When it comes to Halloween treats, there’s nothing quite like the fun of a whoopie pie—especially when it’s all dressed up for the spookiest night of the year! Halloween Whoopie Pies are a soft, cake-like cookie sandwich filled with sweet, fluffy filling and decorated in festive orange, black, or ghostly white. These spooky little treats are the perfect blend of fun and delicious, and they’re sure to be a hit at any Halloween party, fall gathering, or as a surprise after-school snack.
If you’ve never made whoopie pies before, don’t worry! They’re surprisingly easy to whip up, and decorating them for Halloween just adds to the fun. Whether you turn them into little pumpkins, spooky ghosts, or sprinkle them with eerie Halloween-colored decorations, these whoopie pies are as customizable as they are tasty.
Let’s get started on these deliciously spooky Halloween treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy: The cookie sandwiches have a tender, cake-like texture that pairs perfectly with the sweet, creamy filling.
- Spooky fun: With endless decorating possibilities, you can transform these whoopie pies into ghosts, pumpkins, or sprinkle them with fun Halloween-themed toppings.
- Easy to make: Despite their fancy appearance, these whoopie pies come together quickly with just a few simple steps.
- Perfect for Halloween parties: These spooky treats are a great addition to any Halloween dessert table or to share with friends, family, and trick-or-treaters!
- Customizable: You can play around with colors and flavors, making them unique for your Halloween celebration.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Decoration Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Servings: 12-14 whoopie pies
- Calories per serving: 250 kcal
- Carbs: 36g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Whoopie Pie Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tbsp vinegar, left to sit for 5 minutes)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Marshmallow Cream Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow fluff
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Halloween Decorations:
- Orange food coloring
- Black food coloring
- Halloween sprinkles (optional)
- Candy eyes (optional)
- Edible glitter (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chocolate Whoopie Pie Cookies
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Step 4: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition. The batter will be thick and fluffy.
- Step 5: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop 2-tablespoon-sized mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The batter will spread as it bakes, so leave enough room between each mound.
- Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies spring back when lightly pressed. (Pro tip: Rotate the baking sheets halfway through the cooking time for even baking.)
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Marshmallow Cream Filling
- Step 8: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the marshmallow cream filling. In a medium bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
- Step 9: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Step 10: Mix in the marshmallow fluff and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. The filling should be thick, yet spreadable. (Pro tip: If the filling is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.)
3. Assemble the Whoopie Pies
- Step 11: Once the cookies are completely cool, it’s time to assemble your spooky whoopie pies! Spread a generous amount of the marshmallow cream filling on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie. Press lightly to help the filling spread evenly.
- Step 12: Continue assembling the rest of the whoopie pies until all the cookies are paired up.
4. Decorate the Halloween Whoopie Pies
Here’s where the spooky fun begins! Get creative with your decorations:
- Step 13: Divide the remaining marshmallow cream filling into small bowls if you want to color it. Add orange and black food coloring to different bowls of filling, stirring until you reach your desired shade.
- Step 14: Pipe or spread the colored filling on the tops of the whoopie pies for a festive Halloween look.
- Step 15: If you want to make pumpkin whoopie pies, color the filling orange and pipe it on top in the shape of a pumpkin, using black food coloring or candy eyes for spooky faces.
- Step 16: Sprinkle the tops of the whoopie pies with Halloween sprinkles, edible glitter, or even draw little ghost faces with black icing to create adorable Halloween characters.
How to Serve Halloween Whoopie Pies
These Halloween Whoopie Pies are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are a few ideas for serving:
- At a Halloween party: Set up a DIY decorating station where guests can personalize their own whoopie pies. Provide sprinkles, candy eyes, edible glitter, and colored frosting so everyone can get creative!
- As a treat for trick-or-treaters: Wrap each whoopie pie in clear cellophane with a fun ribbon for a special treat to hand out on Halloween night.
- Fall family gatherings: Serve these whoopie pies alongside other fall-themed desserts like caramel apples or pumpkin spice cookies for a festive dessert spread.
- After-school snack: Surprise your kids with these fun whoopie pies after school—they’ll love the spooky designs and soft, marshmallowy filling!
