Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
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Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are a delightful twist on the classic whoopie pie, blending the cozy flavors of fall in every bite. Picture soft, spiced cakes sandwiched with a creamy filling, perfect for autumn gatherings or a simple afternoon treat with coffee. In my experience, these pies are not only crowd-pleasers but also an edible celebration of the harvest season. Let’s dive into this recipe and discover why you’ll want to bring them into your kitchen!
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out
You’ll adore Apple Cider Whoopie Pies for several reasons. First, they encapsulate the essence of autumn—warm spices and sweet apple flavors filled in irresistibly soft cakes. Second, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a fall potluck, or just a special treat to savor on a crisp evening. Who doesn’t love a nostalgic dessert that feels both comforting and festive at the same time?
“The Apple Cider Whoopie Pies were a hit at our fall festival! They’re soft, flavorful, and have just the right amount of sweetness. I’ll definitely make them again!” — Jenna, fall dessert lover
Preparing Apple Cider Whoopie Pies: A Simple Overview
Making these whoopie pies is an enjoyable experience that doesn’t require advanced baking skills. You’ll first reduce apple cider for concentrated flavor, mix the batter, and then construct your delectable sandwich cookies. Here’s how it comes together:
- Reduce apple cider for an intensified flavor.
- Mix the dry ingredients and blend them rigorously.
- Cream the butter and sugar for a light and fluffy texture.
- Combine everything into a smooth batter, scoop, and bake.
- Prepare the creamy filling while the cakes cool.
- Assemble and enjoy!
Gather These Ingredients
To whip up this apple-spiced delight, you’ll need the following 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 unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup apple butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons heavy cream
Remember, you can substitute some ingredients—like using coconut oil for butter or maple syrup instead of apple butter—if preferred.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Them
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
- In a small saucepan, reduce the apple cider over medium-high heat until it measures about ¼ cup. Set aside to cool or refrigerate.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Set this dry mix aside.
- In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and brown sugar on high speed until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, apple butter, and cooled apple cider reduction. Mix until just combined.
- Gradually incorporate half of the dry ingredients, mixing until no dry spots remain. Then add the rest and mix again until fully combined, scraping the bowl as needed.
- Use a large cookie scoop to drop even amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-14 minutes, until the cookies are puffy and spring back when pressed lightly.
- Once out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with a cinnamon sugar mixture. Allow the cookies to cool.
- For the filling, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing on low until it combines. Add the heavy cream and mix on high for one minute until fluffy.
- Transfer the filling into a piping bag. Pipe a generous amount onto half of the cooled cakes and sandwich them with the other halves.
Creative Ways to Serve Your Whoopie Pies
For the best presentation, you can dust your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with extra powdered sugar or drape them with a caramel drizzle. Pair them with warm apple cider or chai tea for a delightful experience. They also make fantastic gifts—simply wrap them in a festive box tied with string.
Storing Your Whoopie Pies
These delightful treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for a week. For even greater longevity, freeze the assembled pies in a single layer before storing them in freezer-safe bags for up to three months. Just make sure to let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill the Cider: If you’re short on time, you can chill the reduced cider to speed up the cooling process.
- Spacing is Key: Make sure to leave enough space between your scoops of dough on the baking sheet, as they will spread while baking.
- Check for Doneness: Baking times may vary due to oven variations. Check them a minute or two earlier to avoid drying them out.
Delicious Variations to Try
Get creative with your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies! You can try adding chopped nuts or cranberries to the dough for extra texture and flavor. For a chocolatey spin, drizzle melted chocolate over the filling or incorporate cocoa powder into the batter. You could also make them gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Your Questions Answered
How long do Apple Cider Whoopie Pies take to make?
From start to finish, you should allow roughly an hour to prepare and bake your whoopie pies, with additional time for cooling and assembly.
Can I make these whoopie pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day before, store them properly, and assemble them just before serving.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep your whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Can I substitute any ingredients in the recipe?
Yes! Feel free to swap butter for a dairy-free alternative or use honey instead of sugar to suit your dietary preferences.
Indulging in these delightful Apple Cider Whoopie Pies will undoubtedly warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of fall flavors, perfect for any occasion!
Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
- In a small saucepan, reduce the apple cider over medium-high heat until it measures about ¼ cup. Set aside to cool or refrigerate.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Set this dry mix aside.
- In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and brown sugar on high speed until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, apple butter, and cooled apple cider reduction. Mix until just combined.
- Gradually incorporate half of the dry ingredients, mixing until no dry spots remain. Then add the rest and mix again until fully combined, scraping the bowl as needed.
- Use a large cookie scoop to drop even amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-14 minutes, until the cookies are puffy and spring back when pressed lightly.
- Once out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with a cinnamon sugar mixture. Allow the cookies to cool.
- For the filling, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing on low until it combines. Add the heavy cream and mix on high for one minute until fluffy.
- Transfer the filling into a piping bag. Pipe a generous amount onto half of the cooled cakes and sandwich them with the other halves.
