Fall has arrived, and with it comes the irresistible aroma of spiced apples and warm cinnamon. What better way to celebrate the season than with these delightful Apple Cider Whoopie Pies? These soft, cakey cookies are filled with a creamy, tangy apple cider buttercream frosting, creating a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors. This recipe is surprisingly easy, making it a fantastic choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for a delicious and impressive treat. Get ready to enjoy a taste of autumn with every bite!
Ingredients:
For the Whoopie Pies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup apple cider
For the Apple Cider Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Making the Whoopie Pies:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, applesauce, and apple cider until just combined. Don't overmix.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Again, avoid overmixing.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Cooling: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the whoopie pies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Apple Cider Buttercream Frosting:
- Beat the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the apple cider, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes, until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Assembling the Whoopie Pies:
- Pair Up: Once the whoopie pies are completely cool, pair them up in similar sizes.
- Frost: Spread a generous amount of frosting onto the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the whoopie pie batter.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the batter for an extra warm flavor.
- Make it festive: Use fall-themed sprinkles or chopped nuts to decorate the frosting.
- Storage: Store the assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutritional Information (per whoopie pie):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- This is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For a precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.
These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are a perfect fall treat – easy to make, delicious to eat, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Enjoy the cozy flavors of autumn with this simple yet satisfying recipe. Happy baking!