Old fashioned whoopie pies are a classic dessert made with two soft chocolate cakes filled with a creamy marshmallow filling. They are fun to eat, easy to make, and perfect for parties, holidays, bake sales, or family desserts. With their soft texture and sweet filling, whoopie pies have remained a favorite homemade treat for generations.
This recipe combines rich chocolate cake-like cookies with a fluffy filling that comes together with simple pantry ingredients. The cakes stay soft and tender while the creamy center adds the perfect finishing touch. These homemade whoopie pies are great for sharing and can easily be made ahead for special occasions or weekend baking.
1. Old Fashioned Whoopie Pies Recipe (Yield: 12 Whoopie Pies)
Ingredients
For the Cakes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow fluff
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined. Set the dry ingredients aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Properly creaming the butter and sugar helps create soft and tender cakes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and continue mixing until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin with part of the flour mixture, then add some milk, repeating until everything is fully combined. Mix just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing because this can make the cakes dense instead of soft.
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded portions of batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cake because they will spread slightly while baking.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly when touched. The cakes should look set but still soft.
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cakes to cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes cool, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Add the powdered sugar gradually and continue mixing until fully combined.
Add the marshmallow fluff and vanilla extract to the filling mixture. Beat until the filling becomes light, fluffy, and smooth.
Once the cakes have cooled completely, match them into pairs of similar size. Spread or pipe a generous amount of filling onto the flat side of one cake, then place another cake on top to create a sandwich.
Continue assembling the remaining whoopie pies. Chill them for about 15 to 20 minutes if you want the filling to firm up slightly before serving.
Serve the whoopie pies immediately or store them in an airtight container until ready to enjoy.

2. Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned Whoopie Pies
Use room-temperature ingredients so the batter mixes smoothly and bakes evenly. Cold butter or milk can affect the texture of the cakes.
Measure the batter evenly using a cookie scoop. Uniform cake sizes make the whoopie pies look cleaner and easier to assemble.
Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour. Overmixing can make the cakes dense instead of soft and fluffy.
Bake just until the tops spring back lightly when touched. Overbaking is one of the main reasons whoopie pies become dry.
Let the cakes cool completely before adding the filling. Warm cakes can melt the filling and make the pies messy.
Chill the assembled whoopie pies for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set slightly and gives the pies a better texture.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they called whoopie pies?
Whoopie pies are believed to have originated in the northeastern United States. According to popular stories, people would say “whoopie!” with excitement after seeing these homemade treats.
Can I freeze whoopie pies?
Yes, whoopie pies freeze very well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container before freezing for up to 2 months.
Can I make whoopie pies ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made a day or two in advance. In fact, the cakes often become even softer after resting overnight.
What other fillings can I use besides marshmallow filling?
Cream cheese frosting, vanilla buttercream, peanut butter filling, or chocolate frosting all work well as alternative fillings.
How should I store whoopie pies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer freshness.
4. Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 230mg |
| Sugar | 31g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Old fashioned whoopie pies are a timeless dessert that combines soft chocolate cakes with a creamy marshmallow filling in every bite. They are simple enough for everyday baking but special enough for holidays, parties, and celebrations. With their soft texture and classic homemade flavor, these whoopie pies are a dessert that both kids and adults will enjoy sharing again and again.
1 Comment
Thanks for the recipe! When my kids were little I used the one with fluff and just forgot it. The ones today all just use frosting!