Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Chocolate Whoopie Pies are a delightful and decadent treat that combine two soft and chewy chocolate cookies with a sweet filling. These delightful snacks have a rich history and are loved by many for their delicious flavor and unique appearance. Originating in the northeastern United States, whoopie pies have gained popularity across the country and are often enjoyed as a special dessert or a fun treat for parties and gatherings.

In this article, we will explore why you should consider making Chocolate Whoopie Pies, provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make them, and share tips on serving, storing, and customizing your pies. Get ready for a tasty adventure!

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Chocolate Whoopie Pies. First and foremost, they are simply delicious! The combination of the soft chocolate cookies and the sweet filling creates a satisfying taste experience.

Additionally, Chocolate Whoopie Pies are versatile. You can serve them at birthday parties, bake sales, picnics, or just as a sweet snack after a meal. They are easy to make and perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. You only need basic ingredients found in almost every kitchen, and the process is straightforward.

Another reason to love this recipe is its customizable nature. You can easily modify the filling to suit your taste, whether you prefer vanilla buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even a peppermint-flavored filling around the holidays. You can also add fun mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to the batter if you want to shake things up a bit. You can make them as traditional or as creative as you want!

Finally, making Chocolate Whoopie Pies is a great way to spend time with family or friends. Baking together can be a fun activity, and enjoying the final product makes it all worth it. You can share the love of baking and the joy of eating with those you care about.

How to Make Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Making Chocolate Whoopie Pies is a simple and enjoyable process. Follow the steps below and gather your ingredients to create these delightful treats.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 cup Unsweetened Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Coarse Kosher Salt
• 1 tablespoon Instant Espresso Powder (optional)
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 cup Whole Milk
• 1/2 cup Full-Fat Sour Cream
• 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
• 2 cups Powdered Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Meringue Powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon Extra Coarse Kosher Salt
• 1 teaspoon Additional Vanilla Extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures that your whoopie pies won’t stick to the baking sheets, making clean-up easier.

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder (if using). Sifting helps to blend these ingredients well and removes any lumps, resulting in a smooth batter.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisking these wet ingredients until smooth ensures they mix well with the dry ingredients later.

4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Gently stir until everything is just combined. It’s important not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tougher cookies.

5. Scoop the Batter: Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, portion out small mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Ensure that you leave about 2 inches of space between each mound, as the cookies will spread while baking.

6. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes. They are ready when they spring back slightly when touched.

7. Cool the Cookies: After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is essential to prevent the filling from melting.

8. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until it becomes fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. If you’re using meringue powder, mix it in along with the extra coarse kosher salt and additional vanilla extract. Continue beating until the filling is creamy and smooth.

9. Assemble the Whoopie Pies: Take one cooled cookie and spread a generous amount of filling on the bottom side. Top it with another cookie, bottom side down, to create a sandwich. Repeat this process until all the cookies are filled.

10. Serve and Enjoy: Chocolate Whoopie Pies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also store them for later if needed.

How to Serve Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Serving Chocolate Whoopie Pies is part of the fun! Here are a few ideas on how to present and enjoy them:

• Platter Presentation: Arrange the whoopie pies on a cake stand or a decorative platter. This not only looks appealing but also makes them easy to grab and enjoy.

• Pair with Beverages: Consider serving these treats with a glass of milk, coffee, or even hot chocolate. The classic combination of chocolate cookies and milk is hard to beat!

• Candy or Sprinkles: For a festive touch, you can roll the edges of the whoopie pies in colorful sprinkles or mini chocolate chips. This adds a pop of color and makes them visually enticing.

• Gift Them: Chocolate Whoopie Pies make great gifts! Place them in a decorative box or tin and share them with family, friends, or coworkers.

• Ice Cream Filling: For a delightful twist, you can fill the whoopie pies with ice cream instead of the usual buttercream filling. This makes for an extra special treat, especially during hot months!

How to Store Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Proper storage will keep your Chocolate Whoopie Pies fresh and tasty. Here are some tips to ensure they stay delicious:

• Room Temperature Storage: Store the whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay good this way for up to 3 days. Make sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

• Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate the whoopie pies. They can last up to a week in the fridge. Just ensure they are in a well-sealed container to prevent drying out.

• Freezing: For longer storage, consider freezing the whoopie pies. Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy them, simply let them sit at room temperature for a bit or microwave for a few seconds.

Tips to Make Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Here are some helpful tips to make your Chocolate Whoopie Pies perfect every time:

• Check Ingredient Temperature: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps all the ingredients mix together smoothly.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to denser cookies.

• Use a Cookie Scoop: Using a cookie scoop ensures that all your cookies are uniform in size, which leads to even baking.

• Cool Before Filling: It’s crucial to allow the cookies to cool completely before applying the filling. This prevents the filling from melting and makes the whoopie pies easier to handle.

• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment! You can add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter or try different extracts in the filling for a unique twist.

• Make Mini Whoopie Pies: If you want smaller treats, use less batter per scoop. Mini whoopie pies are perfect for bite-sized snacks or party platters!

Variation

Chocolate Whoopie Pies can easily be customized to fit your taste preferences or the occasion. Here are a few variations you could try:

• Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies: Substitute part of the cocoa powder with pumpkin puree and add warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to create a seasonal treat.

• Red Velvet Whoopie Pies: Use red velvet cake mix instead of cocoa powder. Fill with cream cheese frosting for a classic red velvet experience.

• Mint Chocolate Chip Whoopie Pies: Add mint extract to the filling and fold in mini chocolate chips for a refreshing twist.

• Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies: Substitute part of the filling with peanut butter for a fun flavor combination. Pair it with chocolate cookies for a delightful peanut butter cup taste.

• Gluten-Free Whoopie Pies: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Be sure to check that your other ingredients, such as baking soda and cocoa powder, are also gluten-free.

FAQs

1. Can I use box cake mix to make whoopie pies?

Yes! You can use a chocolate box cake mix as the base for whoopie pies. Just follow the instructions for preparing the cake mix, and scoop out small mounds to bake as you would with regular batter.

2. How can I tell when my cookies are done baking?

Your cookies are done when they spring back lightly when touched. You can also check for a slightly firm surface. If they look wet or too soft, give them a minute or two more in the oven.

3. Can I make whoopie pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookies a day in advance and keep them at room temperature. You can also fill them right before serving to maintain freshness, or keep the cookies and fill separate until serving.

4. How can I make the filling extra fluffy?

To achieve an extra fluffy filling, beat the butter and sugar for a little longer than usual. Incorporating air into the mixture creates a light and fluffy texture.

5. What other fillings can I use besides buttercream?

Aside from buttercream, you can use cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or even flavored ganache. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors!

Now that you have all this information, it’s time to get baking! Enjoy making your Chocolate Whoopie Pies, and don’t forget to share them with loved ones. Happy baking!

Print