Gingerbread Whoopie Pies

Treat yourself this holiday season with soft, spiced Gingerbread Whoopie Pies that are as delightful to bake as they are to eat. These festive treats marry moist, flavorful gingerbread cookies with a creamy, sweet filling—making them the perfect snack or dessert to share with friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying something new, Gingerbread Whoopie Pies offer that cozy combination of classic holiday spices and comforting texture everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Bake: The recipe uses straightforward steps, perfect even for beginner bakers looking to impress.
• Festive Flavors: The warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves fill your kitchen with irresistible holiday aromas.
• Soft and Moist Texture: Each whoopie pie is delightfully tender, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• Perfect for Gifting: These treats are ideal for holiday gift baskets or parties, wrapped up in festive packaging.
• Customizable Filling: You can easily tweak the cream filling to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather a handful of simple yet essential ingredients for these Gingerbread Whoopie Pies, each bringing something special—flavor, moisture, or that rich color—creating the ultimate festive treat.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies without weighing them down.
• Baking Soda: Helps the whoopie pies rise to the perfect fluffy texture.
• Ground Ginger: Brings that signature spicy warmth essential to gingerbread flavor.
• Cinnamon and Cloves: Adds depth and complexity to the spice profile.
• Unsalted Butter: Gives richness and tenderness to the cookie base.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note.
• Molasses: The key ingredient for dark color and deep, robust flavor.
• Egg: Binds ingredients for structure and softness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and sweetness harmony.
• For the Filling – Cream Cheese and Powdered Sugar: Creates the luxuriously smooth, sweet filling for sandwiching the cookies.

Variations for Gingerbread Whoopie Pies

Feel free to put your personal spin on these Gingerbread Whoopie Pies! The recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to swap or add ingredients depending on your pantry or dietary preferences.

• Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the filling.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of black pepper or cardamom to the batter for an extra warming kick.
• Chocolate Twist: Mix cocoa powder into the batter for a chocolate-gingerbread hybrid delight.
• Orange Zest: Incorporate fresh orange zest into the filling for a refreshing citrus note.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter or sprinkle on top before baking.

How to Make Gingerbread Whoopie Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. This ensures even spice distribution and a light texture for your gingerbread cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat softened unsalted butter with brown sugar until fluffy and light. This process helps incorporate air, making the cookies tender.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to your creamed butter and sugar. Blend well to create a smooth, rich batter ready to meet the dry spices.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated, forming a soft dough. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized rounds spaced apart, then bake for 8-10 minutes until the cookies spring back when touched. Allow to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Filling

Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. This creamy filling perfectly balances the spices of the gingerbread cookies.

Step 7: Assemble the Whoopie Pies

Spread a generous dollop of filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another. Press gently to spread the filling evenly without squishing the cookies.

Pro Tips for Making Gingerbread Whoopie Pies

• Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to keep the cookies tender and soft.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: It creams better with sugar, resulting in a lighter texture.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the batter prevents spreading, keeping cookies perfectly round and thick.
• Uniform Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop for consistent whoopie pies that bake evenly and look professional.
• Cool Completely Before Filling: Prevents the filling from melting and sliding off your Gingerbread Whoopie Pies.

How to Serve Gingerbread Whoopie Pies

Garnishes

Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate for a festive finishing touch that makes your Gingerbread Whoopie Pies extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair these treats with hot beverages like spiced chai tea, coffee, or rich hot chocolate to complement the warm flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange whoopie pies on a holiday platter lined with evergreen sprigs or wrap individual pies in cellophane tied with ribbon for charming homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep Gingerbread Whoopie Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and softness.

Freezing

Wrap each whoopie pie individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

For a freshly baked taste, warm whoopie pies slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, but avoid overheating to retain their tender texture.

FAQs

Can I make Gingerbread Whoopie Pies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix, and your Gingerbread Whoopie Pies will be just as delicious and festive.

How long do these whoopie pies last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, Gingerbread Whoopie Pies stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature and up to a week in the refrigerator.

Can I use a different filling?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with buttercream, marshmallow fluff, or even flavored cream cheese fillings to suit your taste.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling helps the batter to firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and keeping them thick and soft.

Are Gingerbread Whoopie Pies suitable for kids?

Definitely. The mild spices and soft texture make them a kid-friendly holiday treat that’s fun to make and eat together.

Final Thoughts

With their soft, spiced cookie layers and creamy filling, Gingerbread Whoopie Pies are a holiday delight that’s simple to make and impossible to resist. Try baking a batch today and share the warmth and joy of these festive treats with your loved ones—it’s sure to become a new seasonal favorite!

Related Posts

• Oatmeal Cookies
• Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
• Chocolate Turtle Cookies

Print