There is something magical about Halloween treats that are as fun to look at as they are to eat. These homemade Halloween Whoopie Pies are soft, cakey, and filled with a sweet creamy center. They bring a touch of spooky charm to your dessert table without taking hours to make.
Why You’ll Love This Halloween Whoopie Pies Recipe
Halloween is the perfect excuse to bake something playful, and these whoopie pies are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Here is why you will want to make them:
- 🎃 Quick to bake and decorate with simple ingredients
- 👩👩👧 Kid-friendly and perfect for Halloween parties or school events
- 🍫 Soft chocolatey cakes paired with creamy filling
- 🧡 Easy to customize with food coloring, sprinkles, or fun designs
- 🕷️ Festive treat that doubles as a decoration on your dessert table
Halloween Whoopie Pies Ingredients & Substitutions
- All-purpose flour – creates the base structure. You can swap with gluten-free flour blend.
- Cocoa powder – gives the chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed or natural both work.
- Baking soda and baking powder – helps the pies puff up.
- Salt – balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter – room temperature. Margarine or dairy-free butter works too.
- Brown sugar and granulated sugar – adds sweetness and moisture.
- Egg – binds the batter. Use flax egg as a vegan option.
- Vanilla extract – adds flavor depth.
- Buttermilk – makes the cakes tender. You can mix milk with a splash of vinegar if you do not have buttermilk.
- Filling – classic cream filling made with butter, powdered sugar, marshmallow fluff, and vanilla. Swap with cream cheese frosting if you prefer.
- Halloween sprinkles or food coloring – to make the pies festive.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Halloween Whoopie Pies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter with sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Slowly add dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until combined.
- Scoop batter onto baking sheets in small rounds.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until set but still soft. Let cool completely.
- Prepare filling by beating butter, powdered sugar, marshmallow fluff, and vanilla until creamy.
- Spread filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another.
- Roll the edges in sprinkles or drizzle with colored icing.
Tips for Success
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized pies.
- Do not overbake or they will lose their soft texture.
- Let cakes cool fully before filling to avoid melted filling.
- Add gel food coloring to the filling for a more festive look.
Variations of Halloween Whoopie Pies
- Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies – add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the batter.
- Orange Cream Filling – tint the filling orange and add a drop of orange extract.
- Monster Whoopie Pies – add candy eyes for a playful twist.
- Gluten-Free Version – use a gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Halloween Whoopie Pies
- A glass of cold milk or hot chocolate for kids.
- Pumpkin spice latte for adults.
- A platter with other Halloween treats like candy corn, cookies, or caramel apples.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Store whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days, but allow to come to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze unfilled cakes for up to 2 months, then thaw and add filling before serving.
Memories Made Around the Table
Growing up, Halloween was always about gathering around the kitchen table, decorating cookies and cupcakes with family. These whoopie pies bring that same joy, as everyone can join in adding sprinkles, candy eyes, or colorful icing.
FAQs
Can I make whoopie pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cakes a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just fill them before serving for the best texture.
Can I use a cake mix for whoopie pies?
Absolutely. A chocolate cake mix can be turned into whoopie pies by scooping small rounds onto baking sheets. They may bake faster, so check them early.
What is the best filling for Halloween whoopie pies?
The classic marshmallow fluff filling is delicious, but you can use cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or even chocolate ganache for a richer option.
Final Thoughts & Printable Recipe
These Halloween Whoopie Pies are fun, festive, and easy enough for even beginner bakers. They make the perfect sweet bite to share with friends, family, and trick-or-treaters. Give them a try this Halloween, and don’t forget to pin this recipe or share it with someone who loves spooky treats.
Halloween Whoopie Pies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment Paper
- Cookie scoop
- Spatula
Ingredients
Chocolate Cakes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk or milk with 1 tsp vinegar
Marshmallow Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Decorations
- Halloween sprinkles or food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, mixing just until combined.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop batter onto prepared sheets. Space evenly.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until set. Let cool completely.
- To make the filling: Beat butter, powdered sugar, marshmallow fluff, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
- Spread filling on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with another. Roll in sprinkles or decorate as desired.