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 of salt

Jump to Recipe

If fall had a flavor, it would be these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies. Imagine impossibly soft, fragrant cookies, deeply infused with reduced apple cider and cozy spices, then smothered in clouds of luscious filling—each bite is sweet, spiced, and unmistakably autumn. Whether you use the decadent bourbon caramel buttercream or the tangy brown sugar cream cheese icing, Apple Cider Whoopie Pies have a way of charming everyone at the table with their playful shape and festive, orchard-inspired personality.

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of Apple Cider Whoopie Pies is that the recipe calls for simple, honest ingredients—nothing fussy, just the good stuff that delivers big on flavor and comfort. Each element plays its role in creating a cake-like cookie that sandwiches a dreamy filling. Here’s how every ingredient earns its keep:

Apple cider: Reducing the cider intensifies that signature fruity tang and gives these whoopie pies an unmistakable apple punch.
Unsalted butter: The backbone of both cookie and filling, lending a rich, tender crumb and lush mouthfeel.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure, while keeping the cookies delightfully fluffy—key for that classic whoopie texture.
Salt: Just a pinch awakens all the autumnal spices and enhances every sweet note.
Baking powder and baking soda: This magical duo ensures your cookies bake up light, soft, and perfectly domed.
Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg: These warming spices create that irresistible aroma and cozy flavor that defines every good fall dessert.
Granulated and brown sugar: The mix keeps the cookies moist, with deep caramel undertones from the brown sugar.
Apple butter or applesauce: Adds even more apple goodness and moisture to the dough—use whichever you have for a delicious result.
Eggs: Bind everything together and give structure to the baked cookies.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out flavors and brings all the ingredients into harmony.
Cinnamon sugar coating: Brushed-on butter and cinnamon sugar add a final, magical crunch and fragrant finish.
Bourbon Caramel Buttercream (optional): The bourbon spike and caramel swirl take these whoopie pies into grown-up dessert territory—special, but optional.
Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing (optional): Brings tang and richness; if you love classic whoopie pies, you’ll adore this twist.

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Bring your apple cider to a lively simmer in a medium saucepan. Let it bubble gently over medium heat until it’s dark, fragrant, and concentrated, measuring only 1/4 cup. This step takes about 30-35 minutes and is so worth your patience—the cider reduction guarantees that each bite bursts with apple flavor. Set aside to cool before moving on.

Step 2: Prep the Pans and Spices

Get your oven humming at 350 F, and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Mixing your dry ingredients now means your spices will be evenly distributed, ensuring every cookie is perfectly spiced.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl (or your stand mixer), cream together 6 tablespoons of butter, the granulated sugar, and the brown sugar. Aim for a fluffy, well-blended mix that signals extra tender cookies ahead. Add the vanilla and eggs, then pour in your cooled apple cider reduction and apple butter or applesauce. Blend well—the mix will smell heavenly at this point!

Step 4: Mix the Dough

With the mixer on low, slowly add in your spiced flour mixture. This is the secret to soft, cake-like cookies: mix just until everything comes together. Don’t overmix or the texture could turn dense—think of it as gentle encouragement rather than a vigorous workout!

Step 5: Portion and Bake

Scoop the dough into mounds (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each) and space them at least 3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. These cookies like their personal space, so don’t crowd them! Bake for 11-13 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the tops spring back lightly to a touch. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Brush the warm cookies with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then sprinkle or toss with cinnamon sugar. This touch delivers sparkle, crunch, and a whiff of cinnamon in every bite. It’s a little detail that makes such a difference—and it looks gorgeous, too.

Step 7: Make the Filling

If you’re going the decadent route, whip up Bourbon Caramel Buttercream: beat butter and salt until fluffy, blend in bourbon caramel sauce, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until silky and spreadable. For a tangier route, mix cream cheese, butter, and brown sugar until smooth, add vanilla, then gently paddle in the powdered sugar. Either option is delightfully indulgent between the soft cookies!

Step 8: Assemble the Whoopie Pies

Once the cookies are completely cool, pair them up by size. Pipe or spread about 1 1/2 tablespoons of your chosen filling onto the flat side of a cookie, add a little extra caramel if you like, then gently press a second cookie on top. Refrigerate the assembled Apple Cider Whoopie Pies for about 30 minutes before serving for the neatest slice (and the dreamiest texture).

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Garnishes

Dress your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies for the season! Dust with a blizzard of powdered sugar, drizzle with extra bourbon caramel, or crown each with tiny dried apple chips for good measure. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a flick of turbinado sugar adds crunch and rustic charm, making every plate a celebration of fall’s best flavors.

Side Dishes

If you’re making a dessert platter, these whoopies love the company of spiced roasted nuts, sliced fresh apples, or a bowl of cinnamon whipped cream. For a cozy after-dinner treat, serve alongside hot mulled cider or a chilly scoop of vanilla bean ice cream—the contrast is divine!

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking Apple Cider Whoopie Pies on a rustic wooden platter or arranging them in parchment-lined bakery boxes tied with twine for edible gifts. For parties, serve mini versions so guests can sample both fillings, or offer a DIY whoopie pie bar with bowls of buttercream, caramel, and festive toppings to let everyone build their own delicious creation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are just as wonderful on day two! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. This keeps the cookies soft and the filling fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for lunchbox surprises or a sweet snack with afternoon tea.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these: just assemble your pies, wrap individually in plastic, and place in a freezer-safe container. The cakes and filling maintain their texture well. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw overnight in the fridge (or at room temp if you’re in a hurry). They make cozy delights all winter long!

Reheating

If you enjoy your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies a bit warm, just let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes after refrigeration, or pop a cookie (unfilled) in the microwave for 10 seconds to take the chill off before assembling or serving. The filling is best enjoyed slightly cool for that creamy texture, but the cookies themselves love a gentle rewarm.

FAQs

Can I substitute applesauce for apple butter?

Absolutely! Both applesauce and apple butter will add moisture and apple flavor. Apple butter is more concentrated and spiced, for a richer taste, but unsweetened applesauce works just fine—your Apple Cider Whoopie Pies will still turn out moist, fragrant, and delicious.

Is there a way to make the whoopie pies without alcohol?

Definitely—just skip the bourbon in the caramel sauce or use all cream cheese icing for the filling. Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are wonderfully flavorful on their own, so you won’t miss out on any autumn magic.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The tops should spring back when gently pressed and look dry but not over-browned. Watch for lightly golden edges—these cookies are best a little underbaked for maximum softness, so test a minute early to avoid drying them out.

Can I make the dough or filling ahead of time?

For sure! Chill the shaped dough on the baking sheet and store, covered, in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. The fillings can also be made a day in advance; just let them soften before spreading. This makes prepping a breeze for potlucks and parties.

What’s the best way to transport Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

Stack them in a single layer in a sturdy, airtight container, separated by parchment paper. For extra insurance against smushing, wrap each one in wax paper or parchment before packing. With these tricks, you can safely bring Apple Cider Whoopie Pies to share everywhere from work to picnics to fall festivals.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are my go-to treat whenever autumn comes knocking—they fill the kitchen with the best scents and bring all the cozy joy of apple picking straight to your home. I hope you’ll give them a try, and maybe even make them your new fall tradition!