1-Getting started: Getting started with this apple cider whoopie pies recipe is as easy as preheating your oven. Follow these steps to create soft, flavorful cakes with a creamy filling that will impress everyone at your table. We’ll keep things simple and straightforward so you can enjoy the process without any stress.

2-Preheat and reduce cider: First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to keep everything from sticking. In a saucepan, simmer the apple cider until it reduces to about 1/4 cup, which takes around 16 to 18 minutes; let it cool before using. Next, in a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to blend the dry ingredients evenly.

3-Mix wet and dry ingredients: Then, in another bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar until it’s fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg, apple butter, and the cooled reduced cider, mixing until combined the batter might look a bit separated, but that’s okay. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until everything is incorporated, being careful not to overmix.

4-Bake the cakes: Using a spoon or a 2-Tbsp cookie scoop, drop portions of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through, until the cakes are puffed and set. While they bake, mix the remaining 1/2 tsp cinnamon with the granulated sugar for the topping.

5-Finish and assemble: Once out of the oven, brush the warm cakes with the melted butter and toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then let them cool completely. For the filling, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla, beating until combined. Finally, spread about 2 Tbsp of the filling on the flat side of half the cakes and top with the remaining halves to make sandwich cookies.