Halloween Whoopie Pies Recipe

Sink your teeth into the ultimate festive treat with this Halloween Whoopie Pies Recipe—a monstrously fun twist on the classic sandwich cookie, bursting with rich chocolate flavor, fluffy marshmallow filling, and decked out in wickedly spirited Halloween colors. These whoopie pies are as much fun to make as they are to eat, and their bold orange and black hues make them the perfect crowd-pleaser for any spooky gathering. Whether you’re baking with kids or whipping up something eye-catching for a party, this recipe is sure to conjure smiles and satisfy every sweet tooth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about all the simple yet crucial ingredients that come together in these Halloween Whoopie Pies Recipe—each one has a special role in bringing you soft, spongy cakes and irresistibly creamy filling. These classic pantry staples transform into a show-stopping dessert with a few creative twists!

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for tender, cakey whoopie pies that hold their shape but stay delightfully soft.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives that deep, chocolatey base which contrasts beautifully with the vibrant fillings and toppings.
• Baking soda & baking powder: The dynamic leavening duo ensures the pies rise just enough for that signature puff.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the chocolate flavors pop.
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter is crucial for both the cookie and the luscious filling, lending richness and moisture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds straight-up sweetness and helps create the delicate crumb structure.
• Large egg: Binds the batter and adds just the right amount of lift and structure.
• Vanilla extract: Brings aromatic warmth to both the chocolate cake and the marshmallowy filling.
• Buttermilk: The secret for pillowy, tangy softness—its acidity pairs perfectly with the cocoa.
• Orange and black food coloring: Create eye-popping, festive cookies that no ghoul or goblin can miss.
• Festive Halloween sprinkles (optional): Add playful crunch and a splash of extra color.
• Powdered sugar (for filling): Forms the base of the dreamy buttercream-like center.
• Marshmallow creme: Brings that signature lightness and gooey goodness to the filling.
• Orange food coloring (optional, for filling): Gives the marshmallow center a glowing, pumpkin-hued finish.

How to Make Halloween Whoopie Pies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Start things off right by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready when your batter is. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this keeps the pies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This not only combines them evenly but also aerates the mixture, setting you up for light, fluffy whoopie pies.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it looks pale and fluffy—usually about 2-3 minutes. This is key for light, cakey cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in your egg and splash of vanilla extract, making sure everything is well combined. This step adds richness and that classic whoopie pie flavor.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Mixture and Buttermilk

Add your dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk—start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is just blended and smooth; don’t overdo it!

Step 6: Tint the Batter

Divide your batter evenly between two bowls. Stir orange food coloring into one and black food coloring into the other until you have dramatic, bold colors. This is where the Halloween Whoopie Pies Recipe starts looking extra spooky!

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of each colored batter onto your prepared pans, leaving about 2 inches between each for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the tops of the cakes spring back when lightly pressed.

Step 8: Cool the Pies

Let your whoopie pies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures your filling won’t melt when you assemble the pies.

Step 9: Make the Marshmallow Filling

In a clean bowl, beat softened butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and keep beating until it’s fluffy. Mix in marshmallow creme, vanilla, and a few drops of orange food coloring if desired—you want a thick, spreadable filling.

Step 10: Assemble and Decorate

Spread or pipe the marshmallow filling on the flat side of one pie, then sandwich with another, flat side in. If you want to kick up the festivity, roll the edges in Halloween sprinkles for that perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Halloween Whoopie Pies Recipe

Garnishes

These whoopie pies look stunning with a simple pop of bright Halloween sprinkles around the edges. You can also drizzle with a little melted white chocolate tinted orange or black, or dust with powdered sugar for a ghostly finish. Presentation really makes these a conversation starter at any party or classroom gathering.

Side Dishes

Pair your Halloween Whoopie Pies Recipe with mugs of hot apple cider, spiced hot chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a party platter, surround the pies with candy corn, gummy worms, or caramel popcorn to delight every guest.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the pies on a tray lined with black and white striped parchment for a haunted-house look, or stack them pyramid-style on a cake stand for a dazzling centerpiece. For extra Halloween flair, tie each pie in clear baggies with orange and black ribbons—perfect as trick-or-treat handouts or festive party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve sandwiched the pies together, tuck them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The cool environment keeps the filling fresh and the cookies perfectly moist, so you can enjoy your Halloween Whoopie Pies Recipe all week long.

Freezing

Freeze assembled whoopie pies for up to one month—just wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before digging in for a just-baked taste.

Reheating

No actual reheating required! Simply allow refrigerated or frozen whoopie pies to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This returns the filling to its soft, creamy state and brings out the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use natural food coloring instead of regular food dyes?

Absolutely! Gel or natural food colorings work just as well for this Halloween Whoopie Pies Recipe, though colors may be more pastel than bold. Beet powder, spinach powder, or activated charcoal are great options for naturally vibrant hues.

What’s the best way to get round, even whoopie pies?

A cookie or ice cream scoop makes portioning the batter a breeze and helps achieve uniform pies. For extra precision, you can pipe the batter into circles using a piping bag—just try to keep them about the same size for easy sandwiching.

How do I make the filling less sweet?

If you prefer a less sugary filling, use unsweetened marshmallow creme or reduce the powdered sugar by one-quarter cup. You can also beat in a little cream cheese for a slightly tangy, less sweet effect.

Are these whoopie pies gluten-free friendly?

The classic version uses all-purpose flour, but you can swap in your favorite gluten-free baking mix. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for best texture—your Halloween Whoopie Pies Recipe will still turn out deliciously spooky!

Can I make these pies ahead for a Halloween party?

Yes! Bake and assemble up to three days in advance and keep them chilled until ready to serve. In fact, the filling helps keep the cakes moist, so they’re just as tasty on day three as on day one.

Final Thoughts

I can’t think of a more playful way to celebrate the season than baking up a batch of this Halloween Whoopie Pies Recipe. The vibrant colors, fluffy filling, and irresistible chocolatey goodness make them a must-share treat for friends, family, or any ghoulish gathering. Go on, get creative, and transform your kitchen into the ultimate Halloween bake shop—you’ll be glad you did!

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