Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe

There’s something utterly magical about Chocolate Whoopie Pies—a playful combination of tender, cake-like cookies hugging a cloud of creamy filling. These treats are pure nostalgia baked into every bite, delighting kids and grown-ups alike with their moist texture and irresistible, chocolaty flavor. Whether you’re creating a lunchbox surprise, sharing with friends at a cozy gathering, or indulging in a midnight snack, Chocolate Whoopie Pies elevate everyday moments to something truly special.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret behind unforgettable Chocolate Whoopie Pies lies in a few simple, top-notch ingredients. Each one brings its own charm to the mix: rich cocoa for flavor, buttermilk for tenderness, and a lush filling to tie it all together. Don’t skip or skimp—every item makes a difference!

• All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their classic soft and cakey structure.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Packs a deep chocolate punch that sets the tone for the whole dessert.
• Baking soda: Promotes lift, ensuring each pie is light and fluffy rather than dense.
• Salt: Enhances all the chocolatey notes and keeps the sweetness balanced.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the pies without making them overwhelming and helps create a tender texture.
• Egg: Binds everything together and gives the pies structure.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm undertone that complements the chocolate beautifully.
• Buttermilk: Its tang and acidity make the cakes impossibly soft and flavorful.
• For the filling – Marshmallow creme: Classic and fluffy, this forms the dreamy base of your filling.
• For the filling – Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling to the perfect consistency.
• For the filling – Unsalted butter: Brings creaminess and richness to the center.
• For the filling – Vanilla extract: A touch inside the filling lifts the flavors even higher.

How to Make Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This little step ensures your Chocolate Whoopie Pies bake up evenly and release without sticking, making for perfectly shaped treats and effortless cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Sifting or whisking prevents lumps and guarantees that rich cocoa gets evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This aerates the mixture and lays the foundation for that irresistibly tender texture every great Chocolate Whoopie Pie is known for.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mix until well incorporated. You’ll see the batter take on a creamy, silky appearance—just right for the next steps.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry, Then Add Buttermilk

Alternately mix in the dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mix. This gentle approach yields a thick, smooth batter ready to scoop—perfect for forming those signature pillowy domes.

Step 6: Portion and Bake

Scoop even mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving room for spreading. Bake in a preheated oven until the cakes are set and a toothpick comes out clean. Watch them rise into little cakes with crisped edges and soft centers.

Step 7: Make the Fluffy Filling

Beat together the marshmallow creme, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until fluffy and smooth. This sweet, cloud-like filling makes every Chocolate Whoopie Pie positively crave-worthy.

Step 8: Assemble the Whoopie Pies

Once the cake rounds are completely cooled, spread or pipe filling onto the flat side of one cake, then gently sandwich with a second. You’ll see why they’re called “whoopie pies”–it’s hard not to shout with joy at this stage!

How to Serve Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Chocolate Whoopie Pies with a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic finish, or roll the edges in colorful sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or even crushed nuts for extra flair and crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair these treats with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A bowl of fresh berries contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate and fluffy filling—turning a simple snack into a mini dessert platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your pies on a rustic platter, wrap them in parchment for charming lunchbox additions, or build a playful “whoopie pie tower” as a dramatic centerpiece for celebrations. However you serve them, Chocolate Whoopie Pies have a way of drawing everyone to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten Chocolate Whoopie Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them for up to five days. The filling stays soft and the cakes remain moist—perfect for nibbling whenever the craving strikes.

Freezing

You can freeze assembled whoopie pies by wrapping each individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a zip-top freezer bag. Stored this way, they’ll last for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature for a handheld treat whenever you like.

Reheating

Although Chocolate Whoopie Pies are delicious at room temp or cold, if you like yours slightly warmed, microwave for just a few seconds—watch closely! The filling gets extra gooey, making each bite ultra-indulgent.

FAQs

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa instead of natural?

Absolutely! Dutch-processed cocoa deepens the color and mellows the acidity, giving your Chocolate Whoopie Pies an even more intense, sophisticated chocolate flavor. Just be mindful that the finished cakes may be a little darker and richer.

My filling is too runny, what should I do?

If the filling seems a bit loose, simply add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it holds its shape. Chilling the filling for a few minutes can also help it firm up beautifully for sandwiching.

Can I make mini Chocolate Whoopie Pies?

Definitely! Use a teaspoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the batter, and reduce the baking time slightly. Mini versions are perfectly poppable and make adorable party treats.

Can I flavor the filling differently?

Yes, and it’s a wonderful way to customize your treat. Try mixing in a touch of peppermint extract, espresso powder, or even a spoonful of peanut butter for a fun twist on classic Chocolate Whoopie Pies.

Do I need to chill the cakes before filling?

Letting the cake rounds cool completely ensures the filling won’t melt and ooze out. If you’re in a hurry, a few minutes in the fridge speeds this up and makes assembly much tidier.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Chocolate Whoopie Pies at home, now is the perfect time to let a little joy into your kitchen. With every bite, you’ll understand why these classic treats are so beloved—soft, chocolatey, and filled with pure happiness. Gather your ingredients and enjoy sharing them with friends, family, or anyone who could use a sweet pick-me-up!

Print