Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are a fun and tasty treat! Soft and spiced apple-flavored cookies hug a creamy filling that brings a delightful sweetness to each bite.
These pies remind me of cozy fall days. When I make them, I’m quick to share because everyone loves a good whoopie pie. 🍏 Treat yourself to these delightful desserts—they’re perfect for any gathering!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This flour gives the whoopie pies their structure. You can swap it for a gluten-free blend if needed. Just make sure your blend has a good binding agent!
Apple Cider: Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor. If you don’t have it, you can mix apple juice with a bit of vinegar for a similar tang.
Spices: I love using ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for warmth. If you don’t have cloves, you can skip them or use a dash more cinnamon.
Cream Cheese: This gives the filling its tangy flavor and creamy texture. For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese.
How Do I Achieve Fluffy Whoopie Pie Cookies?
The key to fluffy whoopie pies lies in the creaming process. When you beat the butter and sugar, you’re incorporating air, which helps make the cookies light. Here are the steps:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Cream the butter and sugar together for 3-4 minutes until it’s pale and fluffy, like a cloud!
- Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients; mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
Following these tips will ensure your cookies are soft and delightful, perfect for sandwiching that creamy filling!
Delicious Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Cider Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for coating
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup apple cider
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. You’ll want to let the whoopie pies chill for at least 30 minutes after assembling them. In total, plan for around 1 hour and 15 minutes, including chilling time, before you can enjoy your treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). While the oven heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This will ensure even seasoning throughout your cookies. Set this mix aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for fluffy cookies!
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to combine! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the apple cider. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix!
6. Scoop and Coat the Dough:
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, scoop dough balls and roll them in granulated sugar to coat. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake Your Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the cookies are set and slightly spring back when touched. Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
While the cookies are cooling, let’s make the filling. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until it’s smooth and creamy.
9. Sweeten It Up:
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the filling is light and fluffy. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon here for that extra warmth if you’d like!
10. Assemble the Whoopie Pies:
Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread or pipe a generous amount of filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie to make a sandwich.
11. Repeat Until Done:
Keep assembling the whoopie pies with the remaining cookies until they are all filled. Each pie is going to taste amazing!
12. Chill and Enjoy:
Refrigerate the assembled whoopie pies for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set. After that, they’re ready to be enjoyed!
These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are a delicious fall treat, bringing sweetness and spice together in every bite. Enjoy your baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour for This Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these whoopie pies gluten-free. Just ensure the blend has a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best results.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider?
No worries! If you don’t have apple cider on hand, you can mix equal parts of apple juice and white vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the tangy flavor of cider. About ½ cup of this mixture works well as a substitute.
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble, give it a quick stir to bring back the creamy texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They taste great chilled and can be enjoyed as a delightful snack!