These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are like hugs for your taste buds! With tasty spiced apple cider flavor and creamy filling, they’re perfectly sweet and soft.
Making these pies is a fun way to enjoy fall vibes anytime! I love how easy they are—just mix, bake, and enjoy with a warm drink. Trust me, you won’t want to share! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: This is the star ingredient, giving the pies their delicious autumn flavor. If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice, but it might be a bit sweeter. Try to find a good quality cider for the best taste!
Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add warmth and depth. If you don’t have ground cloves, you can increase the nutmeg or even add ginger for a spicy twist. I often mix in a bit of pumpkin spice when I want extra flavor!
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with a gluten-free baking blend, though you might need to tweak the liquids a little.
Cream Cheese: Essential for the filling, it gives a nice tang. If you want a lighter filling, you can use whipped cream or a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option.
How Do I Get My Whoopie Pies to Hold Together?
To ensure your whoopie pies stay together and have that delightful soft texture, follow these tips:
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This helps create a light and fluffy batter.
- Don’t overmix when combining wet and dry ingredients—mix just until combined so they stay soft and fluffy.
- Shape your dough balls gently. When rolling in the cinnamon-sugar, cover them lightly for an even coat without packing them down.
Be patient while they cool completely before adding the filling; this helps them maintain their shape better when you assemble them!
Delicious Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
Ingredients You Will Need:
For the Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cakes:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
For Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, and you’ll need about 12-15 minutes to bake your whoopie pies. After baking, allow extra time for cooling and setting so that the flavors meld perfectly—around 30 minutes total. So, in about an hour, you’ll have delightful treats ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
In a small saucepan, pour in the apple cider and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer until it thickens and reduces down to about 1/4 cup. Once it’s reduced, take it off the heat and let it cool completely.
2. Prep Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper—this will prevent the whoopie pies from sticking.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This blend of spices will create that warm autumn flavor you’re dreaming of!
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. It’s like giving the butter a sweet spa treatment! Then, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine the Cider and Mixtures:
Add the cooled, reduced apple cider into the butter mixture and stir to combine.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. The batter will be thick and a bit sticky—that’s perfect!
7. Make the Cinnamon Sugar:
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This is what will give your pies a delightful sweet crust.
8. Shape the Dough:
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, form small balls of dough (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each). Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated and place them on the lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake the Whoopie Pies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and spring back slightly when touched. Once baked, let them cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
10. Prepare the Filling:
While the pies cool, let’s prepare the filling! In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon if you like!
11. Assemble the Whoopie Pies:
Once the whoopie pie cakes are completely cool, spread or pipe the filling onto the flat side of half of the cakes. Top with the remaining cakes to form lovely little sandwiches.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are ready to be enjoyed! Either serve them immediately or refrigerate them until you’re ready to dig in. For the best texture, let them come to room temperature before serving.
Enjoy your sweet and spiced Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with a warm cup of cider or your favorite drink, perfect for cozy fall days!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly in this recipe. Just choose a good quality cider for the best flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Whoopie Pies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture!
Can I Freeze Whoopie Pies?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled whoopie pies. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Can I Make These Vegan?
Certainly! To make vegan whoopie pies, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan cream cheese in the filling. You can also replace the butter with a vegan margarine.
