What is a chocolate whoopie pie?

A chocolate whoopie pie is a classic American dessert featuring two soft, cake-like chocolate cookies sandwiched together with a sweet, creamy filling, often vanilla or marshmallow fluff-based. Originating from Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish communities, it's bigger than a cookie but smaller than a cake, typically 2-4 inches wide. The exterior has a slightly crisp edge with a moist, fudgy center, making it handheld and mess-free. Key ingredients include cocoa powder, buttermilk for tenderness, and shortening or butter in the batter. It's not a true pie despite the name—think of it as a portable devil's food cake sandwich. Popular at bake sales and potlucks, variations include peppermint or peanut butter fillings. (82 words)

How do you make chocolate whoopie pies at home?

Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment. Whisk 2 cups flour, ½ cup cocoa, 1 tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt. In another bowl, beat 1 cup sugar, ½ cup shortening, 1 egg, and 1 tsp vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients with 1 cup buttermilk to wet mix. Scoop 2-tbsp mounds 2 inches apart; bake 10-12 minutes until set. Cool completely. For filling, beat 1 cup marshmallow fluff, 1 cup powdered sugar, ½ cup butter, and 1 tsp vanilla until fluffy. Sandwich cooled cookies with 2 tbsp filling. Yields 12 pies. Store airtight for 3 days. Pro tip: chill dough 30 minutes for uniform shape. (112 words)

What's the difference between chocolate whoopie pies and cookies?

Chocolate whoopie pies differ from cookies in texture, size, and structure. Whoopie pies have a cakelike, pillowy softness from buttermilk and less flour, while cookies are denser and chewier. Pies are always sandwiched with filling, doubling their size (about 3-4 inches total), unlike standalone cookies. Baking yields a matte, crackly top on pies versus golden, crisp edges on cookies. Pies use cocoa for deep chocolate flavor without chocolate chips. They're frosted inside-out, making them moister. Nutritionally, one whoopie pie equals 2 cookies (around 300 calories). Test: whoopie pies bounce back slowly when poked; cookies firm up quickly. Perfect for kids' lunches over crumbly cookies. (98 words)

How should you store chocolate whoopie pies?

Store chocolate whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; the filling keeps them soft. Layer with parchment to prevent sticking. For longer storage, refrigerate in a single layer up to 1 week—bring to room temp before eating to restore texture. Avoid stacking directly to dodge smudging. In humid areas, add a silica packet to combat moisture. They freeze well: wrap individually in plastic, then foil or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge or 30 minutes at room temp. Don't microwave—filling melts. Label with dates for freshness. Ideal for meal prep or gifting. (96 words)

Can you freeze chocolate whoopie pies?

Yes, chocolate whoopie pies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. First, ensure they're fully cooled and assembled. Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap to seal out air, then place in a freezer-safe zip-top bag, removing excess air. For singles, use foil after plastic. Label with date. Thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter for 1-2 hours—avoid room temp longer to prevent sogginess. Once thawed, they're as fresh as day one, with no texture loss if properly wrapped. Great for holiday baking ahead. Tip: freeze unfilled halves separately for custom fillings later. (89 words)

Chocolate Whoopie Pies with Salted Caramel Frosting Recipe

Name: Chocolate Whoopie Pies
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 cups all-purpose flour; – 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; – 1 teaspoon baking soda; – 1/2 teaspoon salt; – 1 cup granulated sugar; – 1/2 cup shortening; – 1 large egg; – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; – 1 cup buttermilk; – 1 cup granulated sugar for caramel; – 1/4 cup water for caramel; – 6 tablespoons unsalted butter for caramel; – 1/2 cup heavy cream for caramel; – 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes for caramel; – 1 cup unsalted butter, softened for frosting; – 4 cups powdered sugar; – 1/2 cup prepared salted caramel sauce; – 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for frosting; – Pinch of sea salt for frosting

Description

🍫 Dive into moist chocolate whoopie pies sandwiched with luxurious salted caramel frosting, offering a perfect sweet-salty contrast that’s utterly addictive.
🍮 These crowd-pleasing treats are simple to bake at home, ideal for gatherings or indulgent snacks with gourmet flair.

Ingredients

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

– 1 teaspoon baking soda

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 1/2 cup shortening

– 1 large egg

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 cup buttermilk

– 1 cup granulated sugar for caramel

– 1/4 cup water for caramel

– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter for caramel

– 1/2 cup heavy cream for caramel

– 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes for caramel

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened for frosting

– 4 cups powdered sugar

– 1/2 cup prepared salted caramel sauce

– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for frosting

– Pinch of sea salt for frosting

Instructions

1-First Step: Preheat and prepare mise en place. Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Measure all ingredients. This setup ensures smooth baking and even cookies. Pro tip for busy parents: Prep the night before.

2-Second Step: Mix dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt. Sift if cocoa is lumpy. Dry mix provides structure. Takes 2 minutes.

3-Third Step: Beat wet ingredients. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup shortening on medium speed for 2 minutes until fluffy. Add 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla; beat 1 minute more. Wet base incorporates air for lightness.

4-Fourth Step: Combine batters. Alternate adding dry mix and 1 cup buttermilk to wet ingredients, starting and ending with dry. Mix on low until just combined, about 1 minute. Scrape bowl. Overmixing toughens cakes, so gentle stir key. Batter resembles thick brownie mix.

5-Fifth Step: Scoop and bake. Drop 2-tablespoon mounds onto sheets, 2 inches apart. Bake 10-12 minutes until tops spring back. Rotate sheets halfway. Cool on sheets 5 minutes, then wire rack fully. Uniform scoops yield matching halves.

6-Sixth Step: Make salted caramel sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup sugar with 1/4 cup water, stirring until dissolved. Boil without stirring 8-10 minutes to amber. Remove heat; whisk in 6 tbsp butter (careful, it bubbles), then 1/2 cup cream and 1 tsp sea salt. Cool 20 minutes. Homemade caramel elevates frosting.

7-Seventh Step: Prepare salted caramel frosting. Beat 1 cup softened butter 2 minutes until creamy. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup cooled caramel, 2 tsp vanilla, and pinch salt. Beat on high 3 minutes for fluffiness. Taste; add more salt if needed. Pipe or spread easily.

8-Final Step: Assemble and serve. Pair cooled cakes bottom-up. Spoon or pipe 2-3 tbsp frosting on one, top with matching half. Press gently. Dust with sea salt. Serve immediately or store. Perfect for students’ snacks or seniors’ treats. Enjoy the soft chocolate whoopie pies with salted caramel frosting!

Notes

🍫 Use room temperature ingredients for smoothest batter and frosting.
🍮 Test caramel doneness by color to avoid bitterness.
❄️ Freeze unfilled pies up to 1 month; thaw before filling.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooling: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
Calories: 410 kcal
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: chocolate whoopie pies, salted caramel frosting, caramel desserts, whoopie pie recipe