Go Back

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Apple cider whoopie pies with tender, spiced cookie rounds and a smooth cream cheese filling. The cakes are baked until puffed and set, then cooled completely before sandwiching for clean, tender layers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
cooling 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 12 minutes
Servings: 18 whoopie pies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cakes
  • 2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ginger
  • 0.25 tsp cloves
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 0.75 cup apple cider reduced to 1/3 cup
  • 0.25 cup sour cream
For filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 small saucepan

Method
 

Reduce cider, prep pans, and make batter
  1. Reduce the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced by half, then cool.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350F and line baking sheets with parchment.
  3. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
  4. Beat the unsalted butter and brown sugar until fluffy, then add the egg, vanilla, and reduced apple cider.
  5. Alternate adding the flour mixture and sour cream, mixing until just combined.
Bake, cool, and assemble
  1. Drop 2-tablespoon rounds onto the prepared baking sheets.
  2. Bake at 350F for 10-12 minutes, until puffed and set.
  3. Cool completely.
  4. Beat the cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
  5. Sandwich the filling between cooled cakes.

Notes

For the best texture, fully cool the cookie rounds before filling so they don’t soften or slide. Store assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Freezing is yes—freeze in a single layer, then thaw in the fridge overnight. If you want a lighter option, swap part of the powdered sugar with an equal amount of confectioners’ sugar blend labeled for reduced sugar.