Oreo Whoopie Pies Recipe: The Ultimate Guide
Craving something deliciously sweet but also fun to make? Oreo Whoopie Pies are the answer! Imagine soft, cake-like cookies sandwiching a rich, creamy filling, all infused with the signature taste of Oreos. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe will guide you through the entire process, helping you create a treat that’s sure to impress.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, steps, and tips for perfecting your Oreo Whoopie Pies. You’ll find everything you need to know about creating these delightful desserts, from making the cookies to preparing the creamy filling.
Let’s get started!
What Are Oreo Whoopie Pies?
Whoopie pies are classic American treats that traditionally consist of two soft cookies with a sweet filling sandwiched in between. They’re often described as a cross between a cookie and a cake. The Oreo twist adds a familiar chocolatey flavor that we all know and love. These Oreo Whoopie Pies take that concept to the next level, combining the best of both worlds—cookies and Oreos!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To ensure your Oreo Whoopie Pies turn out perfectly every time, gather these simple ingredients. You’ll notice we’re sticking to easily accessible items you likely already have in your pantry:
For the Cookies:
- 1 box (14.25 oz) vanilla or chocolate cake mix – This helps achieve the light, fluffy texture.
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix – Adds moisture and helps with that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 2 large eggs – Room temperature eggs help the batter come together smoothly.
- 1/2 cup (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened – Butter provides richness and flavor without making the cookies too oily.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Boosts the overall flavor profile.
- 1 cup finely crushed Oreo cookies – The star of the show! Make sure to leave the filling in the Oreos for extra creaminess.
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 package (8 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened – Cream cheese gives the filling a tangy richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the creaminess of the filling.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
- 3 cups powdered sugar – Adjust according to your desired level of sweetness.
How to Make Oreo Whoopie Pies
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and instant pudding mix. The pudding mix is key to achieving the soft, cake-like texture that defines a perfect whoopie pie.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter is softened to help the ingredients incorporate evenly.
- Stir in Crushed Oreos: Gently fold in the finely crushed Oreos. You want to make sure each bite has a hint of that classic Oreo flavor.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. This will prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking and help them maintain their puffy, cake-like shape.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
- Roll Dough Into Balls: Scoop out about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie. You can weigh them if you want precise uniformity (about 30 grams per cookie).
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake!
- Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and develop the ideal texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the delicious cream cheese filling that will bring your Oreo Whoopie Pies to life.
- Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Vanilla and Salt: Beat in the vanilla extract and salt to enhance the flavor.
- Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired sweetness and thickness. You can adjust the amount of sugar if you want a less sweet or thicker filling.
Step 5: Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Now for the fun part—assembling your Oreo Whoopie Pies!
- Pipe the Filling: Transfer the cream cheese frosting to a piping bag fitted with a wide tip (or simply use a plastic sandwich bag with the corner snipped off).
- Sandwich the Cookies: Pipe a generous swirl of frosting onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently sandwich it with another cookie.
- Rest Overnight for Best Texture: For the ultimate soft, cake-like texture, cover the whoopie pies with plastic wrap and refrigerate them overnight. This step is crucial as it allows the cookies to soften and the flavors to meld together.
Pro Tips for Perfect Oreo Whoopie Pies
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. You want them soft, not crispy!
- Filling Consistency: If your cream cheese frosting is too soft, pop it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to firm it up before piping.
- Rest Time: Letting the assembled whoopie pies sit overnight makes all the difference. They become soft, cake-like, and incredibly flavorful.
Variations to Try
Looking to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to customize your Oreo Whoopie Pies:
- Funfetti Whoopie Pies: Add colorful sprinkles to the cookie dough for a fun, festive twist.
- Mint Oreo Whoopie Pies: Use mint-flavored Oreos and add a touch of peppermint extract to the filling for a refreshing variation.
- Double Chocolate: For an even richer flavor, swap out the vanilla cake mix for chocolate cake mix.
- Peanut Butter Filling: Love peanut butter? Try adding 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the cream cheese filling for a nutty kick.
FAQs About Oreo Whoopie Pies
Can I Freeze Oreo Whoopie Pies?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze them until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, pop them in the oven straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the bake time.
How Long Do Oreo Whoopie Pies Last?
Store your Oreo Whoopie Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, let them come to room temperature for the best texture.
Can I Use Homemade Oreos for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own Oreo-style cookies from scratch. Just be sure to chop them finely before adding them to the dough.
Oreo Whoopie Pies Nutrition Information
Serving Size | Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fat | Sugar |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 serving (1 whoopie pie) | 416 kcal | 53.6g | 3g | 21.6g | 43.4g |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands used.
Conclusion: Make Your Own Oreo Whoopie Pies Today!
With their soft, cake-like texture and rich, creamy filling, Oreo Whoopie Pies are a dessert lover’s dream. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a fun treat, these whoopie pies are sure to impress. The simple ingredients and easy steps make them perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! Your kitchen is about to become everyone’s favorite spot for sweet treats.