If you’re looking for a nostalgic treat that’s irresistibly soft and delightfully sweet, this Whoopie Pies Recipe is exactly what you need. These pillowy chocolate cookies sandwich a creamy marshmallow filling that melts in your mouth, delivering comfort in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these classic whoopie pies never fail to bring smiles and a bit of magic to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is what makes this Whoopie Pies Recipe so approachable yet incredibly delicious. Each component plays a vital role: the flour and cocoa powder provide structure and rich chocolate flavor, the butter adds moistness and tenderness, and the marshmallow fluff creates that iconic, dreamy filling.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your cookies just the right chew and softness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder: Adds that quintessential chocolatey depth without overwhelming the palate.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while aiding in creating a light, fluffy cookie.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and aromatic flair to both dough and filling.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and helps blend flavors smoothly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Creates a creamy base for the luscious marshmallow filling.
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff (or marshmallow creme): The star of the filling, delivering that classic sweet, fluffy texture.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps achieve a silky finish.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the filling.
How to Make Whoopie Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your dry ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. This blend ensures even distribution of leavening and chocolate flavor throughout your cookies.
Step 2: Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, roughly 3 minutes. This step is key for a tender crumb, as it incorporates air which chills into softer cookies. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until they are fully integrated.
Step 3: Combine wet and dry mixtures
Now alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and the milk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the cookies tough. This balance is what creates that signature soft texture of whoopie pies.
Step 4: Bake the cookies
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one to allow for spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cookies feel springy to the touch. Let them rest on the sheet for a few minutes to set before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the filling
While your cookies cool down, whip up the filling by beating softened butter and marshmallow fluff in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, continuing to beat until the mixture is delightfully light and fluffy. This filling complements the chocolate cookies with just the right amount of sweetness and fluffiness.
Step 6: Assemble the whoopie pies
Take two cooled cookies and spread a generous layer of the marshmallow filling on the flat side of one. Sandwich it with the other cookie and press down gently to evenly distribute the filling. This sweet union is what transforms simple cookies into indulgent whoopie pies.
Step 7: Enjoy or store
Serve your whoopie pies immediately to enjoy the perfect texture contrast, or refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more beautifully after resting, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat.
How to Serve Whoopie Pies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips or a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the marshmallow filling before sandwiching. Adding chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles on the edges lends a fun, festive look and adds a lovely crunch. These small touches can elevate your whoopie pies from classic to truly personalized delights.
Side Dishes
Whoopie pies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, hot chocolate, or even coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. If serving at a party, consider adding fresh berries or a light fruit salad on the side to balance the sweetness and bring a fresh contrast to your dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking individual whoopie pies on a tiered cake stand to create a charming dessert centerpiece. You can also wrap each whoopie pie in a colorful cellophane bag tied with ribbon for charming party favors. For an interactive twist, offer a DIY filling bar with different flavored marshmallow spreads or flavored frostings to customize them on the spot!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fresh. The filling and cookie balance holds well without becoming soggy, making them perfect for enjoying over several days.
Freezing
If you want to make the Whoopie Pies Recipe ahead of time or save extras, freeze the assembled pies individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain the perfect texture.
Reheating
To enjoy warm whoopie pies, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back a soft, freshly-baked feel that makes each bite taste as if you just pulled them from the oven. Avoid over-heating to prevent the marshmallow filling from melting too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different filling instead of marshmallow fluff?
Absolutely! While marshmallow fluff gives the classic texture and flavor, cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream are delicious alternatives that work wonderfully in this Whoopie Pies Recipe.
How do I prevent my whoopie pies from cracking?
Make sure not to overmix the dough, and try to keep the batter consistent in size when scooping. Baking at the correct temperature and not overbaking also helps maintain a smooth, soft surface.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the texture tender.
Do whoopie pies need to be refrigerated?
They do not require refrigeration if you plan to eat them within a couple of days. However, storing them in the fridge helps extend freshness and keeps the marshmallow filling firm for longer.
How long do whoopie pies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, whoopie pies stay fresh for about 3 days. Refrigeration can extend this to 5 days, and freezing preserves them for up to a month.
Final Thoughts
Making this Whoopie Pies Recipe is like inviting a smile into your kitchen one bite at a time. Soft chocolate cookies paired with that pillowy marshmallow filling create a dessert experience that feels both nostalgic and special. Once you try these, they’ll become one of your go-to treats for sharing sweetness and joy with friends and family. So, don’t wait too long—bake a batch and savor every delightful mouthful!
Print
Whoopie Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 Whoopie Pies (24 cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these classic Whoopie Pies featuring soft, cocoa-flavored cookies sandwiched with a creamy marshmallow and butter frosting. Perfectly sized for a sweet treat, these homemade pies offer a nostalgic dessert that’s both fluffy and rich.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff (or marshmallow creme)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dry ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat until fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined without overmixing.
- Form and bake cookies: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cookies spring back when gently pressed. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the filling: While the cookies cool, beat the softened butter and marshmallow fluff in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt; continue beating until the filling is light and fluffy.
- Assemble Whoopie Pies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another. Press gently to evenly distribute the filling.
- Store and serve: Serve the Whoopie Pies immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep fresh.
Notes
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before assembling to prevent filling from melting.
- You can substitute low-fat milk instead of whole milk for a lighter version.
- Use fresh marshmallow fluff for best texture in the filling.
- For a chocolate intensification, increase cocoa powder slightly but reduce flour accordingly.
- These Whoopie Pies can be made a day ahead and refrigerated for convenience.
