Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are the perfect fall-inspired treat, combining soft, spiced cake-like cookies with a creamy filling. Infused with the cozy flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these handheld delights capture the essence of autumn in every bite. The cakes are tender yet fluffy, while the filling adds a luscious sweetness that balances the spiced dough. Perfect for seasonal gatherings, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or simply a cozy night in, these whoopie pies are a creative twist on classic fall flavors. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, they are sure to impress both family and friends. With their festive flair and comforting taste, Apple Cider Whoopie Pies will quickly become a seasonal favorite you’ll look forward to baking year after year.
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Apple Cider Whoopie Pies – A Festive Fall Dessert
- Total Time: 32 mins
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, spiced apple cider cookies sandwiched with a creamy cinnamon filling, creating the perfect fall-inspired whoopie pie treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup apple cider, reduced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for filling)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (for filling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in reduced apple cider, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cookies are set and lightly golden. Cool completely.
- For the filling: Beat butter until creamy, then mix in powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and heavy cream until fluffy.
- Spread or pipe filling onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another.
Notes
- Reduce apple cider by simmering 1 cup down to 1/2 cup for a stronger flavor.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Roll edges in cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the soft, cake-like cookies.
Baking powder and baking soda – Work together to help the cookies rise and stay fluffy.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the spiced flavors.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg – Add warmth and the quintessential autumn spice notes.
Unsalted butter – Keeps the cakes moist and tender while adding richness.
Brown sugar – Brings sweetness with a hint of molasses, complementing the apple cider.
Granulated sugar – Lightens the batter and balances flavors.
Eggs – Bind ingredients together and provide structure.
Apple cider – The star ingredient, giving the cakes their fruity, spiced flavor.
Vanilla extract – Adds depth and enhances the other flavors.
Cream cheese – Forms the base of the filling, offering tangy richness.
Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the filling into a creamy consistency.
Heavy cream or milk – Adjusts the filling’s texture to make it smooth and spreadable.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in apple cider and vanilla extract until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a smooth batter forms.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cakes spring back lightly when touched. Allow to cool completely on wire racks.
For the filling, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and a splash of heavy cream, mixing until fluffy and spreadable.
To assemble, spread or pipe filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with another. Repeat with the remaining cookies.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12–14 whoopie pies. Preparation takes 20 minutes, baking requires 12 minutes per batch, and cooling/assembly adds 20 minutes. Total time is approximately 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped pies for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Maple cream filling – Add maple syrup to the filling for extra autumn sweetness.
Caramel drizzle – Drizzle caramel sauce over the filling before sandwiching the pies.
Apple butter swirl – Mix apple butter into the cream cheese filling for richer apple flavor.
Pumpkin spice twist – Add pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Nutty crunch – Fold finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter.
Cider glaze – Brush the tops with an apple cider glaze for shine and added sweetness.
Mini whoopie pies – Make smaller versions for bite-sized treats perfect for parties.
Spiced whipped cream filling – Use stabilized whipped cream with cinnamon for a lighter filling.
FAQs
What makes whoopie pies different from cookies?
They are softer and more cake-like, filled with creamy frosting.
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Apple cider is best for flavor, but apple juice works in a pinch.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them the day before serving and store in the fridge.
Do I need a piping bag for the filling?
No, you can spread it with a spoon or offset spatula.
Can I make the filling less sweet?
Yes, reduce powdered sugar and add more cream cheese for tang.
How do I keep the pies from being sticky?
Store them in parchment paper layers inside an airtight container.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, though homemade cream cheese filling is recommended.
What sides go well with whoopie pies?
Serve with apple cider, coffee, or chai tea for a seasonal pairing..
Conclusion
Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are a festive and flavorful dessert that capture the best of fall in every bite. With their spiced, tender cakes and creamy filling, they’re perfect for seasonal gatherings, family desserts, or cozy afternoons with a warm drink. Easy to make, customizable, and crowd-pleasing, these whoopie pies are sure to become a seasonal tradition.