Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
If you’re looking for an easy festive treat that tastes like Christmas in every bite, Gingerbread Whoopie Pies are it. These soft, cakey gingerbread cookies are filled with fluffy vanilla cream and finished with the cutest holiday decoration. They’re comforting, nostalgic, and perfect for gifting, parties, or enjoying with a hot cup of cocoa.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Gingerbread Cakes:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the Cream Filling:
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla flavoring extract
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
For the Decoration:
- Melted White Chocolate
- Candy Cane Lane Sprinkle Mix
How to Make Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and all the spices. In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses and egg. Mix in dry ingredients, followed by buttermilk. The batter should be smooth and thick.
Step 2: Pipe or Scoop
Use a small cookie scoop or piping bag to place equal dollops onto a parchment-lined tray. Leave space-they spread a bit!
Step 3: Bake
Bake at 175°C for 10-12 mins until the tops spring back when touched. Let them cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Filling
Beat butter, icing sugar, vanilla, and cream until you get a soft, pipe-able consistency.
Step 5: Assemble
Pipe filling onto one cookie and sandwich with another. Press gently, not too hard or it will spill out.
Step 6: Decorate
To give your whoopie pies a festive finish, drizzle the tops with melted white chocolate. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to make neat lines or a messy drizzle. While the chocolate is still soft, put on sprinkle mix on top.
FAQ
1. Can I make them ahead?
Yes! They stay soft for 2-3 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze them (assembled or unassembled).
2. Can I change the filling?
Absolutely. Try cream cheese frosting, marshmallow fluff filling, or chocolate ganache.
3. Why are my whoopie pies flat?
Usually because the butter was too soft or the batter was warm. Chill the batter slightly to fix this.
4. Can I make them without molasses?
Molasses gives the deep gingerbread flavor. If you must, replace with honey or dark brown sugar, but the taste won’t be as rich.
5. Are they supposed to be soft or crunchy?
Soft! Whoopie pies should be like mini cakes, not cookies.