Classic Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe

These little treats? Total chocolate joy. Classic Chocolate Whoopie Pies are soft, creamy, and so fun to eat.

I made them on a weekend just for fun—and wow, they were perfect. Like little chocolate cakes with sweet filling in the middle. Everyone wanted more.

They’re great for parties, lunchboxes, or, honestly, just because. I love how easy they are to put together. And they look super cute too.

Wanna bake some? I’ve got the steps ready. Let’s do it together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Soft and Fluffy: The chocolate cookies are tender with the perfect balance of sweetness and cocoa flavor, while the filling is a heavenly marshmallow cream that melts in your mouth.
• A Classic Favorite: If you grew up in the U.S., whoopie pies are a nostalgic treat that takes you back to childhood. They’re a hit with both kids and adults alike!
• Easy to Make: You don’t need any fancy equipment or difficult techniques to make these whoopie pies. It’s a simple, straightforward recipe that even beginners can master.
• Make Ahead: You can bake the cookies and store them for up to 3 days before assembling, or even freeze them for later.
• Perfect for Sharing: These whoopie pies are great for parties, bake sales, or as a gift to a friend. Trust me, they will be gone in minutes!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, gather these kitchen tools:

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: For beating the ingredients together and making sure everything is smooth.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two, one for the cake batter and another for the filling.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to ensuring your whoopie pies come out just right.
• Baking Sheets: You’ll need two for the cookies.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: For lining your baking sheets to prevent sticking.
• Cooling Rack: To allow the cookies to cool before filling them with the creamy center.
• Ice Cream Scoop or Spoon: To portion out the batter for perfectly round cookies.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake (Cookies):

• 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup (213g) light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional, but enhances the chocolate flavor)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon table salt
• 1 teaspoon King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (43g) Dutch-process cocoa (for rich chocolate flavor)
• 2 1/3 cups (280g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup (227g) milk, at room temperature

For the Marshmallow Cream Filling:

• 1 cup (177g) vegetable shortening
• 1 cup (113g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 1/3 cups (164g) marshmallow spread (store-bought)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (dissolved in 1 tablespoon water)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract

Variations for Classic Chocolate Whoopie Pies

• Add a Little Spice: If you love a touch of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a spicy-sweet kick.
• Make it Minty: For a refreshing twist, add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the filling. It’ll give your whoopie pies a mint-chocolate flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
• Try Different Fillings: Instead of the traditional marshmallow filling, you could use peanut butter, Nutella, or a cream cheese-based frosting for a different flavor profile.
• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a more decadent chocolate experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Classic Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake (Cookies)

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking to the pan.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a stand or hand mixer to cream together the softened butter and brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional espresso powder. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, mixing on low speed until just combined.
5. Incorporate the Milk: Gradually add the milk to the dough, mixing until smooth and thick. The batter will be thick, but that’s exactly what you want for the soft and chewy texture of these cookies.
6. Scoop the Dough: Using an ice cream scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out the dough and place it onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading as they bake.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they spring back when lightly pressed in the center. Keep a close eye on them, as overbaking will result in drier cookies. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Marshmallow Filling

1. Mix the Shortening and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the vegetable shortening and confectioners’ sugar together using a stand or hand mixer. Beat on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add the Marshmallow Spread: Add the marshmallow spread, salt-water mixture, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Continue to beat until everything is well combined and the filling is light and fluffy.
3. Adjust the Texture: If the filling seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to loosen it up to your desired consistency. If it’s too runny, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it up.

Step 3: Assemble the Whoopie Pies

1. Pair the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, pair them up in similar sizes. This ensures that the whoopie pies will look uniform and neat when assembled.
2. Add the Filling: Using a spoon or a piping bag, add a generous dollop of the marshmallow filling onto the flat side of one cookie. Place the matching cookie on top, pressing gently to sandwich the filling in between.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Your whoopie pies are now ready to enjoy! Serve them fresh or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

How to Serve Classic Chocolate Whoopie Pies

• On Their Own: These whoopie pies are delicious enough to stand alone. Serve them at a party or simply enjoy them with a glass of milk.
• With Ice Cream: Make them extra indulgent by serving them with a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or mint ice cream. You can even sandwich the ice cream between the whoopie pies for an epic dessert!
• For Special Occasions: Whoopie pies are a great addition to any celebration, whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or a bake sale. They also make wonderful gifts when wrapped up in a cute box or container.

Storing and Freezing Classic Chocolate Whoopie Pies

• Room Temperature: These whoopie pies stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Refrigeration: If you want them to last a little longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookies before or after assembling them. To freeze them, place the individual cookies or the assembled whoopie pies on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition for each whoopie pie (based on a yield of 12 whoopie pies):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 Whoopie Pie)
Calories	350
Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	10mg
Sodium	150mg
Carbohydrates	49g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	31g
Protein	3g

Conclusion

Classic Chocolate Whoopie Pies are the perfect dessert for any occasion. With soft, chocolatey cookies and a fluffy, marshmallow cream filling, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who takes a bite. Plus, the recipe is simple enough for even beginner bakers to follow, making it an ideal treat to add to your baking repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying them with family or sharing them at a party, these whoopie pies are sure to delight everyone who tries them. Happy baking!