Did you know the whoopie pie’s definitive origins are a mystery? Four states—Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania—all lay claim to the original. And who could blame them? Even we’d like to say we’re responsible for this soft chocolate sandwich cookie (or is it a cake?) that’s busting at the seams with marshmallow cream. As much as we love the O.G., we’re also eager to try these 16 whoopie pie recipes that star flavors like apple, pumpkin, raspberry, peppermint and everything in between. Read on for our faves.
16 Whoopie Pie Recipes That Go Beyond Classic Chocolate
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Published Feb 23, 2023
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
We suggest you begin with a traditional whoopie pie if you’ve never had one. The filling is super simple to prepare, since it starts with store-bought marshmallow creme.
2. Lemon-Raspberry Whoopie Pies
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, special occasion-worthy
This warm-weather twist on the original is equal parts tart, bright and sweet. You won’t need to stress over making your own raspberry puree, since the recipe calls for seedless raspberry jam instead.
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, special occasion-worthy
Cream cheese is the ultimate tangy foil for store-bought Marshmallow Fluff, so we’d say this riff is a no-brainer. Buttermilk in the cakes gives them an extra moist texture to boot.
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, beginner-friendly
Maple. Cream cheese. Frosting. Need we say more? Be sure to use real maple syrup—not pancake syrup—to ensure that it turns out sweet, but not cloying.
5. Chocolate-Coconut Whoopie Pies
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
As if whoopie pies weren’t already a low-lift baking project, this version scales back the fuss even more. (Seriously: It starts with boxed devil’s food cake mix.)
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, beginner-friendly
Don’t let the raisins deter you. This wholesome spin on the original is still indulgent and satisfying, thanks to silky cream cheese frosting.
7. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Caramel and Boozy Ganache
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
An unexpected secret ingredient rounds out the dark chocolate and honeyed bourbon in the ganache. (OK, we’ll tell: It’s finely ground chili pepper.) Drizzle on the caramel to your heart’s content.
8. Chocolate Whoopie Pies with Salted Caramel Frosting
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, make ahead, beginner-friendly
The frosting boasts tons of deep, sweet-and-salty flavor, courtesy of brown sugar and heavy cream. Might we suggest browning the butter before adding it to the filling?
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser
Ginger, cinnamon and dark molasses unite to create a holiday-ready treat that blows humdrum, people-shaped gingerbread cookies away. Use a piping bag to fill them for a more elegant appearance.
10. Chocolate Biscoff Whoopie Pies
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Whether it’s ice cream, cake or a fruit plate, one thing’s for sure: Cookie butter could only make it tastier. Here, it’s combined with cream cheese for a warm-spiced, slightly salty filling.
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Unconventional, yes. But are they as delicious (or dare we say, more delicious) than the original? Also yes. Up the churro-laced ante by spiking the buttery filling with extra cinnamon sugar.
12. Peppermint Chocolate Whoopie Pies
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
Refreshing peppermint buttercream meets light-as-air marshmallow crème to produce this Santa-approved confection. Roll them in crushed peppermint candies or red sprinkles for a festive finishing touch.
13. Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
Take it from us: You’ll want to add these unexpected handhelds to your Easter menu like, right now. You can assemble them ahead, so you’ll still have plenty of time to prepare brunch or dinner on the big day.
14. Chocolate Whoopie Pies with Fresh Raspberry Cream
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Instead of buttermilk, Greek yogurt is the main source of the cakes’ moisture. Feel free to use frozen raspberries in the filling instead of fresh during the off-season.
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
This copycat recipe is shockingly similar to its store-bought predecessor. Even better, it starts with boxed cake mix for lightning-fast prep. Your kids won’t know the difference, promise.
16. Chocolate Whoopie Pie Cake
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
The only thing better than a single-serve whoopie pie? A *giant* whoopie pie to share with your friends (or um, no one). Consider the chocolate ganache on top a delicious bonus.
Taryn Pire is PureWow’s associate food editor. A former bartender and barista, she’s been writing about all things delicious since 2016, developing recipes, reviewing restaurants and investigating food trends at Food52, New Jersey Family Magazine and Taste Talks. When she isn’t testing TikTok’s latest viral recipe, she’s having popcorn for dinner and posting about it on Instagram @cookingwithpire.
