Description
Sweet memories bloom with these apple cider whoopie pie cookies, combining classic autumn flavors in one irresistible treat. Warm spices and creamy filling promise comfort in each delightful bite that connects taste buds with seasonal nostalgia.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup apple cider (to reduce to ¼ cup)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup applesauce
Filling Ingredients:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Concentrate the apple cider by simmering it in a small saucepan over medium heat until the liquid reduces and thickens, creating a more intense flavor. Allow the reduced cider to cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for even cooking and easy cookie removal.
- Create a dry ingredient mixture by whisking together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and pale in color, developing a smooth texture.
- Incorporate liquid ingredients by adding egg, vanilla extract, applesauce, and the cooled apple cider reduction to the butter mixture, blending until thoroughly combined.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Using a tablespoon, drop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each mound approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, watching for set tops and slightly golden edges. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack, allowing them to cool completely.
- Prepare the filling by beating cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, creating a uniform base.
- Enhance the filling by gradually mixing in powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Assemble the whoopie pies by spreading or piping a generous tablespoon of filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently pressing a second cookie on top to create a sandwich.
- For optimal texture and flavor melding, refrigerate the assembled whoopie pies for 30 minutes before serving, or enjoy immediately if unable to wait.
Notes
- Reduce apple cider slowly to concentrate its rich, sweet flavor and prevent burning during the simmering process.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and a consistent cookie texture.
- Chill the dough briefly before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain the cookies’ shape.
- Swap applesauce with Greek yogurt for a tangier filling and added protein boost.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg