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Irresistible Whoopie Pie Cookies Recipe
Few desserts capture pure nostalgic joy quite like Whoopie Pie Cookies—those soft, cakey chocolate cookie sandwiches filled with creamy, fluffy frosting. They’re a beloved treat across generations, famously enjoyed in New England, Pennsylvania Amish country, and now across the globe. These irresistible cookie sandwiches offer the perfect balance of tender, pillowy chocolate cookies and a rich, cloud-like vanilla or marshmallow filling.
This recipe delivers everything you expect from a perfect whoopie pie: moist, deeply chocolatey, soft and tender cookies that come together with a luscious vanilla marshmallow cream. Whether you’re preparing them for a birthday party, bake sale, holiday dessert board, or simply because your sweet tooth demands something unforgettable, these whoopie pies are guaranteed to delight.
This full-length article walks you through each step, from ingredient breakdown to expert tips, troubleshooting, variation ideas, and serving suggestions. Let’s dive into the ultimate whoopie pie experience!
What Are Whoopie Pies?
Whoopie pies are iconic American treats traditionally made from two small, soft chocolate cakes with a creamy frosting sandwiched in the center. Technically, they are somewhere between a cake, cookie, and sandwich dessert.
Origin Stories:
- Pennsylvania Dutch/Amish: The most widely accepted origin claims whoopie pies were created by Amish bakers using leftover cake batter. Husbands and children found them in lunch pails and shouted “Whoopie!”
- New England (Maine): Some say Maine popularized them, even declaring them the official state treat.
Regardless of where they began, they’ve become one of America’s most nostalgic desserts—beloved for their soft texture and comforting flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Whoopie Pie Cookie Recipe
✔ Soft, cakey chocolate cookies that stay moist for days
✔ Classic sweet marshmallow-vanilla filling
✔ Easy ingredients and simple method
✔ Perfect for gifting or entertaining
✔ Can be customized in dozens of fun ways
This version is slightly elevated yet stays true to the classic flavor that made whoopie pies famous.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chocolate Whoopie Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Classic Whoopie Pie Filling
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp heavy cream (optional for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Whoopie Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla; beat until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with buttermilk.
- Scoop batter onto lined sheets, leaving space between cookies.
- Bake 10–12 minutes or until set and springy to the touch.
- Cool completely before filling.
2. Prepare the Filling
- Beat butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar gradually.
- Beat in marshmallow fluff and vanilla.
- Add 1–2 tbsp cream if needed for spreadability.
3. Assemble the Whoopie Pies
- Spread or pipe filling on the flat side of one cookie.
- Top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
- Refrigerate 20 minutes to set cleanly (optional).
Irresistible Whoopie Pie Cookies
Soft, cake-like chocolate cookies sandwiched with a fluffy marshmallow-vanilla filling for the perfect homemade whoopie pies.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- Mix in dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately until batter is smooth.
- Scoop batter onto sheets and bake 10–12 minutes.
- Cool cookies completely.
- Beat butter until creamy; add powdered sugar gradually.
- Mix in marshmallow fluff and vanilla.
- Pipe or spread filling onto cookies and sandwich together.
Notes
Chill assembled whoopie pies for cleaner edges and easier handling.
Baking Tips for Perfect Whoopie Pie Cookies
✔ Use Buttermilk
It creates a soft, tender, cake-like texture.
✔ Don’t Overbake
The cookies should be soft, not dry. Remove them as soon as they are barely set.
✔ Chill the Dough If Needed
If the batter feels runny, refrigerate 10–15 minutes to prevent spreading.
✔ Pair Cookies by Size
Match cookies of similar diameter before filling for perfectly even sandwiches.
✔ Allow Full Cooling
Warm cookies will melt the filling.
Flavor Variations
1. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Swap the chocolate batter for pumpkin spice batter—amazing in fall.
2. Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Add red coloring and reduce cocoa to create a visually stunning treat.
3. Peanut Butter Filling
Mix peanut butter into the frosting for a Reese’s-inspired version.
4. Mint Chocolate Whoopies
Add peppermint extract to the filling and dust edges with crushed candy cane.
5. Birthday Cake Whoopie Pies
Use vanilla cookies and add sprinkles to the filling.
6. Salted Caramel Center
Add a spoonful of caramel inside the frosting layer—pure decadence.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled for the cleanest bites.
- Roll edges in mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for texture.
- Add powdered sugar dusting for presentation.
- Include on cookie boxes, dessert boards, or party platters.
How to Store Whoopie Pies
- Store in airtight container 3–4 days.
- Refrigeration keeps filling firm.
- Freeze individually wrapped pies up to 2 months.
Fun Whoopie Pie Facts
- Maine hosts an annual Whoopie Pie Festival.
- Some bakeries make giant pies up to 5 pounds!
- They were once considered comfort snacks for coal miners.
- Early recipes used lard-based fillings before marshmallow fluff became popular