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Classic Chocolate Whoopie Pies are the ultimate treat! Whoopie pies are delicious, whipped vanilla marshmallow frosting sandwiched between two decadent chocolate cookie cakes made with Dutch cocoa, with just the right touch of sweetness. These habit-forming pies will definitely make you shout, “Whoopie!”

Originally popular in New England and Amish country, it’s even graced it’s fun take on sandwich cookies that can be filled with whatever frosting you want for your perfect celebration or holiday! You can even dip the sides of the filling in peppermint or sprinkles to really take them to the next festive level!

The Story of Whoopie Pies

If you’ve never had a whoopie pie, you’re missing out! Also known as gobs, bobs, black-and-whites, “big fat Oreos,” and sometimes “moon pies.”

Tradition has it that this age-old dessert was placed in Amish children’s lunch pails and as they discovered it, they shouted “Whoopie!” After one bite, you will see why!

There are many versions of Classic Whoopie Pies out there, so you may come across other recipes that may use shortening in the cakes and filling, or marshmallow cream or not in the filling, etc. Not looking for a debate about other versions, but I prefer the filling with the marshmallow cream, because it’s a sweeter filling with the cakes. Plus, I love marshmallow anything!

If you’re all in on chocolate, give these Perfect Hershey’s Chocolate Cupcakes a try!

Baking Tips

Use Dutch unsweetened cocoa powder to get a rich, dark chocolate flavor. Use black cocoa for even more dramatic results!
The texture of the batter will spread and plump up in the oven while they bake, so make sure to leave room on baking sheet.
Avoid overmixing the batter for best results.
To assemble, once the cookies have cooled, turn over half of them and frost! Add another cookie to the top to make your sandwich cookie complete!
Use a cookie scoop to scoop out the batter for even sizes. You can make these mini, regular sized or jumbo! Just make sure to adjust time.

Ingredients You Need

Whoopie Pie Cakes

all-purpose flour
Dutch unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter
granulated sugar or brown sugar
egg
vanilla extract
milk or buttermilk
espresso powder, optional

2 Fillings to Choose From:

1. Classic Vanilla Cream Filling

unsalted butter or shortening
confectioners sugar
milk
vanilla extract

2. Vanilla Marshmallow Buttercream Filling

marshmallow fluff
confectioners sugar
unsalted butter or shortening
vanilla extract
salt
milk, as needed

How to Make Classic Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Preheat oven to 350F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
Using a mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla. Beat until well combined. Gradually add in the milk/buttermilk, scraping the bottom of the bowl as needed. If batter curdles, just continue, it will come together in the end.
Slowly add dry ingredients. Mix until just combined by not overmixing batter.
Using a small, medium or large cookie or ice cream scoop, drop the batter onto the prepared baking pan 2″ apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes for smaller and 15-16 minutes for larger or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, but do not overbake. They may not look completely done, but if they are firm to touch but still look wet, pull them from the oven and let them continue to cool on baking sheet before frosting. You can also make these mini or larger, just adjust time.

How to Make Vanilla Marshmallow Buttercream Filling

While the whoopie pies are cooling, prepare the filling by creaming the butter/shortening and powdered sugar. Add vanilla and salt and mix until combined. Add marshmallow fluff. Mix well, adding milk, a tablespoon at a time, as needed.
Using a piping bag or spoon, spread 2 approximately 2 tablespoons worth of marshmallow buttercream onto the inside of one cake layer then gently press the other cake layer over top to make a sandwich.

How to Make Classic Vanilla Cream Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the butter/shortening and powdered sugar at low speed until crumbly. Mix in extract and milk until combined, then switch to high speed and beat until light and fluffy.

Storing Whoopie Pies

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container lined with wax or parchment paper at room temperature for 2-3 days and in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
To Freeze – Individually wrap the whoopie pies and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight on the counter before serving.

More Fun Dessert Recipes!