Chocolate Whoopie Pies

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 01/3/23
chocolate whoopie pies with creamy marshmallow filling
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
Prep: 25 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Chilling Time: 60 mins
Total: 97 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Yield: 12 whoopie pies
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
558 Calories
30g Fat
69g Carbs
5g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Amount per serving
Calories 558
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 30g 38%
Saturated Fat 12g 59%
Cholesterol 32mg 11%
Sodium 283mg 12%
Total Carbohydrate 69g 25%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 44g
Protein 5g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 31mg 2%
Iron 2mg 14%
Potassium 65mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

These classic chocolate whoopie pies are worth every minute of the time it takes to bake and assemble. The creamy marshmallow-based filling is sandwiched between soft, cake-like chocolate cookies, making them an irresistible treat that is sure to please.

You might want to make a double batch of these delicious sweets for a last minute dessert or gift. Freeze the extra dozen whoopie pies and enjoy one whenever you need a chocolate fix. Whoopie pies are great for birthday parties, Valentine's Day, family gatherings, lunchbox treats, and just plain snacking.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 10 ounces (2 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 4 ounces shortening, about 1/2 cup

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

  • 1 cup buttermilk

For the Filling:

  • 8 ounces shortening, about 1 cup

  • 7 ounces confectioners sugar, about 2 cups

  • 7 1/2 ounces Marshmallow Fluff

  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

  • 1 dash salt

Steps to Make It

Prepare the Cookies

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    ingredients for chocolate whoopie pies
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  2. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together into a bowl. Set aside.

    sift the dry ingredients together
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  3. In the mixing bowl of an electric mixer, beat the shortening and granulated sugar together for about 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy.

    beat the sugar and shortening together
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  4. Add the egg and vanilla, then continue to beat until blended.

    Beat the egg and vanilla into the creamed mixture.
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  5. Add about one-third each of the flour mixture and buttermilk; beat until blended. Add another one-third of the flour mixture and the remaining buttermilk; beat until blended. Add the remaining flour mixture and beat until blended. Cover the bowl, then chill the batter for 1 to 2 hours.

    beat the flour and cocoa mixture into the first mixture
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  6. Preheat the oven to 350 F and line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop mounds of batter—about 1 1/2 tablespoons for each cookie—onto the parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches between them.

    scoop batter onto prepared baking sheets
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  7. Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes, or just until firm. Remove the pan to a rack and let the cookies cool while you prepare the filling.

    baked chocolate cookies for whoopie pies
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Prepare the Marshmallow Filling and Assemble

  1. Gather the filling ingredients.

    ingredients for the marshmallow filling
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  2. In the mixing bowl of an electric mixer, beat the shortening and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy.

    beat the confectioners' sugar and shortening until fluffy
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  3. Add the marshmallow fluff, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl; beat until fluffy.

    add the marshmallow and beat until fluffy
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  4. To assemble the whoopie pies, spread or pipe the marshmallow filling onto the flat side of a cookie. Top with another cookie, flat-side down. Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.

    chocolate whoopie pies with creamy marshmallow filling
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

How to Store and Freeze

  • Wrap the individual whoopie pies in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Alternatively, stack them in a container separated by sheets of wax paper.
  • To freeze, place the assembled whoopie pies on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Wrap them in plastic wrap and transfer them to an airtight container or large freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.


Tips

  • Depending on the brand, a small jar of marshmallow weighs about 7 to 7 1/2 ounces—about 2 1/2 cups if measuring from a larger jar.
  • Chilling the batter helps keep the cookies from spreading. If you don't mind a slightly flatter cookie, you may skip the chilling step.
  • A 1 1/2-tablespoon scoop will make about 12 whoopie pies. Use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to make about 16 to 18 smaller whoopie pies or a 2-tablespoon scoop for about 9 large whoopie pies.


Recipe Variations



Can You Use a Cake Mix to Make the Cookies?

Absolutely! Make the cake batter with a 15.25-ounce, 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup of water, and 3 large eggs. Bake at 375 F for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are firm.

What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?

For a buttermilk substitute, measure 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice into a 1-cup fluid measuring cup, and then add milk to the 1-cup line.