If you’re looking for a truly iconic dessert, try fluffy cream-filled whoopie pies. They’re a classic American treat reimagined. The easy recipe is explained with step-by-step instructions, allowing you to create a truly delicious and restaurant-like treat at home.
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Fluffy Cream-Filled Whoopie Pies: A Classic American Treat
America’s most famous whoopie pie is a sweet treat made with soft, cake-like chocolate cookies sandwiched with vanilla cream. Originating in Pennsylvania, this is a nostalgic treat that has been loved for generations. This article gives those fluffy cream-filled whoopie pies a fresh, modern twist, making them perfect for everyone. If you’re looking to make bakery-style whoopie pies at home, you can easily make these with soft, fluffy cream and absolutely delicious treats. Let’s get started.
What are Whoopie Pies?
- Whoopie Pies are a cake-like cookie sandwich made from two soft chocolate rounds filled with marshmallow vanilla cream.
They can be thought of as a mix of:
- A cupcake top
- A soft cookie
- A cream dessert sandwich
- Often called gobs in some places, they are famous for their pillow-like texture and sweetness.
Why Fluffy Cream Filled Whoopie Pies Are Loved:
- Very easy step-by-step instructions for beginners
- Fluffy cake-like texture and softness
- Very simple pantry ingredients
- A classic American flavor
- Perfect for parties, holidays, potlucks, and gift-giving
- Freezer-friendly and perfect for a long shelf life.
All the ingredients you need:
Ingredients for the chocolate cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup hot water or hot coffee for a deeper flavor
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups flour
Ingredients for the creamy filling:
- 1 jar marshmallow fluff, 7 oz
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup softened unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- A pinch of salt
Step-by-step instructions for making fluffy cream-filled whoopie pies:
1. Preparing the oven and baking tray
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, 175°C and have it ready.
- Use two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- This ensures that your whoopie pies bake evenly and are easy to remove.
2. Mixing the dry ingredients
- Use a large bowl and whisk together the ingredients according to the quantities indicated: cocoa powder, flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly, ensuring no lumps and fluffy cookies.
3. Creaming the butter and sugar
- Now use another bowl and beat on low speed for 4 to 5 minutes until creamy, giving whoopie pies their signature soft bite.
4. Add the egg and vanilla
- Add the egg and vanilla to the cream mixer and beat again for 30 to 32 seconds.
5. Add the buttermilk
- Add the buttermilk slowly and continue mixing.
- Your batter may appear slightly curdled, but this is normal as the buttermilk reacts with the cocoa.
6. Add the dry ingredients
- Slowly add all the dry ingredients to the wet mixer and mix with a spatula until the batter is smooth and thick.
7. Add the hot water/coffee:
- Slowly add the coffee or hot water.
- This will loosen the batter and deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Your batter should now be glossy and pourable, but be careful not to runny.
8. Pouring the Batter
- Use 1 tablespoon or 1 small scoop
- Pour equal-sized mounds of batter onto the lined tray.
- Leave space between each mound as it spreads during baking.
Tip: Use a piping bag to create a perfect round shape.
9. Baking the Cookies
- Bake for 12 to 13 minutes, or until the top springs back when touched.
- Be careful not to bake too long, as authentic whoopie pies require softness.
- Always ensure cookies cool completely before filling.
How to Make the Perfect Marshmallow Creme Filling:
- 1. Beat the butter – Beat one cup of softened butter until light and fluffy.
- 2. Add the powdered sugar – Gradually add the powdered sugar until creamy.
- 3. Add the fluff – Add the marshmallow fluff and beat until fully incorporated.
- 4. Add vanilla and salt – Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- This should make the filling thick, creamy, and easy to pipe.
Assembling the fluffy cream-filled whoopie pies:
- Assemble the chilled cake rounds, matching the size.
- Pipe or spread the marshmallow filling on one side.
- Lightly press a second cookie on top to create a sandwich.
Tip: Place the assembled whoopie pies in the refrigerator for 30 to 32 minutes. This will allow the filling to set and improve the texture.
Fluffy Cream Filled Whoopie Pies: Some flavor variations for the USA version:
- For Red Velvet Whoopie Pies, add red food coloring and a little vinegar.
- For Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies, replace cocoa with pumpkin puree and spices.
- For Peanut Butter Filling, combine peanut butter with marshmallow cream.
- For Salted Caramel Whoopie Pies, add caramel filling and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- For Peppermint Holiday Whoopie Pies, add crushed candy canes to the filling.
Storage
Here are some great tips for storing Fluffy Cream Filled Whoopie Pies:
- Use an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for 7 to 8 days.
To store in the freezer:
- Individually wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 months.
- To serve, thaw for 25 to 30 minutes.
Perfect Pro Tips for Fluffy Cream-Filled Whoopie Pies:
- Never overmix the batter.
- Always use room-temperature cheese.
- This makes the cake soft.
- Be sure to use buttermilk. This makes the cake soft.
- Hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Be sure to cool the cookies completely before filling.
- Be sure to refrigerate after assembling to ensure smooth edges and better texture.
FAQ
Answers to questions about fluffy cream-filled whoopie pies and how to fix mistakes:
Q. Can I use store-bought frosting instead of marshmallow filling?
Yes! But homemade filling tastes much better and holds its shape longer.
Q. What makes whoopie pies different from cookies?
They’re cake-like and fluffy, like the top of a cupcake.
Q. Can I make them in advance?
Yes! Fluffy cream-filled whoopie pies can be made in advance and stored well in the refrigerator, and they taste even better the next day.
Q. Can I make gluten-free whoopie pies?
Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour mix.
Q. Why do whoopie pies turn out flat?
When you
Overmix the batter
Use too little flour
Use old baking soda or baking powder
Q. Are Whoopie Pies from Pennsylvania or Maine?
Fluffy Cream-Filled Whoopie Pies claim to be the original recipe in both states, but it’s long been a staple in the USA. This is a debate.
Final Thoughts
Fluffy Cream-Filled Whoopie Pies are the perfect American nostalgic dessert. They’re sweet, soft, creamy, and incredibly easy for beginners to follow. The recipe is explained in its simple steps, making it easy for beginners to master. This article is a great recipe for easy celebrations, so you can make it for Christmas, Thanksgiving, birthdays, bake sales, or weekend treats. This recipe guarantees bakery-quality results every time.