Fall is made for baking — warm spices, apple cider and a soft sandwich cookie filled with cream cheese frosting. These Incredible Apple Cider Whoopie Pies blend cozy autumn flavor with an easy assembly that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or an indulgent weeknight treat.
introduction
This recipe turns reduced apple cider into a concentrated, flavorful ingredient for tender whoopie cookies. Paired with a silky cream cheese filling, the result is a soft, spiced sandwich cookie that’s aromatic and satisfying without being overly sweet.
why make this recipe
- Uses seasonal apple cider to add real apple flavor (not just extract).
- Soft, cakey cookies that stay tender for days.
- Cream cheese filling balances spice with a creamy tang.
- Simple pantry ingredients and approachable technique — great for bakers of all levels.
- Perfect for fall parties, school lunches, or gifting.
how to make Incredible Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
Start by reducing the apple cider to concentrate flavor. Cream the butter with sugars, incorporate eggs and the cooled cider, then gently fold in the dry spice and leavening mix. Drop spoonfuls onto a lined sheet and bake until edges are set and tops are lightly golden. Once cooled, sandwich a cream cheese filling between cookie halves.
Ingredients :
1 cup apple cider, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions :
- Bring apple cider to a boil in a saucepan and reduce by half. Let cool., 2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper., 3. In a bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy., 4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the cooled apple cider., 5. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt., 6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until just combined., 7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet., 8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden., 9. Let cool completely., 10. For the filling, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth., 11. Spread or pipe filling onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another., 12. Enjoy your whoopie pies!
how to serve Incredible Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
Serve at room temperature so the filling is soft and the cookies are tender. Arrange on a platter for parties or package in a bakery box with parchment for gifting. They pair well with warm apple cider, coffee, or chai.
how to store Incredible Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
- Short term: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let sit at room temperature 15–30 minutes before serving for best texture.
- Freezing: Freeze assembled whoopie pies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
tips to make Incredible Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
- Reduce the cider slowly over medium heat until about half remains to concentrate flavor without burning. Cool completely before adding to the batter.
- Use room-temperature eggs and butter for an even, smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix once the flour is added — stop when just combined to keep cookies tender.
- For uniform cookies, use a small ice cream scoop or cookie scoop to portion the batter.
- Cool cookies completely before filling to prevent the filling from melting or becoming runny.
variation (if any)
- Spiced Filling: Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the cream cheese filling.
- Maple Twist: Substitute 1/4 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (reduce powdered sugar as needed) for a maple-tinged filling.
- Brown Butter Cookies: Brown the butter before creaming for a nutty depth; chill briefly if the batter becomes too loose.
FAQ
Q: Can I make the cookie batter ahead of time?
A: Yes — refrigerate the batter up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature and stir gently before scooping and baking.
Q: Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
A: Apple cider has a fuller, spiced apple flavor; apple juice will work but the flavor will be milder. Reduce juice the same way to concentrate flavor.
Q: My filling is too soft — how can I firm it up?
A: Chill the filling for 10–15 minutes, or add a tablespoon more powdered sugar to thicken. Ensure cookie assembly is refrigerated afterward.
Conclusion
For an extra guide and variations on this apple-forward treat, see this detailed recipe for Apple Cider Whoopie Pies (Soft, Spiced and Homemade) – My Incredible Recipes.
Incredible Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
Ingredients
Method
- Bring apple cider to a boil in a saucepan and reduce by half. Let cool.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the cooled apple cider.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let cool completely.
- For the filling, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread or pipe filling onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another.
