These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are soft, spicy snacks that taste like fall! They have two fluffy cookies filled with creamy filling, making them a perfect treat for any day.
Whenever I bake these, I always end up with flour on my face. But who can blame me when these pies are so yummy? They’re great with a warm cup of cider too!
Making them is super easy! Just mix, bake, and fill. Trust me, your friends will want the recipe—if you’re willing to share, of course! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: The heart of these whoopie pies is apple cider, which adds a subtle sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice, but it won’t have the same deep flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Regular flour works perfectly here. If you’re gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix can be substituted, though the texture might vary slightly.
Cream Cheese: For the filling, cream cheese gives that rich taste. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or whipped cream cheese instead. Just adjust the sugar for taste!
Spices: The spices are key for that autumn flavor. If you’re out of nutmeg or cloves, you can increase the cinnamon a bit or even use a pumpkin pie spice blend as a fun alternative!
How Can I Make Sure My Cookies Bake Evenly?
To achieve evenly baked whoopie pies, pay attention to the baking technique. Here are some tips for perfect results:
- **Use Parchment Paper**: It helps prevent sticking and ensures the cookies cook evenly.
- **Scoop Evenly**: Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes, which ensures they bake at the same rate.
- **Space Properly**: Leave about 2 inches of space between each scoop to allow for spreading.
- **Check Doneness**: Look for edges that are set and a springy top. Err on the side of underbaking slightly, as they keep cooking after you pull them out.
Following these tips will help your whoopie pies come out just right every time! Enjoy baking!
Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Whoopie Pies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup apple cider
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 12-14 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll need some time for cooling and assembling—about 30 minutes. In total, set aside around 1 hour for everything, plus chilling time if you’d like to refrigerate before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This will ensure all the dry ingredients are well mixed before combining with the wet ingredients.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This step creates a nice base for your cookies!
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until it’s well combined. This will add moisture and flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to mix! Alternately add the dry ingredients and apple cider to the butter mixture. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing just until the batter is smooth and combined. Don’t over-mix; we want your cookies to be soft!
6. Shape Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches between each scoop so they can spread while baking.
7. Bake:
Pop the baking sheets into the oven and bake for about 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them—when the edges are set and the centers spring back when touched, they’re done!
8. Cool:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Patience is key here!
9. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. While the cookies are still slightly warm, press the tops and bottoms into the cinnamon sugar to coat them thoroughly. This will give them a delightful sweetness!
10. Make the Filling:
For the filling, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until smooth. Add in the vanilla extract and optional cinnamon for extra flavor.
11. Assemble the Whoopie Pies:
Now for the fun part! Spread or pipe a generous amount of cream cheese filling onto the bottom side of half the cookies. Then, top each filling with another coated cookie, gently pressing to make a sweet sandwich!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately or store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste. Happy indulgence!
These whoopie pies are perfect for autumn gatherings or any time you want a cozy treat with a delightful kick of flavor!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend if you prefer a gluten-free option. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different from using all-purpose flour. For a richer flavor, you can also try whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Whoopie Pies?
Store your leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their delicious texture, let them come to room temperature before serving or enjoy them cold for a different experience!
Can I Freeze Whoopie Pies?
Absolutely! To freeze, separate each pie with parchment paper and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese in the Filling?
If you’re looking for an alternative to cream cheese, you can use whipped cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a lighter filling. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, so adjust the powdered sugar to taste!
