When the crisp air of fall rolls in, few desserts capture the season like Apple Cider Whoopie Pies. Soft, cake-like cookies filled with a spiced apple cider buttercream and a drizzle of caramel come together for a nostalgic yet modern treat. Inspired by Emma’s Cake Studio, this recipe balances tart apple flavor, warm spices, and a creamy filling that melts in your mouth. Perfect for bake sales, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy weekend bake, these whoopie pies are the definition of fall comfort food. Don’t miss our Peanut Butter Cup Cookies for another indulgent cookie idea.
Ingredients for Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
For the Whoopie Pies
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider (reduced to ¼ cup)
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Apple Cider Buttercream
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup reduced apple cider
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Caramel Filling
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
Looking for inspiration? Try our Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookie if you love sweet-and-salty combinations.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
- Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat until reduced to ¼ cup (10–15 minutes).
- Let it cool completely before use.
Step 2: Make the Whoopie Pies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and cooled cider reduction.
- Alternate adding dry mixture and milk, beginning and ending with dry.
- Scoop 2 tbsp rounds of batter onto prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until tops spring back. Cool completely.
For another cozy fall bake, check out our Pumpkin Caramel Pie.
Step 3: Make the Buttercream
- Beat softened butter until creamy.
- Slowly add powdered sugar.
- Mix in reduced cider, vanilla, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the Whoopie Pies
- Pair cookies by size.
- Pipe or spoon buttercream onto the flat side of one cookie.
- Drizzle caramel over frosting and sprinkle salt (optional).
- Top with second cookie and press gently.
Serve immediately or chill for 20 minutes for a firmer set.
Don’t miss our Hazelnut Chocolate Protein Bars for another sweet snack idea.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Bake cookies ahead and freeze (unfilled) for up to 1 month. Fill before serving.
- Best enjoyed: The next day when flavors meld beautifully.
Check out our Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins for another bakery-style recipe perfect for storing and sharing.
Nutrition (Per Serving – 1 whoopie pie)
- Calories: 462
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 57mg
- Sodium: 342mg
- Carbohydrates: 76g
- Sugar: 55g
- Protein: 4g
FAQs About Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
1. Can I use store-bought apple cider for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought cider works fine, but reducing it is key to intensifying the flavor.
2. Can I substitute the milk?
Whole milk is best, but almond milk or buttermilk can work. Buttermilk may make the pies too tangy since cider already adds tartness.
3. Do Apple Cider Whoopie Pies need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the buttercream filling, they should be stored in the fridge.
4. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes. Bake and freeze cookies, then fill when ready to serve.
5. How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the batter for 15 minutes before scooping if your kitchen is warm.
Conclusion
If you want a dessert that truly embodies autumn, these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies should be on your must-bake list. With spiced, fluffy cakes and a tangy-sweet apple cider buttercream filling, every bite feels like fall wrapped up in cookie form. Whether for a holiday table or a quiet afternoon treat, these pies are guaranteed to delight.