These cookies are wonderful for the holidays, and much easier to make than you might think! Add this easy recipe for Gingerbread Whoopie Pies to your holiday baking list this year! When it comes to Christmas baking, gingerbread is one flavor that I always like to include in my baking plans. I’ve made gingerbread cake, gingerbread cut-out cookies, and even gingerbread granola in the past, but this year, I’m making these amazing Gingerbread Whoopie Pies! They are moist and soft with the perfect texture, a decadent cream cheese filling, and all the robust gingerbread flavor you could want. These might just be the perfect Christmas dessert!
Are Whoopie Pies Cake or Cookies?
This is an interesting question that comes up often. I call these cookies, but actually, they are made more like small cakes. A whoopie pie isn’t a cake, and it isn’t really a cookie, because it’s a dessert category all on its own. These are hand-held miniature gingerbread cake sandwiches filled with fluffy, cream cheese frosting. If you love all things pumpkin spice, be sure to try my Pumpkin Whoopie Pies too. Or, make a more classic vanilla whoopie pie recipe that you can tint with food coloring to match any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Key Ingredients
Here are the most important things to note about the ingredients for the best gingerbread whoopie pies:
Eggs: It’s best to let your eggs come to room temperature before mixing them into your dough and batter recipes. This simple step will ensure that your whoopie pie dough is perfectly smooth. Molasses: This is a key flavor ingredient in gingerbread! It’s a byproduct of sugar refining and has a distinct, rich flavor. Be sure to buy unsulphered molasses for this recipe. If given a choice between light and dark molasses, I recommend using the light or original version. Blackstrap molasses is not to be used in baking recipes like this one. Spices: The rest of the signature gingerbread flavor comes from ground spices including ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Using both will give your whoopie pies the right amount of lift and fluffy texture. For the Filling: Unsalted butter and cream cheese blended with powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla extract make the most delicious and creamy filling! Be sure to let the butter and cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
Recipe Tips
Make the cookies the same size so that your whoopie pie sandwiches are even. A cookie scoop will help you portion the dough perfectly. Avoid overbaking these. Remove them from the oven when they are puffed up and just cooked in the middle. To decorate, sprinkle the whoopie pies with powdered sugar just before serving. Enjoy with a beverage. Serve gingerbread whoopie pies with a glass of cold milk, or a delicious mug of hot chocolate!
Storing Tips
Storage: Keep your whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Because the filling is made with cream cheese, these should not be stored at room temperature. I do like to let them sit out for a bit before serving though, so that the filling can soften up a bit. Freezing: Wrap each whoopie pie individually with plastic wrap, and place in a ziptop bag or freezer container. Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw on the counter for 30 minutes before enjoying.
Can I Make Whoopie Pies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make these and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze them for up to 6 months!
Do I Need a Special Pan To Make Whoopie Pies?
You can buy a “whoopie pie” baking pan which has shallow cavities to bake the batter in. This type of pan could be helpful for this recipe, but I have never tried using one myself. The dough/batter for these gingerbread whoopie pies should be thick enough that it will stay in place on a flat cookie sheet, no need to buy a new piece of kitchen equipment! Perfect for the season, these soft, moist Gingerbread Whoopie Pies are going to be a hit at all of your holiday gatherings! Don’t forget to save the recipe – Pin it to your Christmas Baking board so it’s easy to find later. © Little Sunny Kitchen
