Easy Whoopie Pie Recipe
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Creamy, chocolatey, and irresistible, these homemade Whoopie Pies are not only scrumptious but also perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this whoopie pie recipe is straightforward, and the end result is undeniably delicious. Follow our simple step-by-step instructions to create this classic New England dessert that’s loved by many!
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Why You Will Love Making Chocolate Whoopie Pies
- Whoopie pies are timeless. Kids love them because of their fun name and sweet taste, while adults adore the nostalgic trip down memory lane. Whether you’re hosting a party or just having a cozy family dinner, these pies are sure to win everyone over.
- Whether it’s for a holiday treat, birthday celebration, or just a weekend baking project, chocolate whoopie pies fit the bill. The classic chocolate batter paired with a creamy, buttery filling is just the beginning. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different filling ideas, such as marshmallow cream, Swiss meringue buttercream, or even a coconut extract-infused cream.
- Contrary to what some might think, making a classic whoopie pie isn’t complex. With some basic ingredients like all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and unsalted butter, you’re well on your way to crafting this delicious cake sandwich. And the best part? They’re as fun to make as they are to eat. These are the BEST whoopie pies!
- These mini desserts are not just adorable but are also the perfect size for snacking. They’re easy to pack and share, making them ideal for picnics or as thoughtful homemade gifts.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, I earn a small commission. Thank you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make 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.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before anything else, it’s crucial to have all your ingredients ready. Trust us, the last thing you want is to realize you’re out of vanilla extract mid-way!
For the cookies, you’ll need basics like all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and brown sugar. The filling requires unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and a dash of milk. Simple, right?
Mixing the Batter
In a large bowl, mix your dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder (we suggest using Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a richer taste), baking soda (not baking powder), and salt.
In another medium bowl, combine the wet ingredients like light brown sugar, melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. The key here is not to over-mix. Over-mixing could result in whoopie pies that are too dense rather than light and fluffy.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Key Lime Bars
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ No-Bake Chocolate Lasagna
∙ Raspberry Cheesecake
...and much more!
Baking to Perfection
Once your batter is ready, preheat your oven (this ensures even baking). Using an ice cream scoop, cookie scoop, or a tablespoon, drop dollops of batter onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Remember, they spread out, so keep them a couple of inches apart. Bake until they’re set but still soft to the touch. Let them cool completely on a wire rack; this is essential for the filling process.
Whoopie Pie Filling Recipe
The heart of the whoopie pie! In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or with a trusty hand mixer), blend the softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar. Add vanilla extract and milk, and beat until you achieve a creamy consistency.
If you’re a fan of store-bought marshmallow fluff, feel free to mix that in as well to make a marshmallow filling! It’s usually vegetarian-friendly, but check the label.
Assembling Your Masterpiece
Now comes the fun part – putting it all together. Spread a thick layer of filling on the flat side of half the cookies. You can also use a piping bag to do this if that’s easier. Top them with the remaining cookies, creating a delightful chocolate cake sandwich.
For an elegant touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top. Voilà, your whoopie pies are ready to be devoured!
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup butter melted
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
For the Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk you may need an additional tablespoon
To Assemble
Instructions
For the Pies
- Preheat the oven to 355°F/180ºC.
- In a mixing bowl whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, and then set aside.2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup + 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt
- In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract with an electric hand mixer until blended. Add the dry ingredients and fold in until just combined – don’t over-mix.1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup butter, 1 egg, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 cup milk
- Line a baking sheet with paper and scoop the batter the size of a tablespoon 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10 minutes, remove from the oven, and let them cool in a wire rack.
For the Filling
- Mix all filling ingredients until smooth. Use a piping bag or spoon to place approximately 1 tablespoon of filling on top of a pie, then cover with the other cookie.½ cup unsalted butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top of the whoopie pies, serve, and enjoy!powdered sugar
Notes
- Cocoa Powder: While any cocoa powder will work, we highly recommend using Dutch-processed cocoa powder for this easy whoopie pies recipe. It’s less acidic and will give your whoopie pies a smoother, richer chocolate flavor. Trust us; it makes a difference! For an extra chocolatey kick, try adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder. It’s delicious!
- Measuring Matters: When you measure flour, avoid packing it down. Instead, lightly spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Using too much flour can make your whoopie pies denser than desired.
- Filling Variations: While our creamy buttercream frosting is an excellent choice, don’t be afraid to get creative. Ever thought of using a creamy marshmallow fluff filling, cream cheese frosting, or even coconut-infused fillings? The sky’s the limit!
- Mind the Size: Using an ice cream scoop or a consistent measuring method ensures that your whoopie pies are uniform in size. Not only does it make them look professionally made, but it also helps them bake evenly.
- Avoid Over-mixing: Remember, the goal is light and fluffy whoopie pies. Over-mixing the batter can result in a denser texture. So, mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Temperature Tips: Always make sure ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature. This ensures even blending and a smoother batter. Also, when baking, place your baking sheet in the middle rack of the oven for uniform heat distribution.
