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My kitchen smells amazing when I bake these Peppermint Chocolate Whoopie Pies. The rich chocolate cake rounds paired with creamy peppermint filling take me right back to my childhood Christmas baking sessions. I love watching my kids' faces light up when they see these treats cooling on the counter. Each bite brings together soft chocolate cakes filled with my special peppermint buttercream and marshmallow fluff mixture topped with bits of crushed peppermint candy.
A Christmas Favorite in My House
These whoopie pies never last long in my cookie jar. The mix of chocolate and cool peppermint makes them perfect for winter gatherings. My family can't decide if they're cookies cakes or pies but they know these treats mean the holidays are here. I always make extra batches because they disappear so quickly at our Christmas parties.
What Goes Into These Treats
- Dry Ingredients: Grab 1¾ cups all-purpose flour half cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking soda and half teaspoon salt from your pantry.
- Wet Ingredients: You'll need half cup softened butter 1 cup light brown sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla and ¾ cup buttermilk.
- Filling: Set out half cup butter 1½ cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon each of peppermint and vanilla extract a jar of marshmallow fluff and some candy canes to crush up.
Kitchen Magic Time
- Making Your Cakes
- Start by warming up your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment or those handy silicone mats. Mix your dry ingredients in one bowl. In your mixer cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add your egg and vanilla then gradually mix in the flour mixture and buttermilk. Scoop little portions onto your baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes until they bounce back when touched.
- Whipping Up the Filling
- Beat your butter and sugar until it's light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla peppermint and salt. Fold in that fluffy marshmallow cream until everything looks smooth. Pop it in the fridge for a bit to firm up.
- Putting It All Together
- Spread filling on half your cakes sandwich them together and roll the edges in crushed peppermint. Let them chill if you can wait that long.
My Secret Tips
I always use my trusty cookie scoop for perfectly matched cake rounds. The filling spreads like a dream after some time in the fridge. Real peppermint extract makes all the difference in flavor. I lay out parchment paper under my work area because those candy pieces tend to scatter everywhere.
Make Them Pretty
Sometimes I add a drop of food coloring to make pink or green filling for different holidays. My kids love adding sparkly sprinkles to theirs. When I want extra crunch I mix some crushed candy right into the filling. A drizzle of melted chocolate on top looks beautiful too.
Keep Them Fresh
These treats stay perfect in the fridge for about 3 days. I put parchment between layers so they don't stick together. If you want to make them ahead wrap each one in plastic and pop them in the freezer. They'll keep for two months but honestly they never last that long in my house.
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Mix It Up
Sometimes I chop up peppermint bark instead of candy canes. Orange extract gives them a chocolate orange flavor that my husband loves. For fancy parties I dip the edges in melted chocolate before adding the crushed candies.
What You'll Need
Your mixer will get a workout with these. Good baking sheets and parchment paper are must-haves. I love using my small cookie scoop for even portions. A simple spatula works great for filling but piping bags make prettier swirls. Keep some wax paper handy for crushing candies it makes cleanup so much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long do these whoopie pies last?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. When stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- → Why do ingredients need to be room temperature?
Room temperature ingredients blend better and create a smoother batter. This ensures even baking and proper texture in the final cookies.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make and freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer container.
- → How do I know when the cakes are done?
The centers should spring back when gently touched after about 10 minutes of baking. Let them cool completely before filling.
- → Can I adjust the peppermint flavor?
Yes, you can add more or less peppermint extract to taste. Start with less and adjust to your preference as peppermint extract can be strong.
Conclusion
These festive whoopie pies combine soft chocolate cake rounds with a peppermint-marshmallow filling and crushed candy cane coating. Perfect for holiday gatherings and gifting.