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Spiced Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

Soft, cake-like spiced cookies infused with reduced apple cider, sandwiched with a fluffy vanilla bean buttercream.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Servings: 12 whoopie pies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Cookie Batter
  • 3/4 cup apple cider reduced to 1/4 cup
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp cloves optional
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 egg large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Reduce apple cider in a saucepan over medium-low heat until it measures 1/4 cup. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  4. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until combined.
  5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the cooled reduced apple cider, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
  6. Drop batter by 1.5-tablespoon scoops onto prepared sheets, 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until set. Cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. For filling, beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, then vanilla and salt. Add cream until fluffy and spreadable.
  8. Once cookies are cool, pipe or spread filling onto the flat side of half the cookies. Top with remaining cookies to form sandwiches.

Notes

Reducing the apple cider is essential for intense flavor. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Do not overbake the cookies; they will continue to set as they cool.