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These apple cider whoopie pies bring together soft, cinnamon-infused cookies with rich caramel and smooth apple cider buttercream. They capture the essence of fall in every bite and make for an irresistible seasonal treat that feels cozy and comforting anytime you bake them.
I first made these on a chilly autumn afternoon and was amazed at how the reduced apple cider adds a subtle tang that lifts the whole recipe. Now they are a much-anticipated favorite during the season.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: the base that provides structure for soft yet sturdy cookies. Choose a quality sifted flour for even mixing
- Baking soda and baking powder: combine to give just the right lift and fluffiness
- Ground cinnamon nutmeg cloves: warming spices that define the fall flavor profile. Use fresh or well-stored spices for maximum aromatic impact
- Unsalted butter: brings richness and moisture. Use softened butter for easier creaming
- Light brown sugar: adds a deep caramel note and keeps the cookies tender
- Large egg: binds ingredients and adds a little richness
- Vanilla extract: enhances the overall flavor. Opt for pure vanilla extract, not imitation
- Apple cider: reduced to concentrate flavor, brings authentic fall sweetness and moisture
- Whole milk: adds moisture for tender crumb
- Powdered sugar: for a smooth creamy texture in the buttercream
- Store-bought or homemade caramel sauce: a luscious filling that complements the cider flavors
- Flaky sea salt (optional): for flavor contrast and a touch of crunch that balances the sweetness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Reduce the Apple Cider:
- Pour one cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer on medium heat until reduced to about a quarter cup. This intensifies the flavor and thickens the liquid. It should take roughly 10 to 15 minutes. Let it cool completely before using it in your batter and frosting.
- Make the Whoopie Pies:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour baking soda baking powder salt cinnamon nutmeg and cloves until fully combined. In a large bowl beat the softened butter with the brown sugar until the mixture is light fluffy and creamy about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the egg and vanilla extract beating just until combined. Gradually add the cooled apple cider reduction into the butter mixture mixing until incorporated. Add the flour mixture in three parts alternating with the whole milk beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined to avoid tough cookies. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop two-tablespoon-sized rounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheets spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for ten to twelve minutes until the cookies feel firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Buttercream:
- In a medium bowl beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar then the cooled apple cider reduction vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is light fluffy and spreadable.
- Assemble the Whoopie Pies:
- Pair the cooled cookie halves by similar size. On the flat side of one half pipe or spoon a generous dollop of the apple cider buttercream. Drizzle caramel sauce over the buttercream then sprinkle a little flaky sea salt if you want a delightful salty crunch. Gently press the second cookie half on top to form a sandwich. Repeat until all pies are assembled.
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My favorite ingredient is the reduced apple cider because it transforms the flavor from ordinary to memorable. The sticky caramel paired with the spiced cookies always takes me back to family gatherings where these treats were passed around with smiles and happy chatter.
Storage Tips
Store the whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep them soft and fresh. If you want to keep them longer wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat thaw at room temperature and enjoy the same soft texture as fresh.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have apple cider you can substitute with freshly pressed apple juice but avoid sweetened juice to maintain the right balance. For a dairy-free version substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative and use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk. Caramel sauce can be replaced with a rich chocolate ganache for a different flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
These whoopie pies are wonderful with a cup of hot apple cider cinnamon tea or coffee on a cool autumn afternoon. They can also shine as a festive dessert when served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon. For parties consider stacking them on a rustic wooden board decorated with fresh apples and cinnamon sticks for a cozy presentation.
Pro Tips
Make sure to fully cool your apple cider reduction before adding it to avoid curdling the butter or eggs in the batter Don’t skip the toasting of spices in the dry mix if you want to deepen that warming aroma and flavor When assembling be generous with both the buttercream and caramel filling to get the perfect gooey bite every single time
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I create the apple cider reduction?
Simmer 1 cup of apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about ¼ cup, concentrating flavor and thickening it for use in both cookie batter and buttercream.
- → What spices are best for enhancing the cookie flavor?
A combination of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds warm, aromatic notes that complement the apple cider beautifully.
- → Can I substitute the caramel filling?
Yes, you can use homemade or store-bought caramel sauce. For added texture, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel before sandwiching.
- → What is the recommended baking time and temperature?
Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until they feel firm yet soft to the touch, ensuring a tender interior.
- → How is the buttercream prepared to incorporate apple cider flavor?
Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and the cooled apple cider reduction, finishing with vanilla and a pinch of salt for balance.