Easy Santa Whoopie Pies Recipe
Santa Whoopie Pies are a game-changer for your holiday celebrations! It’s perfect for adding a dash of festive fun to your Christmas gatherings or for baking up some joy with the kids. You’ll love it not just for its delicious taste but also for the smiles it brings to everyone’s faces – it’s like a little piece of holiday magic in every bite!
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On Splash of Taste, you’ll discover a treasure trove of recipes that cater to all – whether you’re a devout meat-eater, a flexitarian, vegetarian, or vegan. My recipes are designed to please every palate, and I take great joy in demystifying complex dishes, making them approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
These Santa Whoopie Pies are no exception. They’re a culmination of my passion for baking and my commitment to sharing the joy of vegetarian cooking with you all. Let’s bake something magical together!
Why You Will Love Making Santa Whoopie Pies
Making this Christmas whoopie pie recipe is not just about baking; it’s about creating memories and spreading holiday cheer. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making these treats:
- These whoopie pies are a delightful addition to any Christmas celebration. Their Santa-themed decoration will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
- With simple instructions and common ingredients, these whoopie pies are perfect for bakers of all levels. It’s a stress-free baking experience with a spectacular result.
- Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or looking for a sweet treat for a cozy Christmas movie night, these whoopie pies fit the occasion perfectly.
- The combination of soft, cake-like cookies with creamy filling makes every bite a heavenly experience. They taste AMAZING!
- Wrapped in festive packaging, these whoopie pies make adorable and heartwarming gifts for friends, neighbors, and teachers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Santa Whoopie Pies with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Creating these charming Santa Whoopie Pies is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to bake your way to Christmas cheer:
Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 355°F (180°C). This ensures the whoopie pies bake evenly. Next, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents the whoopie pies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Making the Cookie Batter
In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar. Melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Then, add the butter, egg, vanilla extract, and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
Baking the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cookies are set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Buttercream Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
Assembling the Whoopie Pies
Once the cookies are cool, spread or pipe about a tablespoon of the filling on the flat side of a cookie. Top with another cookie to form a sandwich.
Decorating Your Whoopie Pies
Mix powdered sugar and water to make a thick icing. Use red food coloring for half of the icing. Decorate the bottom half of each whoopie pie with white icing and sprinkle shredded coconut to mimic Santa’s beard. Use the red icing to create a hat, and add facial details with edible markers.
And there you have it – your Whoopie Pies ready to be devoured!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Making this recipe is so much fun, and I’m here to make sure your baking adventure is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Here are some expert tips and notes to keep in mind:
- Quality Matters: For the best flavor, use high-quality ingredients. Fresh, room-temperature eggs and real vanilla extract make a noticeable difference.
- Real Butter is Better: Use real butter for both the cookies and the filling. It provides a richer flavor and better texture than substitutes.
- Get Creative: Feel free to personalize your cookies. Use mini chocolate chips for eyes or red candies for the nose. There’s no wrong way to decorate these treats!
- Icing Consistency: When making the icing, aim for a thick consistency so it stays in place. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, a little more water.
- Filling Technique: A piping bag gives a neater appearance to the filling, but a spoon works just as well. Don’t overfill to avoid the filling squishing out when the whoopie pies are pressed together.
- Let Them Set: After assembling, let them sit for a bit to allow the filling to firm up. This makes them easier to handle and decorate.
- Can I make the whoopie pie batter ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.
- Can I use store-bought frosting for the filling? While homemade filling is recommended for the best flavor, you can use store-bought frosting in a pinch.
- How do I prevent the whoopie pies from cracking while baking? Avoid overmixing the batter and make sure your oven is at the correct temperature to prevent cracking.
How to Store Leftover Santa Whoopie Pies
If you happen to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for Longer: For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
- Freezing: You can freeze the whoopie pies for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
What to Serve with Santa Whoopie Pies
Pairing your delightful Christmas cookies with the right accompaniments can elevate your holiday dessert experience to new heights. Let’s whip up some perfect pairings for these festive treats.
Warm Beverage Pairings
A glass of classic milk is a traditional favorite with cookies, loved by all ages. For a cozier feel, a warm cup of hot chocolate pairs wonderfully with the sweet whoopie pies. Adults might prefer a strong coffee or a soothing tea, offering a sophisticated balance to the dessert’s sweetness.
Snack Combinations
Adding a savory contrast to your sweet whoopie pies can enhance the overall experience. Try serving salted nuts or a cheese ball for a delightful balance. Or, opt for a platter of fresh winter fruits like oranges or pears, providing a refreshing side that cleanses the palate.
Creating a Dessert Spread
Along with your whoopie pies, include gingerbread cookies for spice, chocolate truffles for richness, or Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies or Cherry Blossom Cookies for an even more festive touch. Presentation also adds to the enjoyment, so use holiday-themed decorations and tableware to create a visually appealing setup.
More Festive Desserts For You To Try
- Snowman Cookies
- Reindeer Christmas Cookies
- Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Air Fryer Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- The BEST Banoffee Pie
Easy Santa Whoopie Pies Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown brown sugar
- ½ cup butter melted
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
For the Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 –4 tbsp milk
- Colored icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon water
- Red food coloring
For Assembling
- Shredded coconut
- Black and red edible markers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 355°F/180ºC.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix all dry ingredients. Add the butter, egg, vanilla extract, and milk and mix until well combined. Scoop the mixture into 1 tablespoon balls into the parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Mix all the filling ingredients until smooth. Scoop 1 tablespoon of the filling onto a cookie, then top with another cookie.
- Mix the sugar and water until thick – you can adjust the quantity as needed, the idea is to get a very thick paste. Divide the mixture and add the food colorant to one half.
- Decorate the cookies by adding the white icing to the bottom and covering it with coconut, then make the hat and add a few white sprinkles (you can add icing if you don’t have sprinkles), then add eyes and nose with the candy pencils.
Notes
- Quality Matters: For the best flavor, use high-quality ingredients. Fresh, room-temperature eggs and real vanilla extract make a noticeable difference.
- Real Butter is Better: Use real butter for both the cookies and the filling. It provides a richer flavor and better texture than substitutes.
- Get Creative: Feel free to personalize your cookies. Use mini chocolate chips for eyes or red candies for the nose. There’s no wrong way to decorate these treats!
- Icing Consistency: When making the icing, aim for a thick consistency so it stays in place. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, a little more water.
- Filling Technique: A piping bag gives a neater appearance to the filling, but a spoon works just as well. Don’t overfill to avoid the filling squishing out when the whoopie pies are pressed together.
- Let Them Set: After assembling, let them sit for a bit to allow the filling to firm up. This makes them easier to handle and decorate.
- Can I make the whoopie pie batter ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.
- Can I use store-bought frosting for the filling? While homemade filling is recommended for the best flavor, you can use store-bought frosting in a pinch.
- How do I prevent the whoopie pies from cracking while baking? Avoid overmixing the batter and make sure your oven is at the correct temperature to prevent cracking.
How to Store Leftover Santa Whoopie Pies
- Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for Longer: For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
- Freezing: You can freeze the whoopie pies for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
