When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like indulging in homemade treats that spark joy and bring people together. The moment I pull a tray of freshly baked Holiday Whoopie Pies out of the oven, the delightful aroma of chocolate fills my kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. These scrumptious pies feature a soft, cake-like exterior that perfectly cradles a creamy, dreamy buttercream filling. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility; you can customize the filling to suit any taste—from classic vanilla to bold peppermint.

Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a sweet moment to savor at home, these whoopie pies promise to be a hit with everyone. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make, bringing gourmet flair without the fuss. Trust me, once you take that first bite, the blissful chocolatey goodness will have you reminiscing about holidays past, while leaving you excited for more. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe together and make your celebrations even sweeter!

Why are Holiday Whoopie Pies a must-try?

Deliciously Festive: Each bite of these whoopie pies captures the essence of the holiday spirit, delivering a delightful rush of chocolatey goodness.
Customizable Fillings: Whether you prefer classic vanilla or want to explore flavors like peppermint, you can adjust the buttercream filling to match your festive mood.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, these treats are perfect for bakers of all levels; anyone can impress with this recipe!
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Ideal for gatherings, these whoopie pies are sure to be a hit, making them an irresistible addition to your holiday dessert table.
Versatile Options: You can even whip up gluten-free versions by using alternative flour blends, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delights!
Get inspired by these satisfying variations to truly make them your own!

Holiday Whoopie Pies Ingredients

For the Pies
• All-Purpose Flour – Essential for creating a cake-like texture; don’t forget to sift for lightness!
• Cocoa Powder – Provides deep chocolate flavor; opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa to enhance your pies.
• Baking Powder – Helps the pies rise beautifully; ensure it’s fresh for fluffy results.
• Salt – A pinch balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds the needed sweetness to your whoopie pies.
• Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and a subtle hint of caramel flavor for richness.
• Eggs – Bind ingredients together; using room temperature eggs ensures better incorporation.
• Whole Milk – Adds richness; can be substituted with almond or oat milk if you prefer.
• Vanilla Extract – Brings warmth and depth to the filling.

For the Buttercream Filling
• Butter – Essential for a creamy filling; use unsalted for better control over sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar – Creates the sweet and fluffy texture of your buttercream; sift for a smoother result.
• Milk or Cream – Adjusts the consistency; add a splash for a silkier filling.
• Flavoring Extracts – Customize your filling with extracts like peppermint or almond for festive flair.

With these ingredients in hand, you’re well on your way to creating delightful Holiday Whoopie Pies that your family and friends will rave about!

How to Make Holiday Whoopie Pies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps ensure your whoopie pies don’t stick and bake evenly.
Whisk together the dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps avoid clumps, giving your batter a smooth consistency.
Cream the softened butter in another bowl with granulated and brown sugars until it’s light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This creates a delightful base for your cookies.
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the milk and vanilla extract for an added depth of flavor.
Combine the dry mixture with the wet ingredients gradually. Mix until just combined; you want to avoid overmixing to keep the pies soft and tender.
Drop dollops of batter onto your prepared sheets, keeping them about two inches apart. Use a cookie scoop or spoon for consistent sizes.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until they are puffed and springy to the touch. The edges should look set, while the centers remain soft.
Cool the pies on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Ensure they are completely cool before adding the filling to prevent melting.
Fill half of the cooled cakes with your buttercream filling, then sandwich them with the other halves, pressing gently.

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Holiday Whoopie Pies

Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and cocoa powder prevents clumps, leading to a smoother batter and a more uniform texture in your Holiday Whoopie Pies.
Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing when combining wet and dry ingredients. Mixing until just combined helps maintain a soft, tender texture in the final pies.
Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs aids in better incorporation, resulting in a more cohesive batter that rises beautifully during baking.
Cool Before Filling: Allow the whoopie pies to cool completely before adding your buttercream filling. This prevents melting and ensures a cozy bite every time.
Flavorful Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with your buttercream flavors! Try adding peppermint extract or cocoa for a festive twist that personalizes your Holiday Whoopie Pies.

What to Serve with Holiday Whoopie Pies?

When it comes to creating the perfect festive spread, pairing your whoopie pies with complementary delights enhances the experience of indulgence.

