Apple Cider Whoopie Pies Recipe
Delicious and autumn-inspired Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are a delightful treat perfect for any fall gathering. These soft, cake-like cookies sandwich a luscious apple cider buttercream and a touch of caramel filling, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12-14 whoopie pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Whoopie Pies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider, reduced to ¼ cup (boil down 1 cup until it reduces)
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Apple Cider Buttercream:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup reduced apple cider (see note above)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Caramel Filling:
- ½ cup store-bought caramel sauce (or homemade if you prefer)
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
- Reduce the Apple Cider Start by making the apple cider reduction. Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces to ¼ cup. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Once done, let it cool while you prepare the whoopie pie batter.
- Make the Whoopie Pies Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until combined. Gradually mix in the cooled apple cider reduction. Add the dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop 2-tablespoon-sized rounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cakes are firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer the whoopie pie halves to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Buttercream In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, followed by the cooled apple cider reduction, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the Whoopie Pies Pair up the whoopie pie halves by size. Pipe or spoon a generous amount of apple cider buttercream onto the flat side of one whoopie pie half. Drizzle a spoonful of caramel sauce over the buttercream. If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle some flaky sea salt over the caramel. Top with the second half of the whoopie pie, pressing gently to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining pies.
Notes
- You can store the whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the buttercream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Apple Cider Whoopie Pies, Fall Dessert, Autumn Baking, Cookie Sandwiches