Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
- Unsalted Butter (softened): 1/2 cup (1 stick)
- Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed
- Large Egg: 1
- Apple Cider (unreduced): 1 cup (reduced to 1/2 cup concentrate)
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Store-bought Caramel Sauce: 1/4 cup (for drizzle)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer until it reduces to about 1/2 cup of thick concentrate; set aside to cool.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the large egg and then mix in the cooled, reduced apple cider concentrate until just combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until the batter is smooth, ensuring not to overmix.
- Step 4: Scoop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops spring back lightly when touched.
- Step 5: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, sandwich them with a buttercream filling (if desired), and drizzle generously with the store-bought caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
- Store finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, cakey texture, especially if they are filled.
- If the cookies feel slightly firm the day after baking, warm them gently for just 5 to 8 seconds in the microwave to reactivate the spices and soften the cake crumb before eating.
- Elevate this seasonal treat by serving the finished whoopie pies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a warm mug of spiced coffee for a perfect autumn dessert plate.
- A key flavor tip is to ensure the cider is reduced to a truly thick, syrupy half cup concentrate, as this step concentrates the apple essence necessary for a strong cider flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American