Old-Fashioned Whoopie Pies

Total Time

Prep: 35 min. + chilling Bake: 10 min./batch + cooling

Makes

2 dozen

Updated: Aug. 31, 2023
Who can resist soft chocolate sandwich cookies filled with a layer of fluffy white frosting? Mom has made these for years. They're a treat that never lasts very long with my two brothers and me around. —Maria Costello, Monroe, North Carolina
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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup baking cocoa
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • FILLING:
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Dash salt
  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • 3/4 cup shortening
  • 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a bowl, combine cocoa and water. Cool for 5 minutes. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in the eggs, vanilla and cocoa mixture. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition.
  2. To form each cookie, drop 2 teaspoon dough 2 in. apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake until firm to the touch, 10-12 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.
  3. For filling, in a small saucepan, combine flour and salt. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth; cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened, 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover and refrigerate until completely cool.
  4. In a bowl, cream the shortening, confectioners' sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Add milk mixture; beat until fluffy, about 7 minutes. Spread filling on half the cookies; top with remaining cookies. Store in the refrigerator.

Whoopie Pie Recipe Tips

What are other filling ideas for whoopie pies?

There are plenty of different filling ideas you could try with this whoopie pie recipe. We recommend swapping the classic frosting for a raspberry, maple or cream cheese filling. You can also try mixing in chocolate chips or crushed peppermint (perfect for the holidays!) to add a bit of bite. Be sure to check out these other whoopie pie recipes, too.

How do I store whoopie pies?

To store, place whoopie pies in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you’d like to enjoy this recipe for even longer, you can freeze them! Freeze in an airtight container for 2-3 months.

How do you serve whoopie pies?

It’s a matter of personal preference whether you serve whoopie pies warm or cold. If you’re serving them warm, let them stand for 30 minutes at room temperature before serving. Research contributed by Christina Herbst, Taste of Home Assistant Digital Editor
buttermilk
To substitute for each cup of buttermilk, use 1 Tbsp. white vinegar or lemon juice plus enough milk to measure 1 cup. Stir, then let stand 5 minutes. Or, use 1 cup plain yogurt or 1-3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar plus 1 cup milk.

Nutrition Facts

1 whoopie pie: 244 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.

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