Whoopie Pies are delightful sandwich cookies filled with a creamy filling, often made from marshmallow fluff or buttercream. Soft, cake-like cookies are paired with a sweet, fluffy filling to create a delicious dessert that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat. This recipe will give you a classic chocolate version, but feel free to experiment with different flavors!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk and 1 tbsp vinegar)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups (150g) marshmallow fluff (or marshmallow crème)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Preparation
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 12-15 Whoopie Pies (depending on size)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. - Make the Cookie Batter:
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition. - Form the Cookies:
• Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart, as they will spread a little while baking.
• Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers to form even circles. - Bake the Cookies:
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cookies comes out clean.
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Prepare the Filling:
• While the cookies are cooling, make the filling. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
• Add the marshmallow fluff, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and beat until light and fluffy.
• If the filling is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk to achieve the desired consistency. - Assemble the Whoopie Pies:
• Once the cookies have cooled completely, pair them up based on size.
• Spread or pipe a generous amount of filling onto the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie, pressing gently to sandwich the filling.
• Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling. - Chill and Serve:
• For best results, place the whoopie pies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the filling to firm up.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Cookie Size: To ensure evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop consistent amounts of dough onto the baking sheets.
- Filling Texture: If you prefer a firmer filling, chill it in the fridge for a while before spreading. If it’s too stiff to spread, let it soften at room temperature before using.
- Flavor Variations: While the classic version uses chocolate cookies and marshmallow filling, you can experiment with different flavors. Try using vanilla, pumpkin, or even red velvet cookies paired with a cream cheese filling or a flavored buttercream.
Fun Twists
- Chocolate-Dipped Whoopie Pies: After assembling the pies, dip one side of each pie in melted chocolate and allow it to set for a decadent touch.
- Flavored Fillings: Instead of marshmallow fluff, try using different fillings such as peanut butter, chocolate ganache, or cream cheese frosting.
- Mini Whoopie Pies: Make smaller versions of the pies by dropping teaspoon-sized portions of dough and filling them with less cream for bite-sized treats.
Final Touch
Whoopie Pies are a crowd-pleasing treat that combines soft, cake-like cookies with a sweet, creamy filling. Whether you’re making them for a party, holiday, or just as an afternoon treat, these homemade pies are sure to be a hit!
Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in each bite!