medium bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar followed by cooled apple cider reduction, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Whoopie Pies

Pair up whoopie pie halves by size. Pipe or spoon a generous amount of apple cider buttercream onto one flat side of each half. Drizzle caramel sauce over the buttercream; sprinkle flaky sea salt if desired. Top with another half gently pressing to create a sandwich. Repeat with remaining pies.

Enjoy your delicious Apple Cider Whoopie Pies!

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are delightful treats perfect for any autumn gathering. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will impress your guests and enhance their flavor.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: Pair these pies with a steaming cup of coffee to complement the warm spices.
• Spiced Tea: A cup of spiced tea can enhance the fall flavors in the whoopie pies.
• Hot Chocolate: For a sweet treat, serve with rich hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.

Dessert Platter

• Mini Desserts: Include small portions of other desserts like pumpkin bars or apple crisp for variety.
• Fruit Slices: Fresh apple or pear slices add a refreshing contrast to the sweet pies.

Toppings and Sauces

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top can add creaminess and richness.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted chocolate can provide an indulgent touch.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

To ensure your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies come out perfectly every time, consider the following tips.

• Use Fresh Cider: Opt for fresh apple cider for the best flavor in both the batter and buttercream.
• Measure Accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to achieve the right texture.
• Cool Before Filling: Allow whoopie pie halves to cool completely before adding buttercream to prevent melting.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spice amounts to suit your taste preferences.
• Chill Buttercream: If your buttercream is too soft, chill it briefly before piping for better control.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies pair well with several side dishes that can complement their flavors. Here are some great options.

1. Caramel Apples: Sliced apples dipped in caramel add a fun, crunchy element.
2. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup brings warmth and earthiness to the table.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts: These sweet treats echo the flavors of fall and make a delightful pairing.
4. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits offers a savory balance to the sweetness.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Lightly seasoned roasted squash or carrots can create a lovely contrast.
6. Warm Apple Crisp: This dessert mirrors the apple flavor while providing a different texture experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking whoopie pies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold measurement errors: Always double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy. Incorrect ingredient amounts can lead to a dough that is too dry or too wet.
• Bold overlooking the cider reduction: Failing to reduce the apple cider properly will affect the flavor and texture of the filling. Make sure to simmer it until it becomes thick and concentrated.
• Bold not letting cookies cool completely: Assembling warm whoopie pies can cause the filling to melt and run. Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before filling.
• Bold using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can lead to a dense batter. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
• Bold skipping the cooling step: Don’t rush the cooling process for both the cookies and buttercream. Proper cooling is essential for achieving the right consistency in your whoopie pies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Apple Cider Whoopie Pies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator without losing their flavor and texture.

Freezing Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

• Wrap each whoopie pie individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the pies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Bold Microwave: Heat one whoopie pie at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Bold Stovetop: Place them in a warm pan over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Apple Cider Whoopie Pies that might help you bake them perfectly!

What are Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are soft, cake-like cookies filled with a sweet apple cider buttercream and caramel filling, perfect for fall treats.

Can I make these whoopie pies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, ensuring you maintain similar textures.

How do I store leftover Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I customize the filling of Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Absolutely! Feel free to use different fillings like cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache as alternatives to apple cider buttercream.

Final Thoughts

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are truly a delightful autumn treat that brings together flavors of cinnamon and apple cider. With their soft texture and creamy filling, they are perfect for cozy gatherings or as an everyday dessert. Don’t hesitate to customize them with different fillings or toppings based on your preferences!