- Can I make mini whoopie pies? Of course! Just use a smaller scoop when placing the batter on the baking sheet. Do keep an eye on them as they’ll bake faster due to their size.
- My batter seems too thick. What did I do wrong? It’s possible that there might have been too much flour in your mixture. Remember the tip about not packing the flour when measuring? That’s crucial. If the batter is too thick, you can adjust by adding a splash of milk.
- Storage: Stored in an airtight container, whoopie pies can typically last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Let them come to room temperature before enjoying them again. The flavor is just better that way!
- Freezing: Place the pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Quick Tip on Freshness: If you’re unsure how long your stored whoopie pies have been sitting in the fridge, a quick touch test can help. Fresh whoopie pies are soft and spring back slightly when lightly pressed. If they feel overly hard or dry, it might be time to bid them goodbye.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Key Lime Bars
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ No-Bake Chocolate Lasagna
∙ Raspberry Cheesecake
...and much more!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Cocoa Powder: While any cocoa powder will work, we highly recommend using Dutch-processed cocoa powder for this easy whoopie pies recipe. It’s less acidic and will give your whoopie pies a smoother, richer chocolate flavor. Trust us; it makes a difference! For an extra chocolatey kick, try adding in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder. It’s delicious!
- Measuring Matters: When you measure flour, avoid packing it down. Instead, lightly spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Using too much flour can make your whoopie pies denser than desired.
- Filling Variations: While our creamy buttercream frosting is an excellent choice, don’t be afraid to get creative. Ever thought of using a creamy marshmallow fluff filling, cream cheese frosting, or even coconut-infused fillings? The sky’s the limit!
- Mind the Size: Using an ice cream scoop or a consistent measuring method ensures that your whoopie pies are uniform in size. Not only does it make them look professionally made, but it also helps them bake evenly.
- Avoid Over-mixing: Remember, the goal is light and fluffy whoopie pies. Over-mixing the batter can result in a denser texture. So, mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Temperature Tips: Always make sure ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature. This ensures even blending and a smoother batter. Also, when baking, place your baking sheet in the middle rack of the oven for uniform heat distribution.
- Can I make mini whoopie pies? Of course! Just use a smaller scoop when placing the batter on the baking sheet. Do keep an eye on them as they’ll bake faster due to their size.
- My batter seems too thick. What did I do wrong? It’s possible that there might have been too much flour in your mixture. Remember the tip about not packing the flour when measuring? That’s crucial. If the batter is too thick, you can adjust by adding a splash of milk.
How to Store Leftover Whoopie Pies
You don’t always find yourself with leftover whoopie pies, but if you do, here are the best ways to store them.
Airtight Containers
To retain the freshness and prevent them from drying out, always store whoopie pies in an airtight container. Make sure they’re cool completely before storing to avoid any condensation build-up inside the container, which can make them soggy.
Refrigerate or Not?
While it’s tempting to just leave them on the counter, if your filling has any dairy or perishable ingredients (like the milk and butter we used), it’s safer to refrigerate them.
They typically last for up to 5 days in the fridge. If you do refrigerate, let them come to room temperature before enjoying them again. The flavor is just better that way!
Freezing Whoopie Pies
Yes, you can freeze them! If you plan on making a large batch for future events or just want to have a stash for surprise guests, place the pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Quick Tip on Freshness
If you’re unsure how long your stored whoopie pies have been sitting in the fridge or counter, a quick touch test can help.
Fresh whoopie pies are soft and spring back slightly when lightly pressed. If they feel overly hard or dry, it might be time to bid them goodbye.
What to Serve With This Whoopie Pie Recipe
Take your pies to the next level with these serving suggestions.
Ice Cream Delight
Why not transform your whoopie pie into an ice cream sandwich? Take your favorite ice cream flavor (we’re partial to mint chocolate, peanut butter, or salted caramel), and place a scoop between two whoopie pies. It’s an elevated dessert that’s sure to impress!
A Warm Beverage
Whether it’s a cold winter evening or a cozy rainy day, pairing your whoopie pie with a warm beverage can be a match made in heaven.
Classic choices include hot cocoa, a latte, or even a cup of chai. The warmth contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Fruit Compote or Fresh Berries
Adding a side of fruit compote or fresh berries can introduce a tangy note to balance the sweetness of the pies. This pairing not only elevates the taste but also adds a splash of color to your dessert plate, making it a feast for the eyes!
If you’re a fan of strawberries, our strawberry topping goes perfectly with the buttercream filling in these whoopie pies. Our raspberry puree has a tart kick to it and can be spread like a runny jam. Delicious!
Whipped Cream or Dessert Sauces
For those who love an extra dose of sweetness, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of hot fudge sauce or caramel can be the cherry on top. It adds another layer of flavor and texture, making each bite even more decadent.
