Irresistible Whoopie Pie Cookies: Soft, Fluffy, Cream-Filled Perfection

When it comes to nostalgic, bakery-style treats, few desserts are as comforting and iconic as Whoopie Pie Cookies. With their pillowy soft chocolate cakes and sweet, fluffy vanilla filling, whoopie pies are pure joy in handheld form. Whether you grew up eating them at church bake sales, fall festivals, or as a special homemade treat, there’s something undeniably heartwarming about biting into one.

Despite their impressive look, whoopie pies are surprisingly easy to make at home — no fancy equipment, no complicated techniques, and no chilling required. Just simple pantry ingredients, a bowl, and a baking sheet. In this recipe, we bring you the ultimate, irresistible version: rich chocolate cookies with a soft cake-like texture, paired with a silky marshmallow-vanilla filling that tastes like a cloud.

Perfect for holidays, parties, lunchbox treats, bake sales, or anytime you want a dessert that’s guaranteed to make people smile.


What Are Whoopie Pies? A Delicious History

Whoopie pies originated in the Northeastern United States — especially Maine, Pennsylvania, and the Amish community. Traditionally, they’re made with two soft chocolate “cakes” (not quite cookies, not quite cake) and filled with whipped frosting or marshmallow creme.

The name “whoopie” supposedly comes from the joyful reaction people had upon finding one in their lunchbox:
“Whoopie!”

Today, whoopie pies come in endless flavors — pumpkin, red velvet, gingerbread — but chocolate and vanilla remains the undefeated classic.


Why This Recipe Is Truly Irresistible

🍫 1. Ultra-soft, cake-like cookies

Made with cocoa powder and buttermilk for a tender, moist crumb.

☁️ 2. Light and fluffy filling

This recipe blends butter, marshmallow fluff, powdered sugar, and vanilla for a nostalgic bakery-style center.

3. No chill time

Mix, scoop, bake — that’s it.

🧁 4. Perfectly shaped pies

Use a small cookie scoop for even rounds.

🥛 5. Loved by all ages

Kids adore them, and adults get that nostalgic hit.


Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cookies

  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Buttermilk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Oil or softened butter

For the Cream Filling

  • Marshmallow fluff
  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cream (optional to thin)

Instructions

1. Make the Whoopie Pie Cookies

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat sugar with oil or softened butter until smooth.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
  5. Stir in buttermilk.
  6. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined — don’t overmix.
  7. Scoop tablespoon-sized rounds onto the baking sheets.
  8. Bake 10–12 minutes until puffed and set.
  9. Let cool completely.

2. Make the Cream Filling

  1. Beat butter until creamy.
  2. Add marshmallow fluff and powdered sugar.
  3. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
  4. Add cream if needed to adjust consistency.

3. Assemble the Whoopie Pies

  1. Pair up cookies by size.
  2. Pipe or spoon filling onto the flat side of one cookie.
  3. Top with the other cookie and press gently until filling spreads.
  4. Serve immediately or chill to firm.

Irresistible Whoopie Pie Cookies

Soft, cake-like chocolate cookies sandwiched with fluffy marshmallow vanilla filling for the ultimate classic whoopie pie treat.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 12 whoopie pies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 265

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Cookies
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs large
  • 0.5 cup oil or softened butter
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Filling
  • 1 cup marshmallow fluff
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Cookie scoop
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Mix sugar with oil or butter, then add eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk.
  4. Add dry ingredients and stir until combined.
  5. Scoop batter onto baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes.
  6. Beat marshmallow fluff, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla to make filling.
  7. Spread or pipe filling onto cooled cookies and sandwich together.

Notes

For best texture, chill pies for 30 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Whoopie Pie Cookies

✔ Use buttermilk for ultra-soft texture

It keeps the cookies moist and fluffy.

✔ Don’t overbake

Pull them out when the tops spring back lightly.

✔ Use a cookie scoop

Every whoopie pie will be perfectly round and evenly sized.

✔ Chill after assembly

This helps the filling set and prevents sliding.

✔ Store in wax paper wraps

Traditional and keeps them soft longer.


Fun Variations

🍫 Triple Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Add chocolate chips to the batter.

🎄 Holiday Sprinkle Edges

Roll the filling edges in festive sprinkles.

🍓 Strawberry Filling

Mix strawberry puree into the cream.

🧁 Birthday Cake Whoopie Pies

Add sprinkles to the filling for a funfetti effect.

🍪 Cookie Butter Whoopie Pies

Blend cookie butter into the filling for a caramelized twist.


How to Store Whoopie Pie Cookies

Room Temperature:

2–3 days in airtight container.

Refrigerator:

Up to 1 week.

Freezer:

Freeze individually wrapped whoopie pies for up to 2 months.


Serving Suggestions

Serve whoopie pies with:

  • Hot cocoa
  • Coffee or espresso
  • A dessert platter
  • School party treat bags
  • Holiday cookie boxes
  • Birthday dessert boards

Their soft texture makes them easy to stack and pack.


Why This Recipe Works Perfectly Every Time

This recipe is designed for home bakers who want fluffy, flavorful, bakery-style whoopie pies without complexity. The batter is forgiving, the filling is easy to whip up, and the final result is both nostalgic and irresistible.

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, you’ll fall in love with how simple and rewarding these chocolate sandwich cookies are.