Name: Old-Fashioned Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup shortening; 2 cups white sugar; 2 eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup hot water; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 1/2 cups shortening; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup milk; 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract; 2 egg whites

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If you’re craving a nostalgic treat that brings a smile with every bite, the Old-Fashioned Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe is exactly what you need. These nostalgic chocolate delights feature soft, cake-like cookies sandwiched together with a creamy, vanilla-flavored filling that perfectly balances rich cocoa goodness. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or just treating yourself, these whoopie pies deliver that comforting, homemade charm that never goes out of style.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a two-layer chocolate cake. The top and bottom layers are deep brown with a slightly rough and soft texture. Between them is a thick white cream layer, smooth and fluffy, peeking out from the sides. The cake has a simple, homemade appearance and is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to make these classic treats is a breeze, thanks to the simple yet essential ingredients that each play a special role. From the velvety cocoa powder that packs the chocolate punch to the buttermilk that adds tender moisture, every item enhances the flavor, texture, or appearance of your whoopie pies.

1 cup shortening: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb for the cookies.
2 cups white sugar: Fully balances the chocolate flavor with just the right sweetness.
2 eggs: Bind the batter while adding moisture for soft, cakey cookies.
1 cup buttermilk: Adds acidity which tenderizes and enhances the chocolate taste.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses subtle warmth and depth into both the cookies and filling.
4 cups all-purpose flour: The structure base for your whoopie pies, giving them body without heaviness.
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The star ingredient delivering that rich, chocolatey essence.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor.
1 cup hot water: Helps activate the baking soda and keeps the batter smooth.
2 teaspoons baking soda: Leavens the batter, ensuring fluffy, risen cookies.
1 1/2 cups shortening (for filling): Creates a silky, rich frosting that’s stable and smooth.
4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the creamy filling perfectly without graininess.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for filling): Thickens the filling for a fluffy yet firm texture.
1/4 cup milk: Enhances creaminess and helps reach the perfect spreadable consistency.
1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract (for filling): Brings out the sweet aroma in the luscious filling.
2 egg whites: Whipped adds lightness and volume to the filling, making it irresistibly airy.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit — the high heat helps the cookies develop a tender crumb quickly. Grease two cookie sheets with cooking spray so the cookies slide right off once baked. Setting up your workspace now sets you on the path to success.

Step 2: Cream the Shortening and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of shortening and 2 cups of white sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, resulting in light, soft cookies. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything blends evenly and smoothly.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Buttermilk, and Vanilla

Next, reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually add in the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract one at a time. Mixing them slowly ensures the batter stays smooth without overworking it. The buttermilk’s tang will make your chocolate whoopie pies extra tender and subtly flavorful.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt, then gently stir this dry mixture into the wet batter with a spatula. You want to blend until most of the flour is combined but still leave a few streaks—you’re aiming to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the final cookies.

Step 5: Add Hot Water and Baking Soda

In a small bowl, stir baking soda into the hot water until dissolved, then fold gently into the batter. This mixture activates the leavening action that will give you those wonderfully soft, pillowy whoopie pies every time. Stir just until combined to keep the batter light.

Step 6: Portion the Batter and Bake

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dollops of batter onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes or until the tops bounce back when you touch them lightly. Let them cool on the trays for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here leads to perfectly textured cookies ready for filling.

Step 7: Prepare the Creamy Filling

While your cookies bake and cool, whip together the filling. Beat 1 1/2 cups shortening, powdered sugar, and flour on low speed until the sugar is incorporated. Then increase speed to medium and gradually add milk, egg whites, and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture becomes thick, fluffy, and smooth—a luscious addition that brings the Old-Fashioned Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe truly to life.

Step 8: Assemble Your Whoopie Pies

Once cooled, spoon or pipe about a tablespoon of filling onto the flat side of half your cookies. Gently place the remaining cookies on top to make sandwiches, pressing just enough for the filling to reach the edges. This classic assembly turns simple, two-part cookies into an irresistibly tender treat that melts in your mouth.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of a two-layer chocolate cake sandwich with a thick middle layer of white whipped cream. The top and bottom layers are dark brown with a slightly rough, porous texture, while the cream in the middle is smooth and fluffy, peeking out with soft peaks along the edges. The background features a white marbled surface that contrasts with the rich color of the cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate these whoopie pies for a special occasion, consider sprinkling a dusting of powdered sugar or even a light drizzle of melted chocolate on top. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts around the serving plate can add delightful color and texture contrasts without overpowering the beloved classic flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your Old-Fashioned Chocolate Whoopie Pies with a cold glass of milk or a robust cup of coffee for a nostalgic and comforting experience. For a fun twist, serve alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to amplify both texture and temperature contrasts that will delight your taste buds.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Arrange your whoopie pies in a tiered dessert stand for eye-catching appeal at parties. You could also wrap individual pies in parchment paper tied with twine for charming homemade gifts. For a playful touch, slice smaller whoopie pie bites and serve as dessert samplers at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any whoopie pies left (which might be a challenge), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cookies soft while maintaining the creamy filling at its best consistency. Avoid refrigeration if you want to preserve that perfect texture.

Freezing

Whoopie pies freeze wonderfully! Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy a sweet treat anytime you like without starting from scratch.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy frozen whoopie pies, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving. If you prefer, microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm slightly—just enough to revive their softness and highlight all those delicious flavors.

FAQs

Can I use butter instead of shortening?

Butter can be substituted for shortening, but keep in mind it will change the texture slightly, making the cookies a bit denser and less tender. If you prefer the flavor butter imparts, go ahead, but shortening helps achieve that classic Old-Fashioned Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe softness.

What’s the best way to make the filling fluffy?

Whipping the egg whites separately before folding them into the filling mixture is key to getting that light, airy texture. Take your time beating until soft peaks form for best results.

Can I make these whoopie pies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure all other ingredients are gluten-free, and watch your baking time closely since gluten-free flours can bake faster or slower.

Why do the cookies need to cool completely before filling?

If the cookies are warm, the filling can melt and become runny, leading to a messy final product. Cooling ensures the filling holds its shape, making assembling easier and your pies look beautiful.

Can I add flavors to the filling?

Absolutely! While vanilla is traditional and delicious, you can mix in a little cocoa powder, peppermint extract, or even a splash of bourbon to customize your Old-Fashioned Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe to your taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about making and sharing the Old-Fashioned Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe. It’s a sweet way to connect with times gone by while creating new memories with friends and family. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to these fluffy, chocolaty sandwiches that bring pure joy in every bite.