Fluffy Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies Recipe: Fall’s Sweet Joy

Soft, pillowy whoopie pies burst with autumn’s warmth when crafted with rich apple cider whoopie pie cookies that dance between cake and cookie perfection.

Generations of bakers have cherished this nostalgic treat that celebrates seasonal flavors.

Hints of cinnamon and brown sugar weave through each delectable bite, creating a sensory experience that transports you to cozy kitchen memories.

The delicate cream filling nestled between two tender cake-like cookies promises pure comfort with every mouthful.

Crisp apples and warm spices mingle in this beloved dessert that bridges traditional baking with modern sweetness.

Fall’s most beloved ingredients come together in a simple yet spectacular treat that connects generations through shared culinary joy.

Bake these irresistible cookies and watch smiles bloom around your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients For Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the fundamental structure and soft texture of the cookies.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple cider and create a cozy autumn flavor profile.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, tender cookies with a smooth mouthfeel.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and helps maintain moisture in the cookies.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors and adds depth to the overall taste.
• Applesauce: Contributes moisture and subtle fruity undertones.
• Apple Cider: Concentrated reduction intensifies the apple flavor and adds complexity.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy, smooth base for the filling.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a spreadable consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the filling.
• Ground Cinnamon: Echoes the spice in the cookies and adds warmth to the filling.

Tools To Bake Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies

• Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls for dry and wet ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and beating filling smoothly.
• Whisk: For combining dry ingredients and ensuring even distribution.
• Saucepan: Small pan for reducing apple cider.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Baking Sheet: For baking cookie rounds.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Piping Bag or Spoon: For spreading filling between cookies.
• Spatula: For scraping and mixing ingredients gently.

How To Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies

• Boil Down Apple Cider

Simmer cider in a small pan on medium heat until it reduces by half, about 10-15 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

• Create Cookie Dough

Warm up the oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk together dry ingredients in one bowl. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, applesauce, and cooled cider reduction. Blend dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.

• Bake Cookie Shells

Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet. Space cookies two inches apart. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and tops look set. Remove and let cool completely.

• Whip Up Creamy Filling

Beat cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Fold in powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until mixture becomes light and airy.

• Assemble Whoopie Pies

Spread generous dollop of filling on one cookie’s flat side. Gently press matching cookie on top. For best results, chill assembled pies 30 minutes before serving.

Tasty Tips For Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies

• Perfect Baking Techniques: Reduce apple cider slowly to concentrate flavors and create deeper, richer taste profile for cookies.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough or filling up to 3 days in advance and store separately in refrigerator to save time during preparation.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose blend to accommodate wheat-sensitive guests without compromising delicious texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace butter and cream cheese with coconut-based equivalents or vegan cream cheese for lactose-intolerant friends while maintaining creamy filling consistency.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Increase or decrease ground cinnamon and nutmeg quantities to personalize flavor intensity according to individual taste preferences.

Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies Soft

• Cozy Autumn Pairing: Serve these whoopie pies alongside a warm mug of spiced apple cider or hot tea for a delightful seasonal treat that enhances the apple and cinnamon flavors.
• Festive Dessert Platter: Create a beautiful fall-themed dessert display by arranging these whoopie pies with other autumn treats like pumpkin bread, caramel apples, or maple pecan cookies.
• Gift-Worthy Delights: Package these whoopie pies in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine or autumn-colored ribbons for a homemade gift that will make friends and family smile.
• Brunch Showstopper: Include these whoopie pies as part of a weekend brunch spread, offering a sweet ending to a delicious morning meal that celebrates seasonal baking.

Storage Tips For Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies

• Quick Fridge Storage: Keep whoopie pies in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Layer between wax paper sheets to prevent sticking and maintain delicate cookie texture.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual whoopie pies separately in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe containers. These treats stay delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed, allowing spontaneous dessert enjoyment.
• Room Temperature Tips: Allow chilled whoopie pies to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This softens the filling and helps restore the cookies' original tender consistency.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie bases and filling separately up to 2 days in advance. Store cookies in a sealed container and refrigerate filling. Assemble just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and optimal taste experience.

Rustic Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delightful apple cider whoopie pie cookies blend seasonal warmth with nostalgic charm. Creamy filling and tender cake-like cookies promise a comforting autumn treat you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cups (180 g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cups (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cups (120 ml) applesauce
• 1 large egg
• 1 cups (240 ml) apple cider (to reduce to ¼ cup)
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cups (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Cider Concentration: Simmer apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat until reduced and thickened, creating an intense flavor profile. Cool to room temperature.
2. Oven Preparation: Preheat to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie baking and easy removal.
3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl to ensure even spice distribution.
4. Butter Transformation: Cream butter and brown sugar until light, fluffy, and pale, developing a silky smooth base for the cookies.
5. Liquid Integration: Blend egg, vanilla extract, applesauce, and cooled apple cider reduction into the butter mixture until completely incorporated.
6. Dough Formation: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to maintain a delicate cookie texture.
7. Cookie Placement and Baking: Drop tablespoon-sized dough mounds onto the prepared sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until tops set and edges turn golden.
8. Cooling Process: Transfer baked cookies to a cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature completely.
9. Filling Creation: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually mix in powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
10. Whoopie Pie Assembly: Spread or pipe filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with a second cookie, creating the classic whoopie pie structure.
11. Flavor Melding: Refrigerate assembled whoopie pies for 30 minutes to enhance taste and texture, or serve immediately for an instant treat.

Notes

• Reduce Apple Cider Carefully: Simmer the cider slowly to concentrate flavors without burning, watching closely to achieve a thick, intense syrup that intensifies the apple essence.
• Control Mixing Technique: Fold dry ingredients gently into wet ingredients, stopping just when combined to prevent tough, dense cookies that lack the desired soft, cake-like texture.
• Optimize Baking Temperature: Watch cookies closely during the 10-12 minute baking window, looking for subtle golden edges and set tops to ensure perfectly moist, tender whoopie pies.
• Chill for Enhanced Flavor: Refrigerate assembled whoopie pies for at least 30 minutes to allow filling to set and flavors to meld, creating a more harmonious and rich taste experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg