Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

There’s something undeniably magical about autumn — the crisp bite in the air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the irresistible scent of apple cider simmering on the stove. Apple cider whoopie pies capture all of that cozy, nostalgic warmth in a single, soft, cake-like sandwich cookie.

When I was a child, my grandmother would brew fresh apple cider on chilly afternoons, filling the house with the perfume of cinnamon, cloves, and tart apples. She would often bake rustic spiced treats to go with it — and though she never called them “whoopie pies,” I swear her little apple cakes sandwiched with spiced cream were their country cousin. These apple cider whoopie pies bring back that feeling: tender spiced cakes bursting with cider flavor and sandwiched around a dreamy cinnamon cream filling.

Traditionally from Pennsylvania Amish kitchens, whoopie pies were known as a special treat tucked into lunch pails. Legend has it that children (and husbands) would shout “whoopie!” when they found these sweet sandwiches waiting for them. Over time, bakers around the country adapted the flavors, and now autumn-inspired versions like apple cider whoopie pies signal the coziest season of all.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These apple cider whoopie pies are soft, spiced, and filled with autumnal charm. They combine the warmth of apple cider and the richness of cinnamon cream into a handheld dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, need a dessert for Thanksgiving, or just want to surprise your family with something special, these little pies deliver big flavor and comfort.

They’re also surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re new to baking. No need to fuss with pie crusts or fancy techniques — just scoop, bake, and sandwich!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the cakes:

• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

For the cinnamon cream filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

The beauty of apple cider whoopie pies lies in their comforting simplicity. With just a bit of prep and patience, you’ll have tender, flavorful pies ready to impress.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Reduce the apple cider
Start by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan. Simmer it over medium heat until it reduces by half — you’ll need about 1/2 cup. This step concentrates the cider’s tart-sweet flavor, making sure the whoopie pies carry that signature autumn taste. Let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The warm spices will infuse the cakes with deep fall notes, balancing beautifully with the cider.

Step 3: Cream the butter and sugars
In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes. This is where the magic happens, building air into the batter for soft, tender cakes.

Step 4: Add egg, vanilla, and cider
Mix in the egg and vanilla, followed by the cooled reduced cider. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a bit curdled; it will smooth out once the dry ingredients are added.

Step 5: Combine the wet and dry ingredients
With the mixer on low, alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. This creates a silky, thick batter perfect for scooping.

Step 6: Scoop and bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to drop mounds of batter onto the sheets, leaving space between each. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool completely.

Step 7: Make the cinnamon cream filling
Beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth, then add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.

Step 8: Assemble the pies
Once the cakes are cool, spread or pipe a generous amount of filling onto the flat side of one cake, then sandwich with another. Repeat until all the pies are assembled.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t skip reducing the cider — this step intensifies the flavor, making a big difference.
• If you want extra flair, roll the edges of the filled pies in cinnamon sugar.
• Store the assembled apple cider whoopie pies in the fridge but bring them to room temperature before serving for the softest texture.
• For uniform pies, use a cookie scoop for even-sized cakes.

Details

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Yield: 12–14 whoopie pies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

These apple cider whoopie pies taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can make the cakes and filling a day ahead and assemble them when ready to serve.

Nutritional Information

Per pie (approximate):

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Sugar: 28g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze apple cider whoopie pies?
Yes! Freeze the unfilled cakes in an airtight container, then thaw and fill when ready. Assembled pies can also be frozen, but wrap them individually to avoid sticking.

Can I make them gluten-free?
You can try substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may be slightly different.

How long do they stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they stay fresh for 3–4 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before eating.

Storage Instructions

Keep assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the cakes and filling separately, then thaw and assemble before serving.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Biscoff Millionaire’s Shortbread: A Cozy Twist on a Classic Treat
• Nutella Marshmallow Cookies: A Gooey Treat Straight From the Heart
• Rocky Road Chocolate Fudge Cookies

Conclusion

There’s something deeply comforting about biting into a soft, spiced apple cider whoopie pie. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a cool autumn evening — sweet, warm, and entirely satisfying. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring one quietly by the window with a cup of tea, these little pies deliver all the flavors we crave as the leaves turn and the days grow shorter.

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