Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies Recipe

Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies are pure holiday magic—a delightful combo of rich chocolatey cookies sandwiched around a fluffy, cool peppermint cream. Every bite tastes like winter wonderland cheer, with soft, cakey layers giving way to a creamy, minty center. If you’re searching for a dessert that balances festive flavor with classic comfort, these whoopie pies will absolutely earn a permanent spot on your treat tray.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All it takes are a handful of pantry staples and a few flavor-packed extras to make these Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies really sing. Each ingredient builds on the next, creating the perfect mix of tender, chocolaty cookies and ultra-smooth, peppermint-kissed filling.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookies, creating structure while keeping them soft and tender.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Essential for that deep, chocolatey taste and dark color.
• Baking soda: A key leavening agent that gives your cookies their signature lift and slight dome.
• Salt: Just the right amount sharpens all the flavors—don’t skip it!
• Unsalted butter: Used in both the cookies and the filling for richness and smoothness.
• Brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor and keeps the cookies extra moist.
• Egg: Binds the dough together for the perfect cakey texture.
• Vanilla extract: Layered into both the cookies and the cream for gentle warmth.
• Buttermilk: The secret ingredient for a soft, tender crumb—plus a hint of tang.
• Powdered sugar: The base of your creamy, dreamy filling.
• Heavy cream: Adds richness and helps get the filling perfectly spreadable.
• Peppermint extract: The star flavor for that unmistakable minty kick—start small and adjust to taste!

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven

Gather all your ingredients first—mise en place is key for smooth baking, especially for Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring nothing sticks and your cookies bake up evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This early step evenly distributes your rising agent and cocoa so every cookie has that rich, chocolatey hue and the perfect lift.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Use a large bowl and a hand mixer (or stand mixer) to beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy—this takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This creaming method traps air, making for that delightfully cake-like whoopie pie texture.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the large egg along with a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Watch as the mixture turns pillowy and smooth, another step towards irresistibly soft cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry, Add Buttermilk

With your mixer on low, gently mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with splashes of buttermilk. Go slowly and mix just until combined—overmixing could make the cookies tough, and we want them ultra-tender.

Step 6: Shape and Bake Cookies

Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your baking sheet, spacing them a couple inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges have set and the tops show a few delicate cracks. Let cool on the tray a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Whip Up the Peppermint Cream Filling

While the cookies cool, whip together your softened butter and powdered sugar until blended and fluffy. Slowly beat in the heavy cream, peppermint extract, and vanilla, adjusting peppermint to your taste. The filling should be soft, creamy, and cool—a cloud of holiday flavor!

Step 8: Assemble the Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies

Pair cookies by size, then spread or pipe a generous layer of filling onto the flat side of one. Top with a matching cookie, gently pressing to sandwich them together. Voila, your Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies are ready for their close-up!

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies

Garnishes

Dress up your Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies along the cream edge, a shower of powdered sugar for a snowy effect, or even a drizzle of dark chocolate. These finishing touches add crunch, color, and an extra whisper of peppermint.

Side Dishes

Pair these whoopie pies with warm drinks like hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a creamy latte. They also play well with vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh berries, making dessert feel like a celebration without any fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies in a holiday tin lined with parchment and bright tissue paper for a heartfelt homemade gift. For parties, arrange them on a pretty cake stand or tuck each into festive cupcake liners for single-serve treats your guests can easily grab.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to a week. The cookies stay moist and the peppermint cream keeps its cool, creamy consistency.

Freezing

These treats freeze beautifully. Just wrap each whoopie pie individually in plastic wrap, pop them in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to two months. When you get a craving, simply let one thaw at room temperature for an hour—instant dessert bliss!

Reheating

If you prefer them gently warmed, let the Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies reach room temperature, then zap in the microwave for 5-10 seconds. The filling softens and the cookies get just the right amount of squishy—like they’re freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different extract instead of peppermint?

Absolutely! While peppermint is classic for that festive zing, you could swap in orange or almond extract for a totally new twist. Just adjust the amount, as some extracts are stronger than others.

Should I chill the dough before baking?

For this particular recipe, chilling isn’t essential unless your dough feels sticky. If your kitchen is very warm or you want thicker cookies, a 20-minute chill can help the cookies hold their shape better as they bake.

Can I make these gluten free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite cup-for-cup gluten free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. The cookies will bake up a little more delicate, but just as delicious.

Is it okay to double the recipe?

You can easily double (or even triple) this recipe for a crowd. Just be sure to bake in batches so the cookies have plenty of space and don’t crowd each other on the pan.

How do I prevent the cream filling from oozing out?

Let the cookies cool completely before adding the filling, and if you want extra insurance, pop the assembled Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes. This sets the filling and keeps everything neat and tidy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a special treat with pure holiday spirit, you can’t go wrong with Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies. They’re fun to bake, even more fun to eat, and guaranteed to make you everyone’s favorite baker. Go on—gather your ingredients and dive in. Your tastebuds (and your loved ones) will thank you!

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