Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
Autumn’s Favorite Treat: Apple Cider Whoopie Pies Recipe
Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are a delightful nod to the cozy flavors of fall. They’re the perfect treat to pop out of the oven on crisp autumn days, bringing warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Imagine biting into two soft spiced cakes, filled with a creamy apple butter frosting—it’s a little bite of heaven that brings the essence of fall right into your kitchen. Whether you’re preparing for a casual family gathering, a festive get-together with friends, or simply want to indulge your sweet tooth, these whoopie pies are your answer.
What Makes This Recipe Special
There are countless reasons to whip up a batch of Apple Cider Whoopie Pies, chief among them their unique flavor profile and delightful texture. These treats are quick to make, budget-friendly, and kid-approved, making them ideal for both busy weekdays and leisurely weekends. They exude the warmth of home-baked goodness, infusing your space with the smells of apple cider and spices. Even better, they’re an excellent way to celebrate the harvest season, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor!
"These whoopie pies are the definition of autumn in a dessert! I served them at a fall gathering, and they were gone in minutes!" – Sarah M., a satisfied baker
A Step-by-Step Journey to Whoopie Pie Perfection
Creating these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. You’ll start by reducing apple cider, then mixing and baking your whoopie pie cakes, followed by whipping up a creamy filling. The entire journey is a sensory delight, from the aroma of baking spices to the satisfying texture of the finished product.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients before you start, and you’ll be on your way to creating delectable whoopie pies:
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Cookie Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups apple cider
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup apple butter
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Filling Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons heavy cream
Preparing Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
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Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, add your apple cider and heat over medium-high until it reduces to about ¼ cup. Allow it to cool or refrigerate while you prepare the rest.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Whisk them together and set aside.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and dark brown sugar together at high speed until light and fluffy.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, apple butter, and cooled apple cider reduction to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add half of the dry mixture, mixing until there are no dry spots remaining. Then, add the rest and mix until well combined. Scrape the bowl as needed.
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Scoop Onto Baking Sheets: Using a large cookie scoop, place equal portions of dough onto the prepared sheets.
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Bake: Bake for 10-14 minutes until puffy; they should bounce back when gently pressed.
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Prepare for Finishing: After removing them from the oven, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Let them cool.
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Make the Filling: For the filling, cream the unsalted butter and light brown sugar until smooth. Incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing on low. Then add the heavy cream and increase the speed for about 1 minute.
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Assemble the Pies: Use a piping bag to pipe filling onto half of the cakes. Top with the remaining cakes.
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Storage: Store the pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
How to Plate and Pair Your Whoopie Pies
While the whoopie pies are delicious on their own, you can make the presentation even more enticing. Consider dusting them with additional powdered sugar for a touch of elegance or serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the cozy flavors. A steaming cup of cinnamon-spiced apple cider or hot chocolate makes an excellent partner for these fall favorites, creating an unforgettable seasonal treat experience.
Storing Your Delicious Treats
To keep your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. To maintain their texture, allow them to come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the cakes without filling, placing them in a single layer in an airtight container. They’ll hold up for about three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding the filling!
Tips for Whoopie Pie Success
- Perfect Measurement: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform size for even baking.
- Temperature Check: Allow the baked cakes to cool completely before adding the filling to prevent melting.
- Mix Well, But Don’t Overdo It: When combining ingredients, mix until just combined to maintain a soft texture.
Creative Twists on This Classic Recipe
Feel free to mix things up and make these whoopie pies your own! Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for an extra kick of spice. You could also swap out the apple butter for pumpkin puree to create a delightful fall twist. For chocolate lovers, consider incorporating cocoa powder into the cake batter for a chocolate apple cider hybrid, or drizzle some caramel sauce on top for an indulgent finish. Gluten-free flour can easily substitute regular flour for those with dietary restrictions.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare these whoopie pies?
Preparation takes about 20-30 minutes, with an additional 10-14 minutes of baking time.
Can I use store-bought apple butter?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple butter works just fine if you wish to save time.
What’s the best way to freeze whoopie pies?
For best results, freeze the cakes without filling to maintain their texture and freshness.
Now you’re ready to make your very own Apple Cider Whoopie Pies! Whether it’s for holiday gatherings or a cozy dessert night, these treats are sure to impress. Enjoy the tastes of fall with every delicious bite!
Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, heat the apple cider over medium-high until it reduces to about ¼ cup. Allow it to cool.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Whisk together and set aside.
- In a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, apple butter, and cooled apple cider reduction to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Gradually add half of the dry mixture, mixing until no dry spots remain, then add the rest and mix until well combined.
- Using a large cookie scoop, place equal portions of dough onto the prepared sheets.
- Bake for 10-14 minutes until puffy and they bounce back when gently pressed.
- After removing from the oven, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Let them cool.
- To make the filling, cream the unsalted butter and light brown sugar until smooth.
- Incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing on low, then add heavy cream and increase speed for 1 minute.
- Use a piping bag to pipe filling onto half of the cakes and top with the remaining cakes.
