Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Optional Bourbon Caramel Buttercream or Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing

Delight in these mouthwatering whoopie pies with the essence of autumn running through them. You can choose between the rich Bourbon Caramel Buttercream or the velvety Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing to make them absolutely irresistible!

Ingredients:

For the Apple Cider Whoopie Pies:

• 2 cups apple cider (reduced to 1/4 cup)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (6 tbsp for dough, 2 tbsp melted for brushing)
• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• Spices: 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup + 2 tsp brown sugar (light or dark), packed
• 1/4 cup apple butter or applesauce
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 tsp vanilla

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the Bourbon Caramel Buttercream (Optional):

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar (add gradually)
• 2 tbsp + 2 tsp Bourbon Caramel Sauce, cooled
• Pinch of salt

For the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing (Optional):

• 4 1/2 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 tbsp butter, room temperature
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 cups sifted powdered sugar (add more if needed)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Apple Cider Whoopie Pies: Preheat oven to 350 F. In a saucepan, boil the apple cider until reduced to 1/4 cup (about 30-35 mins). Let cool. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. In another bowl, beat 6 tbsp butter with sugars. Blend in vanilla, eggs, cider, and apple butter. Gradually mix in the flour mixture.
3. Drop 1 1/2 tbsp-sized dough portions onto the sheet, spacing 3 inches apart. Bake for 11-13 mins or until springy to touch. Cool for 5 mins, then transfer to a rack. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle/toss in cinnamon sugar. Let cool completely before adding fillings.
4. Bourbon Caramel Buttercream: Whip butter and salt until fluffy. Blend in Bourbon Caramel. Gradually mix in powdered sugar to desired consistency. Adjust thickness with milk or cream if necessary.
5. Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Icing: Cream together cream cheese and butter. Blend in brown sugar and vanilla. Gradually add powdered sugar until thick. Apply onto half of the cookies and sandwich with the rest.
6. For either filling choice, add a dollop (or pipe) onto one cookie and top with another. Chill whoopie pies for 30 mins before serving.

Note: Prepare Bourbon Caramel in advance. Extra sauce can be used in various ways; refer to the Bourbon Caramel recipe for ideas.