Name: Apple Cider Whoopie Pies Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups apple cider reduced to 1/4 cup; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, divided (6 tablespoons for the dough and 2 tablespoons melted for brushing the baked cookies); 1 3/4 cups flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ginger; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons brown sugar, light or dark, packed; 1/4 cup apple butter or applesauce; 2 eggs; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 1/4 – 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (add gradually until desired consistency is reached); 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons Bourbon Caramel Sauce, cooled to room temperature; 1 pinch of salt; 4 1/2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; 3 tablespoons butter, room temperature; 2 tablespoons brown sugar, light or dark; 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted, plus more if needed; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 pinch salt

Jump to Recipe

Bring fall right into your kitchen with Apple Cider Whoopie Pies, the coziest treat you’ll ever bake! These pillowy-soft cookie sandwiches are packed with the warm, spiced flavors of reduced apple cider and a hint of apple butter. With a cinnamon sugar dusting and your choice of indulgent fillings—either a bourbon caramel buttercream or a brown sugar cream cheese—the layers of flavor here are irresistible. They taste like biting into autumn, and they’re perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself if you can’t resist!).

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the delightful collection of ingredients that make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies so special! Each one adds its own unique personality, from the depth of the reduced cider to a rich, creamy filling. Don’t worry, nothing here is fancy—just the essentials for fall baking magic.

Apple Cider: Reduce for concentrated flavor that turns these whoopie pies from good to unforgettable.
Unsalted Butter: Softens the dough and creates a tender crumb; it also gets brushed on for a perfect cinnamon sugar finish.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives the pies their structure without making them dense.
Salt: Balances out all the sweet, spiced notes.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Help your cookies rise and stay fluffy.
Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg: The cozy spice trio for that unmistakable autumn aroma.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies brown.
Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of moisture and caramel depth.
Apple Butter or Applesauce: Boosts the apple flavor while keeping your cookies moist.
Eggs: Bind everything together and keep things light.
Vanilla: Enhances the other flavors beautifully.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating (Butter, Sugar, Cinnamon): For extra crunch and warmth on top.
Bourbon Caramel Buttercream Ingredients (optional): Butter, powdered sugar, bourbon caramel sauce, and salt—for a decadent filling.
Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients (optional): Cream cheese, butter, brown sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt—for a tangy-sweet, velvety interior.

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by reducing 2 cups of apple cider to just 1/4 cup. Pour it into a saucepan, bring it to a boil, then let it simmer until it’s syrupy and intensely fragrant, about 30 to 35 minutes. This step makes all the difference—your whoopie pies will taste like caramel apples in cookie form!

Step 2: Prep and Sift Dry Ingredients

While your cider reduces, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and those glorious spices in a medium bowl. Sifting ensures an even crumb and plenty of rise in each cookie.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl or mixer, beat 6 tablespoons of the softened butter with both sugars until creamy. Scrape the bowl, add vanilla and eggs, and beat well. Now mix in the cooled, reduced apple cider and apple butter or applesauce. This is where your kitchen starts to smell incredible!

Step 4: Combine and Scoop

On low speed, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix! Scoop out 1.5-tablespoon mounds onto a lined baking sheet, spacing well apart for spreading.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 350 F for 11 to 13 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through. The cookies are done when they spring back to a gentle touch. Let them cool on the sheet for five minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Step 6: Add Cinnamon Sugar Finish

Once the cookies are still warm but not hot, brush each with the reserved 2 tablespoons of melted butter and give them a generous sprinkle or toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step adds texture and a sweet finish that’s totally irresistible.

Step 7: Prepare the Filling (Pick Your Favorite!)

If you’re going for the bourbon caramel buttercream, beat the butter and salt until fluffy, add the caramel sauce, then the powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable. For the cream cheese icing, beat softened cream cheese and butter, then brown sugar, vanilla, and powdered sugar. The goal is a thick, luscious filling.

Step 8: Assemble the Whoopie Pies

Pipe or spread about 1 1/2 tablespoons of your chosen filling on the flat side of half the cookies. Sandwich with a second cookie, pressing gently. For a true wow-factor, add a teaspoon of bourbon caramel before sealing.

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Garnishes

You can dress up your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with a light extra dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra drama. A few curls of apple peels or a sprinkle of sea salt are also fun ways to make them pop when serving to guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these whoopie pies with a steaming mug of chai, hot apple cider, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Since they’re rich and sweet, something light and a bit tangy complements them perfectly—think fresh apple slices or sharp cheddar cheese on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the finished pies on a rustic wooden board, or wrapping each one in parchment and tying them with twine for the cutest edible gift. You can even create a build-your-own whoopie pie station with different fillings and toppings for a festive dessert bar!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are best enjoyed within two or three days of assembling. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator—they’ll stay soft and moist, and the flavors develop beautifully overnight.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch in advance, freeze the unfilled cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a zip-top bag with parchment between layers. When you’re ready, thaw, fill, and serve! You can also freeze the assembled pies; just be sure to wrap each individually to prevent sticking.

Reheating

To bring out that just-baked magic, let your whoopie pies come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. If you want them slightly warm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave works wonders—just enough to soften the filling a touch.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies without the bourbon caramel?

Absolutely! Both filling options are delicious, and you can easily skip the bourbon caramel buttercream if desired. The brown sugar cream cheese icing is equally lovely, or stick with classic buttercream.

What’s the best way to reduce the apple cider?

Keep the cider simmering gently over medium heat and watch it closely as it gets syrupy near the end—this is where maximum apple flavor develops. Be patient; it’s worth every minute!

Can I use store-bought apple butter?

Yes, store-bought apple butter works just fine in this recipe. Just make sure it’s unsweetened or lightly sweetened, so you don’t overpower the balance of the whoopie pies.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

If you find your cookies spreading, make sure your butter isn’t melted when mixing. Chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking can also help them keep their shape and thickness.

Are there gluten-free options for Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Certainly! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend (ideally one that substitutes cup-for-cup) to make these treats accessible for everyone. Just check that your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Apple Cider Whoopie Pies is one of the best ways to celebrate fall, and I promise your friends and family will be reaching for seconds. The combination of spiced cookie, tangy-sweet filling, and that irresistible apple flavor makes these little sandwiches totally unforgettable. Give them a try—you’ll want to make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies a new autumn tradition!