Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
Gingerbread Whoopie Pies are soft, spiced sandwich cookies filled with a creamy center that blends warm ginger, cinnamon, and molasses flavors. Perfect for festive occasions or cozy snacks, these easy-to-make treats deliver a pillowy texture and customizable filling options, including vegan variations.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 whoopie pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be made Gluten Free or Vegan with substitutions
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Optional: marshmallow fluff or softened butter (for lighter filling)
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to evenly distribute spices and leavening agents throughout the dough.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes, to achieve a tender, airy texture.
- Add eggs and molasses: Beat in eggs one at a time until fully combined, then slowly add the molasses and vanilla extract, providing moisture and the signature gingerbread flavor.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk or buttermilk. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter and toughening the pies.
- Bake the cookies: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to dollop uniform rounds of batter onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Prepare the filling: Whip together cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. For a lighter touch, add marshmallow fluff or softened butter. Chill filling slightly before assembling.
- Assemble the whoopie pies: Spread a generous dollop of filling on the flat side of one cake and sandwich with another. Gently press together, then refrigerate to set if desired before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother batter and even baking.
- Stir just until ingredients combine to keep cookies tender and soft; avoid overmixing.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and mess during baking.
- Check doneness early to avoid overbaking—gingerbread softens after baking.
- Refrigerate assembled pies for an hour to help flavors meld and filling firm up.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Gingerbread, Whoopie Pies, Holiday Dessert, Spiced Cookies, Cream Cheese Filling, Soft Cookies, Vegan Option, Gluten-Free Option