Additional Tips for Success
- Keep the cookies soft: Don’t overbake the whoopie pie cookies. They should be soft and springy to the touch, with a cake-like texture.
- Chill the batter: If your whoopie pies are spreading too much while baking, try chilling the batter for 15 minutes before scooping it onto the baking sheets. This will help them hold their shape.
- Even-sized cookies: Use a cookie scoop to ensure that each whoopie pie cookie is the same size, making it easier to match up the halves when assembling.
- Smooth cookie tops: To get smooth, round whoopie pie tops, dip your finger in water and gently press down any peaks in the batter before baking.
- Storing the whoopie pies: Store assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, but let them come to room temperature before serving.
Recipe Variations
The best part about whoopie pies is how easily they can be customized. Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Pumpkin Whoopie Pies: For a true fall treat, swap out the chocolate cookies for spiced pumpkin ones. Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ginger, and ¼ tsp nutmeg to the batter. These pair perfectly with the marshmallow cream filling!
- Ghostly White Whoopie Pies: Instead of chocolate, make vanilla whoopie pies by omitting the cocoa powder and adding an extra ¼ cup of flour. Decorate with white frosting and black candy eyes for ghost-themed treats.
- Spooky Chocolate Filling: For an extra chocolaty twist, add 2 tbsp of cocoa powder to the marshmallow cream filling and use black food coloring to create dark, spooky filling for your pies.
- Candy Corn Whoopie Pies: Color the marshmallow cream filling in orange and yellow, and pipe it to mimic candy corn. You can even add candy corn sprinkles on top for extra sweetness.
- Mummy Whoopie Pies: Use black food coloring for the filling and pipe white lines across the tops of the whoopie pies to resemble mummy bandages. Add candy eyes to complete the look!
Freezing and Storage
- Storing: Store your Halloween Whoopie Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you plan to make them ahead of time, store the cookies and filling separately and assemble right before serving to keep the cookies soft and fresh.
- Freezing: Whoopie pies freeze well, making them a great make-ahead dessert. Wrap each assembled whoopie pie tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.
Special Equipment
- Cookie Scoop: Using a cookie scoop helps ensure your whoopie pies are evenly sized and bake uniformly.
- Piping Bag: For precise decorating, use a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip to pipe on the colored filling or decorative frosting.
- Cooling Rack: This is essential for allowing the whoopie pie cookies to cool completely before filling and decorating.
FAQ
1. Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the whoopie pie cookies up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble and decorate.
2. Can I use store-bought marshmallow fluff?
Absolutely! Store-bought marshmallow fluff works perfectly for this recipe and makes the filling quick and easy to whip up.
3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
4. Can I freeze the whoopie pies?
Yes! Whoopie pies freeze well. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
5. How can I make them dairy-free?
To make these whoopie pies dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, and use dairy-free marshmallow fluff for the filling.
Conclusion
These Halloween Whoopie Pies are sure to become a fall favorite, bringing together the rich flavors of chocolate, the fluffiness of marshmallow cream, and the creativity of spooky Halloween decorations. Whether you’re making them for a party, handing them out as treats, or just enjoying them at home, these festive whoopie pies are a delightful and playful addition to your Halloween celebration.
I can’t wait to see your spooky creations—so don’t forget to share pictures of your Halloween Whoopie Pies with me! Happy baking, and have a frightfully fun Halloween!
PrintHalloween Whoopie Pies
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
For the Filling:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Orange food coloring (optional)
For Decoration:
- Sprinkles (Halloween-themed)
- Edible candy eyes
- Optional: black or orange fondant for decorating
Instructions
Make the Cookies:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop the Batter: Use a cookie scoop to drop tablespoon-sized mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each mound.
Bake the Cookies:
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Filling:
- Beat the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Add Sugar and Cream: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low until combined. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then beat on high until fluffy.
- Color the Filling: If desired, mix in orange food coloring until you reach the desired shade.
Assemble the Whoopie Pies:
- Fill the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie, flat side down.
- Decorate: Roll the edges in Halloween-themed sprinkles and add edible candy eyes on top for a fun look. You can also use fondant to create spooky designs.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Protein: 2g