Classic Chocolate Whoopie Cookies with Vanilla Cream Filling

Classic Whoopie Cookies Pennsylvania Dutch Delight

By Emily CollinsSeptember 20, 2025

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4.80 (5 Ratings)

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Recipe Introduction

Craving a Classic?

Ever find yourself thinking about old fashioned whoopie pies ? Honestly, I do! My grandma used to make them. This recipe for classic whoopie cookies will take you straight back to childhood.

These are like little clouds of chocolate happiness. The vanilla cream filling is just dreamy.

Sweet Nostalgia in Every Bite

These cake like cookies hail from Pennsylvania Dutch Country. They’re a classic American treat. It’s a medium difficulty recipe. You will need about an hour and 40 minutes, including chilling time.

This recipe makes around 12-15 cookies. Perfect for sharing or maybe not!

Why You'll Love These Whoopie Cookies

These homemade whoopie pies are more than just delicious. Cocoa has antioxidants. So, there is a health benefit! They're perfect for a family gathering.

Or a cozy night in. What makes these special? It’s the combination of rich chocolate and fluffy filling . Plus, they’re just fun to eat! You know? Who doesn’t love a good cookie sandwich?

Ready to bake? Here's what you'll need:

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking soda and baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Buttermilk
Hot coffee
Powdered sugar
Milk or heavy cream

And remember, for amazing Chocolate whoopie pies with that perfect Vanilla cream filling don't overmix the dough!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Whoopie Cookies

Classic Chocolate Whoopie Cookies with Vanilla Cream Filling presentation

So, you wanna bake up some seriously good whoopie cookies ? Let's talk ingredients. Honestly, getting the right stuff makes all the difference.

I remember the first time I made homemade whoopie pies , I skimped on the cocoa powder and they tasted.

..blah. Lesson learned!

Main Ingredients: Key to Cake like Cookies

Okay, here's what you'll need for these classic dessert recipes . We are making a recipe so good that it is worth all the while:

All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups ( 250g ), plus extra for dusting.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: ¾ cup ( 75g ). Splurge on good quality cocoa, like a dark Dutch processed one. This is super important. It's gonna give that deep, rich chocolate flavor that makes Chocolate whoopie pies amazing.
Baking Soda: 1 ½ teaspoons.
Baking Powder: ½ teaspoon.
Salt: ½ teaspoon.
Unsalted Butter: ¾ cup ( 170g ), softened. Make sure it's actually soft, not melted!
Granulated Sugar: 1 ½ cups ( 300g ).
Large Eggs: 2 .
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon . Real vanilla, always.
Buttermilk: 1 cup ( 240ml ).
Hot Coffee: ½ cup ( 120ml ), brewed strong. Don't skip the coffee, it enhances the chocolate. Trust me!.

And for that amazing Vanilla cream filling ? Here you go:

Unsalted Butter: 1 cup ( 225g ), softened.
Powdered Sugar: 4 cups ( 480g ), sifted. Sifting stops lumps!
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon .
Milk or Heavy Cream: 2-4 tablespoons ( 30-60ml ). Add a little at a time for the perfect consistency.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Power Ups

Vanilla is a MUST for that fluffy filling . Want a twist? Peppermint extract is great around Christmas. A little cinnamon in the cookie dough would also be tasty!.

For me it is essential in the Pennsylvania Dutch recipe !

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You really don't need a ton of fancy kit. I mean, a stand mixer is helpful, but a good ol' hand mixer works fine too.

For this Whoopie pie recipe easy to reproduce for everyone:

Mixer (stand or hand)
Large bowls
Spatula
Baking sheets
Parchment paper (or silicone mats)
Cookie scoop (optional, for even sizes)
Measuring cups and spoons

No cookie scoop? No worries! Just use a spoon. It's all good.

Now you are equipped for the journey for making the old fashioned whoopie pies !

Baking to Perfection: Mastering the Art of Whoopie Cookies

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the scrumptiously sweet world of whoopie cookies ! I’m talking about those glorious, cakey rounds hugging a marshmallowy filling.

Honestly, who can resist? The Pennsylvania Dutch recipe is pure nostalgia. It reminds me of those old fashioned whoopie pies my nan used to bake.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place for Whoopie Domination

First things first, let’s get organised. This is crucial. Get your ingredients out and measured. Flour (2 cups), cocoa (¾ cup), butter (¾ cup and 1 cup), sugar (1 ½ cups and 4 cups).

It's a game changer. Soften that butter too! Trust me on this one.

