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These chocolate whoopie pies are a classic sandwich cookie made with two soft cocoa cake-like cookies filled with a cream cheese frosting. These are such a fun treat that everyone loves!

More chocolate dessert recipes we love include triple chocolate chip cookies, Rolo cookies and homemade brownies.

chocolate whoopie pies on counter
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Classic Whoopie Pies

These chocolate whoopie pies are a mix between a homemade Oreo and a chocolate cupcake. They’re soft and fluffy sandwich cookie filled with homemade cream cheese frosting, and they are chocolate dessert that never disappoints!

As much as I love pumpkin whoopie pies or this gingerbread whoopie pie recipe in season, this easy classic chocolate whoopie pie recipe is one cookie recipe that is always welcome year round. I mean, when is chocolate ever not a good idea?

How to Make Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Butter and chocolate chips in white stovetop pan.

In a small heavy bottom pot, melt the butter and chocolate chips over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Whisking flour and cocoa powder in glass bowl.

In a medium sized bowl, whisk or sift together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Whisking chocolate batter in glass bowl.

In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, sour cream, vinegar and vanilla. Then add in the flour mixture and mix until combined. Do not over mix.

chocolate cookies on baking sheet

Use a medium cookie scoop drop the cookies onto the pan about 1 1/2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the centers no longer look wet. Allow them to cool on the pan for a couple minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack.

chocolate cookies with frosting

Once the cookies have cooled, frost the BOTTOM of the cookies (generously) and then grab another cookie to put on top and gently press the two cookies together.

Baking Tips

  • Not too sweet. Use semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsweetened cocoa powder. This way you can control the amount of added sugar.
  • Batter, not dough. The texture of the batter will be more cake-like than resembling a cookie dough. So, don’t be alarmed!
  • Doneness. The cookies will still be quite soft when taken out of the oven. As long as they are no longer wet in the middle, they should be ready. They will continue to set as they cool.
  • Assembly. Once your cookies have cooled, flip over half of them. Frost only those! Then grab another cookie and place it on top.
  • Cookie size. Use a cookie scoop to scoop out the batter for even sizes. It’s going to be rather difficult to make a sandwich with two different sized cookies!
  • Texture and consistency. For light and fluffy results, avoid overmixing the batter.
  • Piping bag. For a neater-looking center, pipe the frosting in a circular motion using a piping bag. The best whoopie cookies have the perfect cookie-to-frosting ratio, so be generous with your filling!

FAQs

What is a whoopie pie?

A whoopie pie is basically a handheld sandwich cookie that has a soft cake-like texture.

What is a whoopie filling made of?

I usually fill mine with a classic buttercream or cream cheese frosting but a fluffy marshmallow frosting or easy peanut butter frosting would taste delicious.The great thing about these cookies is you can really use whatever sweet creamy whoopie pie filling you like!

Is it a cake or cookie?

Both and can we add sandwich cookie in the mix, too. It’s small round shape reminds you of a cookie while the soft texture is cake-like. It’s almost like a small inverted cupcake with frosting sandwiched in the middle of two cookies!

stacked chocolate whoopie pies on counter

Storing Whoopie Pies

  • Store: These cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge when kept in an airtight container. In my opinion, they taste even better the next day!
  • Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months and bring them out to thaw a couple of hours before eating.
chocolate whoopie pies cut in half

More delicious chocolate desserts include slow cooker chocolate cake and chocolate souffle!

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stacked chocolate whoopie pies on counter

Chocolate Whoopie Pies

5 from 4 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
These chocolate whoopie pies are a classic sandwich cookie made with two soft cocoa cake-like cookies filled with a cream cheese frosting. These are such a fun treat that everyone loves!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 16

Ingredients 

Cookies:

  • 1 cup butter
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 ½ cups (325 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ Tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Frosting:

  • 6 ounces cream cheese , softened
  • ½ cup butter , softened
  • 2-3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

Cookies

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a small heavy bottom pot, melt the butter and chocolate chips over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a medium sized bowl, whisk or sift together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, sour cream, vinegar and vanilla. Then add in the flour mixture and mix until combined. Do not over mix.
  • Use a medium cookie scoop or Tablespoon to drop the cookies onto the pan about 1 1/2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the centers no longer look wet. Allow them to cool on the pan for a couple minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack.

Frosting

  • While the cookies are cooling, whip up your cream cheese frosting. Beat the butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer. Once smooth, beat in the cream cheese. Then slowly add in the powdered sugar and vanilla and mix until smooth. Add a pinch of salt if desired. Set aside until cookies have cooled.
  • Once the cookies have cooled, frost the BOTTOM of the cookies (generously) and then grab another cookie to put on top and gently press the two cookies together.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover cookies in a covered container up to 3 days in the refrigerator. In my opinion, they taste even better the next day.
Freeze up to 3 months. Remove from the freezer a couple hours before serving to thaw.

Nutrition

Calories: 497kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 312mg | Potassium: 174mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 774IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

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