Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Apple Cider Whoopie Pies: A Sweet Taste of Fall

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies bring together all the cozy flavors of fall into one delicious treat. With soft, spiced cakes brushed in cinnamon sugar and a creamy filling, these whoopie pies are perfect for seasonal gatherings or just indulging in a sweet, autumnal snack. Plus, you can choose between two decadent filling options: a rich Bourbon Caramel Buttercream or a creamy Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing. Each bite bursts with apple cider goodness, making these a must-try fall dessert!

Ingredients:

For the Apple Cider Whoopie Pies:

• 2 cups apple cider (reduced to 1/4 cup)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, divided (6 tablespoons for the dough, 2 tablespoons melted for brushing)
• 1 ¾ cups flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ginger
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup plus 2 teaspoons brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup apple butter or applesauce
• 2 eggs
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Bourbon Caramel Buttercream (optional):

• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 ¼-1 ½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons Bourbon Caramel Sauce (cooled)
• 1 pinch of salt

For the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing (optional):

• 4 ½ ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Directions:

For the Apple Cider Whoopie Pies:

1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of apple cider to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until it reduces to 1/4 cup, about 30-35 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Dough:
   Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, beat 6 tablespoons of butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined. Add the vanilla and eggs, mixing until smooth. Then, mix in the cooled apple cider and apple butter (or applesauce).
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
5. Form and Bake:
   Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each mound about 3 inches apart. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the cookies spring back when lightly touched. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
   Brush the tops of the cookies with melted butter, then sprinkle them with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for a sweet, crunchy topping.

For the Bourbon Caramel Buttercream (optional):

1. Beat the butter and salt in a mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
2. Add the Bourbon Caramel Sauce and gradually add powdered sugar. Mix until smooth, adjusting the consistency with more powdered sugar or a splash of cream if necessary.

For the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing (optional):

1. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Add the brown sugar, vanilla, and sifted powdered sugar, and mix until thick and creamy.

Assembling the Whoopie Pies:

1. Once the cookies have cooled, spread or pipe 1 ½ tablespoons of your chosen filling (Bourbon Caramel Buttercream or Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing) onto the flat side of one cookie.
2. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
3. Optional: For an extra touch, drizzle a small amount of Bourbon Caramel Sauce inside the whoopie pies before sandwiching the cookies together.
4. Chill and Serve:
   Refrigerate the whoopie pies for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 12 whoopie pies
• Calories: 350 kcal per serving

These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are a fantastic way to celebrate the flavors of fall. The soft, spiced cakes with their apple cider reduction deliver a punch of flavor, while the optional Bourbon Caramel Buttercream or Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing add an extra layer of indulgence. Perfect for fall parties or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or cider, these whoopie pies will surely impress!

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