Whoopie Pie Recipe

This chocolate Whoopie Pie Recipe is made of 2 soft and fluffy cake-like cookies sandwiched with creamy vanilla marshmallow filling. They are a classic treat that’s positively scrumptious.

Do you have a sweet tooth? I’m all about the cake – followed by cookies in a close second. So what could be better than a cake-like cookie sandwich held together with super creamy marshmallow filling?

Whoopie pies are something I just can’t get enough of. I never want to share whenever I make a batch. If you have never had them before – you are in for a real treat.

Don’t miss our Air Fryer S’mores Recipe!

Now – when I say they have a cake-like texture, I don’t mean a thick cake cookie. I mean that these are more like little rounds of actual cake, but with a slightly different consistency so they hold together like a cookie.

That’s what makes these so great – so soft and fluffy – then that filling – YUM! I swoon with every bite and I know you will too.

chocolate whoopie pies

Here are some commonly asked questions

What is a whoopie pie?

Whoopie pies are cookie sandwiches that are made from little rounds of cake and held together with a creamy filling. Sometimes the cake rounds are made in other flavors and often times the creamy filling varies – being a buttercream frosting, this marshmallow base, or even a cream cheese frosting.

Where did whoopie pies come from?

Well- this depends on who you ask. I have heard that Pennsylvania, Virginia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine all claim to be where they originated. Each state has a family or company that claims they were the very first ones to ever make the delicious little treat.

But as with most old, and commonly made recipes, the ability to really track it down and definitively prove that is near impossible. These days whoopie pies are a Pennsylvania Amish tradition and a classic New England treat. I also read that they are Maine’s most-loved food.

whoopie pie

How do I properly measure the flour?

The official way is to spoon the flour into the measuring cup & level off. This makes sure the flour isn’t packed tightly into your measuring cup, adding more than you need, as that will make your recipe too dry.

How to soften the butter to room temperature?

First

There are a couple of ways to do this. The first being that you can take the butter (& any other ingredients that need to be at room temperature) out, leave it on the counter for about 30 minutes while you prep for baking.

I usually start with all my chilled ingredients and pull everything I need out onto the counter before getting started – so I know for sure I have everything before I’m mid-way through I realize I’m out of something.

But sometimes it’s winter and that isn’t enough time to get the ingredients warmed up – OR – I’m just not that organized to plan ahead. It happens. So I have another couple of tricks.

Second

I place the butter in the microwave – wrapped in the paper. (don’t do this if it is wrapped in foil) Then I microwave for 2 seconds – flip – go another 2 seconds – flip again – and continue for 2 seconds on each side.

This is usually enough to get it perfect – sometimes stopping before if it feels soft enough. Take care when doing this method – overly softened butter from the microwave WILL ALTER the end result of the recipe. Don’t over-do it.

Third

My third method is to place the wrapped butter sticks in a zip-top bag and place it in a bowl of warm water. I do this with the eggs too. If the water isn’t too hot it can be THE PERFECT way to get “room-temperature” ingredients.

original whoopie pie recipe

What is the difference between Dutch-process cocoa powder and regular cocoa powder?

So Dutch-processed cocoa powder is also referred to as alkalized cocoa. This powder starts with cocoa beans that have been washed in an alkaline solution of potassium carbonate, also used in the production of soap and glass.

By doing this, it neutralizes the acidity of the beans, making the beans neutral. This is important because when they are neutral, they do not react with baking soda. Instead, it is often paired with baking powder.

So – long story short – using regular cocoa powder vs Dutch-process cocoa powder will yield a completely different rise and texture to any recipe you are making.

So I highly recommend paying close attention to the type of cocoa powder called for in each recipe and sticking to it for that reason.

best whoopie pie recipe

How to make Whoopie Pies

Chocolate Cakes

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Add the softened butter and granulated sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy– about 2 minutes.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda.
4. In a third bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla.
5. With the mixer on a low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and wet ingredients in batches. I add ⅓ of the dry, ½ of the wet, ⅓ of the dry, last ½ of the wet, and last ⅓ of the dry– but it doesn’t have to be exact. You just want it to all get mixed in evenly.
6. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure that all of the ingredients are well mixed.
7. Scoop the batter into small portions onto the parchment lined baking sheet making sure to place them at least two inches apart. I use a 2 tbsp cookie scoop to ensure they’re all the same size!
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool on the baking sheet and while you make the filling.

Filling

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla together on low speed until combined.
2. Once all of the confectioner’s sugar has been incorporated, increase the mixer speed and beat for 1-2 minutes, or until the filling is light and fluffy.
3. Next, add the marshmallow fluff and fold it gently into the butter mixture.
4. Transfer the filling to a piping bag (or a plastic bag with the end cut off) and set aside until ready to use.

Assembly

1. Once the cakes have completely cooled, place them in similar sized pairs.
2. Pipe the filling onto one of the flat sides of the cakes and top it with another cake.
3. Repeat with the remaining whoopie pies and enjoy!
4. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

Whoopie Pie Ingredients

Chocolate Cakes

• butter – softened
• granulated sugar
• all-purpose flour
• cocoa powder
• baking soda
• buttermilk
• egg
• pure vanilla extract

Filling

• butter – softened
• confectioner’s sugar
• pure vanilla extract
• marshmallow fluff

Why are my whoopie pies flat?

Flat whoopie pies tend to happen when the batter/dough isn’t thick enough, which causes it to spread while baking. This can happen with improper measuring of the dry ingredients or the butter being softened too much.

Is a whoopie pie cake or cookie?

Technically it is cake – but more like a small, personal-size cake that is made to be handheld. It looks like a cookie sandwich or a reimagined cupcake with the frosting sandwiched in the middle. The consistency is more like a super thick cake batter – which is like cookie dough – but whoopie pies are actually a cake.

Can whoopie pies be frozen?

You bet you can freeze these whoopie pies. Just wrap each one individually in 2 layers of plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Whoopie Pie Filling

• parchment paper
• 3/4 sheet pans
• mixer
• mixing bowl
• spatulas
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• cookie scoop
• granulated sugar
• all-purpose flour
• cocoa powder
• baking soda
• buttermilk
• confectioner’s sugar
• vanilla extract
• marshmallow cream
• decorating tip
• decorating bags

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If you love this Easy Whoopie Pie recipe, you’re going to love these other treats too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

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