Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Reduce the Apple Cider: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until the cider is reduced to ¼ cup, about 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Reduced Cider: Add the cooled reduced apple cider and mix until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Alternatively, use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Filling: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cinnamon cream cheese filling. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Spices: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon.
- Adjust Consistency: Add milk or cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the filling reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but still spreadable.
- Assemble the Whoopie Pies: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous amount of cinnamon cream cheese filling on the flat side of one cake. Top with another cake, flat side down, to create a sandwich.
- Chill (Optional): For best results, chill the whoopie pies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra burst of apple flavor, add 1/4 cup of finely diced apple to the cake batter. Store leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a different spice profile, try adding a pinch of cloves or allspice to both the cake batter and the filling. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. If the batter seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to achieve the desired consistency.