I can’t wait to share these Gingerbread Whoopie Pies with you—they’re like little pillows of holiday cheer in each bite! The combination of spicy gingerbread cookies with creamy filling is simply irresistible. I’ve always thought whoopie pies are the perfect hybrid between a cookie and a cake, and when you add those warm holiday spices? Pure magic. So grab your mixing bowls and let’s see how these festive treats might just become your new holiday tradition.
Why You’ll Love these Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
These Gingerbread Whoopie Pies might just be the holiday treat you’ve been searching for.
They’re perfectly soft and chewy, with that classic gingerbread spice that warms you from the inside out. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and allspice creates that nostalgic holiday flavor we all crave.
I’m obsessed with how easy they’re to make—just mix, scoop, and bake. The rich molasses gives them that gorgeous deep color and distinctive flavor.
And can we talk about how amazing your kitchen will smell? Like Christmas morning in cookie form. Perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.
What Ingredients are in Gingerbread Whoopie Pies?
To create these perfectly spiced holiday treats, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and warming spices that bring that classic gingerbread flavor to life.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon allspice or cloves
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ cup molasses
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Don’t forget that while the recipe stands beautifully on its own, you might want to grab ingredients for cream cheese frosting if you’re planning to fill these whoopie pies with that classic creamy center—it pairs wonderfully with the spiced cookies and really takes them to the next level.
How to Make these Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Getting this prep work done first means you’ll be ready to go once your batter comes together.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1½ teaspoons of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of allspice or cloves.
Those warm spices are what give these cookies their signature gingerbread flavor profile.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat ½ cup of room temperature unsalted butter with 1 cup of brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
This creaming process creates tiny air pockets that help give your whoopie pies their perfect texture.
Using a stand mixer will make this creaming process much easier and more efficient than mixing by hand.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to your butter mixture and mix well.
Then gradually incorporate ½ cup of molasses and ½ cup of buttermilk, mixing until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add your dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Overmixing might make the cookies tough, so we want to stop when everything is just incorporated.
Step 6: Scoop the Batter
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop about 2 tablespoons of batter onto your prepared baking sheets, keeping the cookies about 2 inches apart.
They’ll spread a bit during baking, so don’t crowd them.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your whoopie pies for 12-14 minutes until they’re soft but set.
They should spring back slightly when touched but still maintain that classic whoopie pie softness we all love.
Step 8: Cool and Fill
Allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks before filling.
Once cooled, consider sandwiching them with cream cheese frosting for that classic whoopie pie experience that makes these treats absolutely irresistible.
What to Serve with Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
These spiced treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or afternoon snacks. Serve them alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate with a cinnamon stick for stirring—the warm drink highlights the gingery notes beautifully.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream nestled between two whoopie pies transforms them into delicious ice cream sandwiches. For an adults-only option, pair with mulled wine or a creamy Irish coffee.
If you’re serving these at a dessert table, balance the sweetness with fresh apple slices or pears on the side. And don’t forget about chai tea—its spicy profile complements the gingerbread flavors like they were made for each other.
Gingerbread Whoopie Pies Substitutions and Variations
• Spice It Up: Add ¼ tsp cardamom or black pepper for complexity.
Orange or lemon zest brightens the flavor profile.
- Filling Fun: Try maple buttercream, chai-spiced frosting, or even cranberry filling for a holiday twist.
- Garnishes: Roll edges in crushed gingersnaps, mini chocolate chips, or a dusting of powdered sugar mixed with cinnamon.
Leftovers and Storage for these Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
These delightful treats store beautifully, making them perfect for holiday prep. Here’s how to keep them at their best:
- Room Temperature: Store assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container with parchment between layers for 2-3 days. The cake will soften slightly, which many people actually prefer!
- Refrigeration: If using cream cheese frosting, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Freezer Option: Freeze unfilled cookies in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and add filling when ready to serve.
- Pro Tip: Store unfilled cookies and frosting separately for maximum freshness, assembling just before serving to prevent soggy cookies.
Final Thoughts
These Gingerbread Whoopie Pies are like winter comfort in cookie form, balancing warm spices with a soft, cake-like texture that simply melts in your mouth.
The combination of ginger, cinnamon and molasses creates that quintessential holiday flavor we all crave once the weather turns chilly.
They’re perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, afternoon tea with friends, or packaged as heartfelt homemade gifts.
What makes these particularly special is their versatility—dress them up with cream cheese frosting for an elegant dessert, or let the gingerbread cookies shine on their own for a simpler treat.
In a season of complicated recipes, these whoopie pies deliver maximum joy with minimal fuss.