Rich Hot Cocoa: The smooth, chocolatey richness of hot cocoa pairs beautifully, allowing the delicate flavors of the pies to shine through. Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess!
Spiced Apple Cider: This warm, aromatic drink’s sweetness and subtle spice balance the chocolate, bringing a little bit of holiday cheer into every sip. The comforting flavors wrap around you like your favorite holiday sweater.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pies. It melts into the chocolate, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors you won’t want to miss.
Nutty Chai Tea: The warm spices of chai tea beautifully complement the chocolate in the whoopie pies, elevating their flavors to a cozy celebration. It’s like a fireplace in a cup!
Pecan Pie Bars: For the ultimate dessert table, consider serving these alongside your whoopie pies. Their caramelized pecans and buttery crust create a delightful combination of crunchy and soft textures.
Festive Fruit Salad: A light and colorful fruit salad adds a refreshing twist to your dessert spread. The fruity sweetness contrasts wonderfully with the rich, chocolatey pies, making your palate dance.
Mint Chocolate Coffee: An energizing cup of mint chocolate coffee pairs perfectly, enhancing the holiday vibes with every sip. Enjoying them together creates a joyful symphony of rich flavors.
Roasted Chestnuts: For a unique taste of the season, pair your whoopie pies with warm roasted chestnuts. Their slightly sweet and earthy notes will complement the indulgence perfectly, creating a memorable sensory experience.

Embrace the holiday spirit by exploring these delightful pairings!

Holiday Whoopie Pies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to play around with your whoopie pies and create delightful twists that tantalize your taste buds!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
Nutty Flavor: Swap regular buttercream for a creamy peanut butter filling for an indulgent, nutty twist that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Minty Freshness: Add a touch of peppermint extract to your buttercream filling for a refreshing holiday flavor that will leave everyone wanting more.
Chocolate Lovers: For added decadence, mix in mini chocolate chips to the buttercream filling. It provides delightful bursts of chocolate in every bite!
Spiced Delight: Try incorporating pumpkin spice into the cream for a cozy, autumn-like flavor that will warm the hearts of your guests during the holidays.
Coconut Bliss: Stir in toasted coconut flakes into the frosting for a tropical twist that adds both flavor and texture to your whoopie pies.
Zesty Surprise: Add a little lemon or orange zest to your filling to give it a bright, citrus flavor—great for a unique festive touch.
Caramel Drizzle: Enhance your whoopie pies by drizzling rich caramel sauce over the top before serving, creating a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Storage Tips for Holiday Whoopie Pies

Room Temperature: Keep your whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps preserve their soft texture and fresh taste.
Fridge: If you want to keep them a bit longer, place them in the fridge. They can last for up to a week, but you may notice a slight change in texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the whoopie pies tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a delightful treat any time!
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, gently microwave the whoopie pies for about 10-15 seconds. This brings back their fresh-from-the-oven warmth while keeping the filling creamy.

Make Ahead Options

These Holiday Whoopie Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the pie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the ingredients as per the recipe, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate to prevent drying out. The buttercream filling can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop out your chilled batter and bake as directed, allowing for a quick assembly once cooled. Your final results will be just as delicious, saving you time on busy festive days while still delivering that homemade delight!

Holiday Whoopie Pies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right cocoa powder for my Holiday Whoopie Pies?
Absolutely! For the richest flavor in your whoopie pies, opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder, which enhances the chocolatey goodness. Look for brands that are rich in color and have a smooth texture.

How should I store my Holiday Whoopie Pies for the best freshness?
Store your whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal softness. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge!

Can I make these Holiday Whoopie Pies gluten-free?
Very much! You can easily swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. I recommend using a gluten-free flour that contains xanthan gum, as it will help to mimic the texture of traditional whoopie pies.

What should I do if my whoopie pies are too dry?
If your whoopie pies turn out dry, it could be due to overmixing the batter or baking them for too long. Make sure to mix just until combined and keep an eye on them while they bake. They should be puffed, and springy to the touch but not hard. If they do turn out dry, you can also try serving them with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or additional buttercream filling for added moisture.

How long can I keep the buttercream filling?
You can store leftover buttercream filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just bring it back to room temperature and re-whip if necessary before using it to fill your whoopie pies again!

Is it safe to give whoopie pies to my pets?
While it’s tempting to share these delightful treats with your furry friends, it’s best to avoid giving whoopie pies to pets, especially since they contain ingredients like chocolate and sugar, which can be harmful to them. Stick to pet-friendly treats to ensure their health and happiness!