Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are soft and tasty treats that taste just like fall! With sweet apple cider flavor and creamy filling, they’re perfect for any cozy get-together.
They remind me of my favorite fall days, and I can’t resist having one (or two) with my evening tea. 🍏 Plus, they’re easy to make, so I can whip them up whenever the craving hits!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: This is the star ingredient that adds flavor! Opt for fresh apple cider if you can, but if it’s not available, a good-quality bottled apple juice works in a pinch.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for your cookies. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which should mimic regular flour nicely.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling the saltiness. If you prefer a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Cream Cheese: This creamy filling brings a rich taste. You can substitute with mascarpone or a vegan cream cheese if you want a dairy-free version.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Spices?
Properly measuring and mixing the spices is key to enhancing the depth of flavor. Use fresh ground spices for a better aroma and taste. Here’s how:
- For even distribution, blend your dry ingredients together before adding them to the wet mixture.
- If you want a stronger spice profile, feel free to increase the amounts slightly, especially with cinnamon.
What’s the Best Way to Reduce Apple Cider?
Reducing apple cider concentrates its flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Pour the cider into a small saucepan, and heat it over medium heat.
- Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it’s reduced to about 1/4 cup. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes.
- Let it cool completely before adding to your batter to avoid cooking the eggs.
These tips will help you make delicious Apple Cider Whoopie Pies that are sure to impress! Happy baking!
How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Whoopie Pie Cookies:
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 30 minutes to prep plus 10-12 minutes for baking. Remember to allow some time for the apple cider to cool after reducing. So, all in all, you’re looking at around 1 hour to complete your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small saucepan, pour the apple cider and simmer it over medium heat. Keep an eye on it as you reduce it to about 1/4 cup. This process should take about 15-20 minutes. Once done, let it cool completely.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This mixture is the foundation of your cookies, giving them that wonderful spice flavor. Set the dry ingredients aside for now.
3. Make the Cookie Batter:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together using a mixer until it’s creamy and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract into the mix, blending until everything is well combined. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture and the cooled apple cider into the wet ingredients, mixing just until it combines into a thick batter.
4. Bake the Cookies:
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, dollop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. Bake them in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set and spring back when touched. Once baked, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Prepare the Filling:
For the filling, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat it until it’s fluffy and creamy. This will be the sweet center for your whoopie pies!
6. Assemble the Whoopie Pies:
To put it all together, take one cookie and spread or pipe a generous dollop of the cream cheese filling onto the flat side. Place another cookie on top to create a sandwich. Repeat this until all cookies are filled.
7. Optional Topping:
If you like, you can dust the finished whoopie pies lightly with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor. It’s a delightful way to finish off your delicious treat!
Enjoy your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with a warm cup of cider or tea!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to choose a good-quality cider for the best flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese in the Filling?
If you prefer not to use cream cheese, you can substitute with mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to keep your filling rich and creamy.
How Should I Store Leftover Whoopie Pies?
Store leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To enjoy them at room temperature, let them sit out for about 30 minutes before serving.
Can I Freeze These Whoopie Pies?
Yes, you can freeze whoopie pies! Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
