Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These whoopie pies are soft, moist, and packed with chocolate flavor.
The fluffy cream filling creates the perfect contrast to the tender cake-like cookies.
They are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
Whoopie pies are portable and great for parties, picnics, and lunchbox treats.
They can be customized with different fillings and flavors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chocolate cakes:
All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Buttermilk
For the filling:
Unsalted butter, softened
Powdered sugar
Marshmallow creme
Vanilla extract
Milk or heavy cream
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
Add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing until a smooth batter forms.
Drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cakes spring back lightly when touched.
Allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks.
For the filling, beat the butter until creamy.
Add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
Beat in the marshmallow creme and vanilla extract.
Add milk or cream as needed until the filling reaches a fluffy, spreadable consistency.
Spread or pipe the filling onto the flat side of one cake and top with another cake to create a sandwich.
Repeat with the remaining cakes and filling.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 whoopie pies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Cooling and assembly time: 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour
Variations
Use a cream cheese filling instead of marshmallow filling.
Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture.
Make pumpkin whoopie pies by replacing the chocolate cakes with pumpkin-spice cakes.
Flavor the filling with peppermint, almond, or coffee extract.
Roll the edges of the filling in sprinkles, crushed cookies, or mini chocolate chips.
Use vanilla cake batter for a lighter version.
Storage/Reheating
Store whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 1 week if using a dairy-rich filling.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freeze assembled whoopie pies for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Whoopie pies do not require reheating and are best enjoyed at room temperature.
FAQs
What is a whoopie pie?
A whoopie pie is a dessert made of two soft cake-like cookies sandwiched together with a sweet cream filling.
Why are they called whoopie pies?
According to popular tradition, the name came from people exclaiming “Whoopie!” when they found these treats in their lunchboxes.
Can I make whoopie pies ahead of time?
Yes, they can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze whoopie pies?
Yes, they freeze very well for up to 2 months.
Why are my whoopie pies flat?
Overmixing the batter or using expired leavening agents can cause them to spread too much.
Can I use store-bought frosting as the filling?
Yes, although homemade filling typically provides a better texture and flavor.
How do I keep whoopie pies soft?
Store them in an airtight container to maintain their moisture.
Can I make mini whoopie pies?
Absolutely. Simply use smaller portions of batter and reduce the baking time slightly.
What other fillings can I use?
Cream cheese frosting, buttercream, chocolate ganache, and peanut butter frosting are all excellent options.
Can I make them without buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar.
Conclusion
Easy Whoopie Pies are a delightful dessert that combines soft chocolate cakes with a creamy, fluffy filling. Simple to prepare and endlessly customizable, these classic sandwich treats are perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk or shared at a gathering, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles with every bite.
PrintEasy Whoopie Pie
Easy Whoopie Pies are soft chocolate cake-like sandwich cookies filled with a fluffy marshmallow cream filling. These classic American treats are perfect for parties, bake sales, holidays, and everyday desserts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Buttermilk
- Unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- Powdered sugar
- Marshmallow creme
- Vanilla extract (for filling)
- Milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing until a smooth batter forms.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cakes spring back lightly when touched.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks.
- For the filling, beat the butter until creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- Beat in the marshmallow creme and vanilla extract.
- Add milk or cream as needed until the filling reaches a fluffy, spreadable consistency.
- Spread or pipe the filling onto the flat side of one cake and top with another cake to create a sandwich.
- Repeat with the remaining cakes and filling.
Notes
- Use cream cheese frosting for a tangy filling variation.
- Mini chocolate chips can be added to the batter for extra texture.
- Flavor the filling with peppermint, almond, or coffee extract.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week if desired.
- Freeze assembled whoopie pies for up to 2 months and thaw before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
