Whoopie Pies, an iconic American dessert hailing from New England, have long been adored for their heavenly combination of rich chocolate cake cookies and luscious marshmallow fluff filling. But why settle for store-bought when you can easily create these delectable treats from scratch? This recipe will guide you through crafting Whoopie Pies that are not only delicious but also a source of culinary pride.
The Irresistible Charm of Whoopie Pies
If you’re a connoisseur of decadent desserts, our Whoopie Pie recipe is a must-try. With straightforward steps and homemade components, you can impress your dinner guests and elevate your dessert game with these seemingly elaborate treats.
Whoopie Pies boast a distinct appearance, resembling a delightful fusion of an ice cream sandwich and a macaron. Their exterior features a chocolate cake-like texture, enveloping a delicate marshmallow filling that you can effortlessly prepare using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment. This entire process takes a mere 15-20 minutes from start to finish.
How to Create Whoopie Pies from Scratch
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In your stand mixer, combine room-temperature butter and packed brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add an egg to the mixture, then alternate adding dry and wet ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop ¼-cup portions of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced approximately 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, then allow the cookies to cool completely.
- Prepare the marshmallow fluff filling by beating room-temperature butter and powdered sugar together until well combined. Gradually incorporate the marshmallow fluff until fully blended.
- Take two cookies and add 2 tablespoons of marshmallow fluff filling between them to create your Whoopie Pie sandwich.
Variations to Elevate Your Whoopie Pies
- Dip in Chocolate: For a Moon Pie-inspired experience, dip the entire Whoopie Pie in melted chocolate and let it cool.
- Serve with Delight: Enhance your Whoopie Pies by serving them with a scoop of Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of Homemade Whipped Cream.
- Flavorful Experimentation: Embrace creativity by exploring various flavors for both the cookie and the filling. Consider adding vanilla or caramel extract to the cake batter, or infuse mint flavoring and green coloring into the fluff for a festive twist.
The Origin of Whoopie Pies
The fascinating history of Whoopie Pies traces back to the Amish, where folklore suggests that the name originated from the joyous exclamation Amish men would make upon finding these treats in their lunch pails. Whether a true tale or a charming legend, it adds to the allure of these delightful pastries.
Several American states, including Pennsylvania, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Virginia, lay claim to the origin of Whoopie Pies. Maine, in particular, has declared them the state dessert, sparking a friendly rivalry with other states.
How Long Do Whoopie Pies Stay Fresh?
- Serve Promptly: To maintain freshness, avoid leaving Whoopie Pies out for more than 2 hours, given their dairy content.
- Proper Storage: Store your Whoopie Pies in plastic wrap or a sealed bag to preserve their quality for up to a week.
- Freezing Option: If you wish to extend their shelf life, freeze Whoopie Pies for approximately 3 months. Allow them to reach room temperature before wrapping and storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Ingredients
Whoopie Pies
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup Dutch cocoa powder
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Marshmallow Fluff Filling
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups marshmallow fluff
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Using a stand mixer, beat room-temperature butter and packed brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- In a separate medium bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, Dutch cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Alternately add dry and wet ingredients to the butter mixture, incorporating them one-third at a time until just combined.
- Scoop ¼-cup portions of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced approximately 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, then allow the cookies to cool completely.
- For the marshmallow fluff filling, begin by beating room-temperature butter and powdered sugar together until well combined.
- Gradually add the marshmallow fluff to the butter mixture and continue beating until fully blended.
- Take two cookies and sandwich 2 tablespoons of the marshmallow fluff filling between them to create your delicious Whoopie Pie.
Indulge in the timeless charm of homemade Whoopie Pies – a classic American dessert reimagined with a touch of elegance. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create these delightful treats from scratch, impressing your guests and savoring the rich, creamy flavors. Experiment with variations and explore the intriguing history behind this beloved dessert. Enjoy your homemade Whoopie Pies while they’re fresh, and savor their delectable taste for days to come!
