How to Make Chocolate Whoopie Pie Cookies Recipe

Delicious Amish whoopie pie cookies recipe! Soft chocolate cookies with creamy frosting—an irresistible treat everyone will love. Make this classic sweet today!

If you’re looking for a fun, chocolatey treat that brings joy with every bite, these whoopie pies cookies are it! This recipe has been passed down in my family and holds sweet memories from my childhood and even my college days.

The soft, cake-like cookies and fluffy frosting make them irresistible. Plus, they’re easy enough to make with your kids, which is perfect for busy moms like me who love to make holidays and everyday moments extra special. 💕🎉

What Are Whoopie Pie Cookies?

Whoopie pies cookies are a classic treat made with two soft, chocolate cookies and a creamy frosting sandwiched in between. While they look like cookies, the texture is more like a soft mini cake. These nostalgic desserts are popular in the Northeast and Amish communities but have found their way into kitchens everywhere.

They’re perfect for chocolate lovers and ideal for celebrations, lunchboxes, or weekend baking. If you’ve never tried them, now’s the time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup shortening
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 large egg yolks (save the whites for frosting)
• 4 ½ cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cup buttermilk (or sour milk: add 3 tsp vinegar to regular milk)
• 1 cup hot water

For the Frosting:

• 2 egg whites
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 cup shortening
• Pinch of salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar

How to Make Whoopie Pies Cookies

Let’s make these cake sandwich cookies. Follow these instructions and you’ll be enjoying a treat. 

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Step-by-step Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease baking sheets or line with silicone baking mats.
2. Cream 1 cup of shortening, 2 cups of sugar, and 2 egg yolks in a large mixing bowl using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium-high speed.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 4½ cups flour, 1 cup cocoa powder, 2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt.
4. In another bowl or large measuring cup, combine the buttermilk (or sour milk) and 1 cup hot water.
5. Slowly add the dry and wet ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating between the two, and mix until batter is smooth.
6. Drop dough by teaspoon (or use a cookie scoop) onto prepared baking sheets. Try to keep the cookies similar in size.
7. Bake in oven preheated to 350°F for 10–15 minutes until the tops are set. Let cool completely on wire racks.

Make the Frosting:

1. In a bowl, beat together 2 egg whites, 4 tbsp milk, 4 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, 1 cup shortening, pinch of salt, and ½ tsp vanilla until fluffy.
2. Then slowly add 4 cups of powdered sugar and beat until light and creamy.
3. Frost one cookie and gently sandwich with another. Repeat until all are paired. You can frost with a knife or by using a piping bag to pipe frosting onto cookies.

Tip: Double the frosting if you love extra filling like we do! 💕 I promise they taste even better with extra frosting!

Great Places to Enjoy Whoopie Pies Cookies

These treats are perfect for so many occasions:

• Birthday parties
• Lunchbox surprises
• Bake sales
• Potlucks or family reunions
• Holiday dessert tables
• College care packages

I’ve even brought these to school events, and they disappear fast!

Variations to Try

Want to switch it up? Here are some fun ideas:

• Add mini chocolate chips to the cookies for texture.
• Use peppermint extract in the frosting for a holiday twist.
• Tint the frosting with food coloring to match a theme.
• Make mini whoopie pies using a smaller scoop.
• Try a peanut butter frosting for a fun flavor change.

You can easily make these your own by adding sprinkles, crushed candy, or even rolling the frosted edges in mini M&Ms.

Can You Make Whoopie Pies Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Whoopie pies cookies store really well.

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze individually wrapped pies for up to 2 months.
• Make the cookies ahead of time and frost before serving for best texture.

How to Store Chocolate Whoopie Pie Cookies

Remember to store them in a cool place so the frosting doesn’t melt. Also store in an airtight container. If laying on top of eachother in a container put a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Common Questions About Whoopie Pies Cookies

What are whoopie pies cookies made of?
They’re made with a soft chocolate cookie dough and filled with creamy vanilla frosting.

Are whoopie pies cookies or cakes?
Technically, they are more like little cakes, but shaped and served like cookies, the best of both worlds.

Can I make whoopie pies without shortening?
Yes, you can use butter, but the texture may be slightly different.

Can I use marshmallow fluff in the filling?
Yes! Some versions include marshmallow crème for a different flavor.

How do I keep whoopie pies from getting soggy?
Make sure they are cooled completely before frosting and store them in a dry container.

Do whoopie pie cookies need to be refrigerated?
If you use egg whites in the frosting like this recipe, it’s safer to refrigerate them, but I usually don’t.

A Sweet Story from My Kitchen

This recipe is special to me. My mom grew up in the East and made these whoopie pies often. They were our treat for birthdays, family weekends, or just because. In college, I even gave a demonstration speech on how to make them. I snapped photos, made slides, and talked through every step. It was like blogging before blogging! 😊

Now I make them with my kids, and it feels like passing down a little piece of family history every time.

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Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried whoopie pies cookies, now is the perfect time. They’re easy, chocolatey, and full of charm. Make them for your next gathering, or just to surprise your kids after school.

Want more fun recipes like this one? 🍪🎉
Pin it, print it, and don’t forget to share it with a friend!

Let’s make life just a little sweeter—one whoopie pie at a time. 💕

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