If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate and refreshing mint, then you have to try this Peppermint Whoopie Pie Recipe. These delightful treats feature soft, cake-like chocolate cookies sandwiching a creamy, peppermint-infused filling. Every bite brings that classic holiday cheer wrapped up in a handheld size, making them perfect for sharing or indulging all by yourself. Whether it’s for a festive gathering or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is a must-have in your baking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to bake these peppermint delights is easier than you might think. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s in creating the perfect cookie texture or a smooth, flavorful filling that complements the chocolate exterior beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookies, giving structure and softness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay tender.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Butter (room temperature): Gives moisture and a tender crumb.
- Vegetable shortening: Contributes to a soft, light texture in the cookies.
- Dark brown sugar (packed): Imparts a subtle caramel note and chewiness.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- Pure vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor with warmth and depth.
- Whole milk: Makes the batter smooth and adds tenderness to the cookies.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for a silky, sweet filling that melts in your mouth.
- Heavy cream: Creates a creamy, dreamy texture in the frosting.
- Peppermint extract: Brings the refreshing, minty essence that defines this whoopie pie recipe.
- Candy canes (crushed): For that festive crunch and a pop of peppermint goodness.
- Melted chocolate chips: A luscious finish to dip or drizzle over the pies, adding extra decadence.
How to Make Peppermint Whoopie Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready to bake those cake-like cookies. While it’s warming up, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps the pies bake evenly—all important for achieving the perfect texture.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This step ensures all the dry ingredients are mixed well, which is key for an even crumb and rich chocolate flavor in every bite of your Peppermint Whoopie Pie Recipe.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Shortening, and Sugar
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter, vegetable shortening, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. This blend creates the soft base that makes the cookies tender and slightly chewy—balancing the slight crispness on the outside beautifully.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Slowly incorporate the dry mix alternating with whole milk, which keeps the batter smooth and luscious. Mixing properly here makes sure each cookie bakes just right—airy but dense enough for that melt-in-your-mouth effect.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop even mounds of batter onto the prepared sheets, spacing them well since they will spread slightly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. You want a soft cake-like texture that springs back gently when pressed; overbaking can dry them out, so keep a close eye.
Step 6: Prepare Peppermint Filling
While the cookies cool, whip together the filling by beating softened butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, peppermint extract, and kosher salt until fluffy and creamy. This is the heart of your Peppermint Whoopie Pie Recipe—the minty sweetness that will make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Step 7: Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous dollop of the peppermint filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another. For a festive crunch and extra peppermint punch, press crushed candy canes into the edges of the filling or sprinkle over the top.
Step 8: Add the Chocolate Finish
For that extra wow factor, dip the edges or drizzle each sandwich with melted chocolate chips, letting it set before serving. This step brings an extra layer of richness and makes these treats pop both in flavor and appearance.
How to Serve Peppermint Whoopie Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Crushed candy canes are the perfect garnish for these whoopie pies, adding a delightful crunch and visual appeal. You can also sprinkle a little extra cocoa powder for a dusting of chocolate or add a drizzle of white chocolate for contrast. These simple touches elevate the look and taste, making your desserts feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Peppermint whoopie pies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea, enhancing the minty theme of your treat. For a holiday dessert table, serve alongside sugar cookies or spiced gingerbread to give guests a variety of festive sweets to enjoy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these whoopie pies on a tiered dessert stand for an eye-catching display. Wrapped individually in clear cellophane tied with a festive ribbon, they make charming gifts. You could also serve them slightly chilled or even frozen for a cool, refreshing twist that’s perfect after a big holiday meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your peppermint whoopie pies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge is a better option, extending their freshness for about a week while preserving the texture of the filling and cookies.
Freezing
These whoopie pies freeze beautifully! Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll last up to three months in the freezer, making it super convenient to bake in advance and enjoy anytime you want that Peppermint Whoopie Pie Recipe fix.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the pies overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a couple of hours. For a soft, freshly baked feel, you can warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving, but be careful not to melt the filling or chocolate coating.
FAQs
Can I use a different mint extract?
Absolutely! While peppermint extract is classic and packs the most recognizable flavor, spearmint or a mint blend can be used to give a slightly different but still delicious twist to your whoopie pies.
What if I don’t have vegetable shortening?
You can substitute all the shortening with softened butter. It may slightly change the texture, making the cookies a bit denser, but the flavor will remain rich and wonderful.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking, you can adapt this recipe. Just make sure to check that your cocoa powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How do I crush the candy canes easily?
Place the candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. This method keeps the pieces contained and creates perfect peppermint bits for garnishing.
Are these whoopie pies suitable for freezing before assembly?
You can freeze the baked cookie rounds before putting the filling in. Freeze them in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a bag. When ready, thaw, add the filling, and assemble for the freshest taste.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this Peppermint Whoopie Pie Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those magical desserts that feel comforting and festive at the same time, perfect for holiday celebrations or simply brightening an ordinary day. Give it a try and watch the smiles light up the room with every delicious bite!
Print
Peppermint Whoopie Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 whoopie pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these festive Peppermint Whoopie Pies featuring rich cocoa cakes sandwiched with a creamy peppermint frosting and finished with crushed candy canes and melted chocolate. Perfect for holiday celebrations or a sweet winter treat.
Ingredients
Whoopie Pie Cakes
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- 4 tablespoons vegetable shortening
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Peppermint Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Garnish
- Crushed candy canes
- 1 cup melted chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the whoopie pie cakes.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until fully combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, vegetable shortening, and dark brown sugar together until creamy and smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined and smooth batter forms.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoon-sized dollops of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cakes spring back lightly when touched.
- Cool Cakes: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks before assembling.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat together powdered sugar, butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and kosher salt until light and fluffy.
- Assemble Whoopie Pies: Spread a generous amount of peppermint frosting on the flat side of one cake and sandwich it with another cake of similar size.
- Decorate: Dip or drizzle the assembled pies with melted chocolate chips and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive touch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the chocolate set before serving your delicious peppermint whoopie pies.
Notes
- Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can substitute vegetable shortening with more butter if preferred, but the texture may vary slightly.
- Store whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a dairy-free option, use non-dairy milk and butter substitutes in the frosting and batter.
- Crushed candy canes add a nice crunch and peppermint flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