The step-by-step Route to Whoopie Cookie Nirvana

Whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda (1 ½ teaspoons), baking powder (½ teaspoon), and salt (½ teaspoon). Sounds boring, right? But don't skip it!
Cream the ¾ cup butter and sugar together until it's light and fluffy. Don't rush this!
Beat in the eggs (2 large), one at a time, then stir in vanilla (1 teaspoon).
Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk (1 cup) to the wet ingredients. Start and end with dry.
Stir in hot coffee (½ cup). The batter will be thin. Chill for 30 minutes .
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets. Bake for 10- 12 minutes at 375° F ( 190° C) .
Beat the 1 cup softened butter for filling until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Add 2-4 tablespoons of milk until spreadable.
Sandwich the cooled cookies with the vanilla cream filling .

Pro Tips for Legendary Whoopie Cookies

My secret? Don't overmix the dough. You'll end up with tough cookies. Nobody wants that! Another tip: chill the dough. It stops the cookies from spreading. Trust me; it works a charm.

Also, make sure the cookies are cool before filling. Otherwise, you'll have a melted mess. Store assembled homemade whoopie pies in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If you try substituting cream cheese for butter, you will get tangier Chocolate whoopie pies .

There you have it! A simple whoopie pie recipe easy . Now go forth and bake some joy. And don’t forget to share! They are great as classic dessert recipes !

Recipe Notes for Amazing Whoopie Cookies

Right, so you're about to embark on your homemade whoopie pies adventure! Here are a few nuggets of wisdom I've picked up along the way.

This Pennsylvania Dutch recipe is a real crowd pleaser. Honestly, everyone loves these little cakes.

Serving Up Some Smiles: Plating and Presentation

Okay, let's talk looks. These chocolate whoopie pies are cute as buttons, but a little flourish never hurts. Dust 'em with powdered sugar.

It makes them look extra special. Or, get the kids involved and add sprinkles! You know what else is great? Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Talk about a proper treat. A cold glass of milk is also a classic pairing.

Keep 'Em Fresh: Storage Tips

Right then, let's talk storage. These old fashioned whoopie pies are best enjoyed fresh. But, if you have leftovers. Pop them in an airtight container.

Keep them in the fridge. They'll last for about 3 days. Honestly, they never last that long in my house! I wouldn't recommend freezing these as the fluffy filling might get a bit weird.

Remix Time: Whoopie Pie Variations

Fancy a little twist? You got it! For a festive vibe, swap the vanilla extract in the vanilla cream filling with peppermint extract.

BOOM! Christmas whoopie cookies ! gluten-free? No problem! Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these gluten-free cake like cookies .

Nutrition Bits

Okay, so each whoopie cookies is around 350 calories. There's also about 4g of protein, 18g of fat, and 45g of carbs (about 30g of that being sugar!).

These are a treat, so eat them in moderation! They are one of the classic dessert recipes after all.

So there you have it! All my top tips for the perfect whoopie cookies . Now get baking! You've got this! Seriously, this whoopie pie recipe easy and delicious!

Chocolate Whoopie Pies Secret Family Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my whoopie cookies flat? I want them to be fluffy like I see on the Great British Baking Show!

Flat whoopie cookies can be a real bummer! This usually happens when the dough is too warm or the baking powder/soda is old and ineffective. Make sure you chill the dough properly for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Also, double check the expiration dates on your leavening agents they lose their oomph over time, and no one wants a sad, flat whoopie cookie!

Can I make whoopie cookies ahead of time? What's the best way to store them?

Absolutely! You can definitely make these ahead. Store the baked (and cooled!) cookies and the filling separately in airtight containers. When you're ready to assemble, simply spread the filling and sandwich them together.

Assembled whoopie cookies are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days think of it as a little culinary time travel, but in a good way!

My filling is too runny! How can I fix the consistency of my vanilla cream filling for whoopie cookies?

A runny filling is no fun! If your vanilla cream filling is too thin, gradually add more sifted powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much, though, or it will become overly sweet and stiff.

On the other hand, if it's too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or cream until it loosens up. Remember, a good filling is like a perfectly tailored suit it just fits!

I'm trying to cut down on sugar. Are there any healthier alternatives for making whoopie cookies?

Cutting down on sugar is a noble pursuit! You can try reducing the amount of sugar in both the cookie dough and the filling, but be aware that it will affect the texture. You could also experiment with sugar substitutes like erythritol or stevia, but again, taste and texture may vary.

For the filling, try using a lighter cream cheese based frosting instead of a purely buttercream one. Every little helps, as they say!

Can I change the flavour of these whoopie cookies? Are there any delicious variations?

Oh, absolutely! The world's your oyster when it comes to whoopie cookie flavors. For a festive twist, add peppermint extract to the filling for a holiday treat. For something a little different, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cookie dough or using a different extract like almond or maple.

You could also use a different filling entirely peanut butter, chocolate ganache, or even a fruit compote would all be delicious!

What is the best way to avoid my cookies sticking to the baking tray?

Sticking cookies are a pain, aren't they? The best way to prevent this is to line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. These create a non-stick barrier between the cookies and the tray.

Alternatively, make sure your baking sheet is properly greased, though parchment paper or a baking mat are preferable for a cleaner release.