If you’ve ever dreamed of a cookie that feels like a hug, you’re in for a treat with these Gingerbread Whoopie Pies. Imagine sinking your teeth into soft, spiced gingerbread cookies that are lovingly sandwiched together with fluffy cream cheese frosting. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make you feel like you’ve just stepped into Santa’s workshop, complete with twinkling lights and holiday cheer. festive dessert ideas light dessert option Perfect for cozy gatherings or festive celebrations, they’re sure to bring joy to everyone who takes a bite.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I freeze Gingerbread Whoopie Pies?
- What is the best filling for these whoopie pies?
- How do I know when they are done baking?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made Gingerbread Whoopie Pies—my kitchen was a flour-dusted wonderland, and the laughter from my family filled the air as we tried to decide which one of us was the “official taste tester.” Spoiler alert: it was me! These delightful treats are not just delicious; they evoke memories of childhood baking marathons and sweet moments spent with loved ones during the holidays. comforting dessert pairings
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Gingerbread Whoopie Pies are easy to prepare, making them perfect for baking novices or seasoned pros alike
- Their rich, spiced flavor perfectly balances the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting
- Visually appealing with their rounded shapes and festive colors, they’re sure to be a hit on any dessert table
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed at Christmas gatherings or any cozy get-together throughout winter
I still giggle thinking about how my friends couldn’t resist diving into these whoopie pies right after I pulled them from the oven.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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- All-Purpose Flour: This is your base; make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Ground Ginger: Choose high-quality ginger for that warm, spicy kick that defines gingerbread.
- Cinnamon: A must-have spice that adds warmth and depth to your whoopie pies.
- Baking Powder: This helps your cookies rise beautifully; check its freshness before using. For more inspiration, check out this chewy caramel coconut cookies recipe.
- Unsalted Butter: Always use unsalted for better control over flavors in your frosting and cookies.
- Brown Sugar: Opt for dark brown sugar if you want deeper molasses flavor; it makes all the difference.
- Eggs: Use large eggs to bind everything together nicely; they help create a rich texture.
- Molasses: This is key for that classic gingerbread flavor—don’t skip it!
- Cream Cheese: For the filling, this adds tanginess and creaminess that pairs beautifully with gingerbread.
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for sweetening up your frosting without any graininess; sift before using!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your cookies go in.
Prepare baking sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking; no one likes a cookie tragedy.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until well combined; this creates an aromatic foundation.
Cream butter and sugars: In another bowl, beat unsalted butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy; this will take about 3 minutes of joyful mixing.
Add eggs and molasses: Blend in eggs one at a time followed by molasses until smooth; you’ll smell that sweet spice aroma taking over!
Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients while mixing gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep them tender.
Scoop onto sheets: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets; leave space between each dollop because they spread!
Bake: Place in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are firm but centers remain soft; let them cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Make frosting: Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy; this should be creamy enough to pipe between those lovely cookies.
Assemble whoopie pies: Once cookies are completely cool, spread a generous dollop of frosting on the flat side of one cookie before topping with another cookie.
Serve & enjoy: Arrange on a festive platter or plate and impress friends with these delightful treats; watch them disappear faster than you can say “whoopie pie!” classic fair treats.
Now you have an irresistible batch of Gingerbread Whoopie Pies ready for sharing (or keeping all to yourself). Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- Gingerbread Whoopie Pies are a festive treat that brings joy to any gathering
- Their spiced flavor and creamy filling create a delightful balance, making them a crowd-pleaser
- Enjoy the warm aroma of ginger and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as they bake!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect Gingerbread Whoopie Pies, start by mixing dry ingredients first, then cream butter and sugars. This method ensures even distribution of spices and flavors for the best results. For more inspiration, check out this orange custard squares recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your whoopie pies with different fillings like pumpkin cream cheese or chocolate ganache. Adding chopped nuts or dried fruit can also elevate their taste and texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Gingerbread Whoopie Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For a warm treat, microwave them briefly before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make the perfect Gingerbread Whoopie Pies, remember to use room temperature butter for easy creaming
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep it light and fluffy
- Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean for optimal results
Baking these whoopie pies reminds me of my childhood when my grandmother would surprise us every holiday season. The joy on my family’s faces as they bit into those soft, spiced cookies was priceless.
FAQ
Can I freeze Gingerbread Whoopie Pies?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to three months in an airtight container.
What is the best filling for these whoopie pies?
Cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the spiced gingerbread flavor for a delicious contrast.
How do I know when they are done baking?
They should be slightly firm to the touch and spring back when pressed gently.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 whoopie pies 1x
Description
Gingerbread Whoopie Pies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining soft, spiced gingerbread cookies with creamy cream cheese frosting. Each bite offers a delightful blend of warmth and sweetness that evokes cherished memories of festive gatherings. Perfect for sharing at Christmas parties or cozy winter evenings, these whoopie pies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup molasses
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and then mix in molasses until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are firm but centers remain soft. Cool on racks.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread frosting between cooled cookies to assemble whoopie pies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie (50g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
