Easter Whoopie Pies Recipe

Easter Whoopie Pies are soft, cake-like cookies filled with fluffy vanilla frosting, making them a festive and fun treat for springtime celebrations. With pastel sprinkles baked into the cookies and a creamy filling, these delightful sandwich cookies are perfect for Easter parties, bake sales, or a fun baking project with family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft & Fluffy – These whoopie pies have a light, cake-like texture.
• Perfect for Easter – Pastel sprinkles and pink frosting add a festive touch.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make this a beginner-friendly recipe.
• Customizable – Change the colors, flavors, or fillings to match your preference.
• Fun to Decorate – Roll the edges in sprinkles for an extra festive look.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup sprinkles (pastel colors)

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (for smooth texture)
• Pink food coloring (optional)

Directions

Make the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat Oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar – In another bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Egg & Vanilla – Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients & Buttermilk – Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, until the batter is smooth.
6. Fold in Sprinkles – Gently stir in pastel sprinkles for a festive touch.

Bake the Cookies:

7. Scoop Dough – Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded portions onto the baking sheet, spacing them apart.
8. Bake – Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are set.
9. Cool Completely – Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Make the Frosting:

10. Beat Butter – In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy.
11. Add Sugar & Vanilla – Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream.
12. Whip Until Fluffy – Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add pink food coloring if desired.

Assemble the Whoopie Pies:

13. Fill the Cookies – Pipe or spread frosting onto the flat side of one cookie.
14. Make a Sandwich – Place another cookie on top and gently press together.

Decorate & Serve:

15. Roll in Sprinkles – Roll the edges of the frosting in extra sprinkles for a fun finishing touch.
16. Enjoy! – Serve these adorable Easter treats at parties, brunches, or as a festive snack.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 whoopie pies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Easter Whoopie Pies – Replace ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
• Lemon Cream Whoopie Pies – Add lemon zest to the cookie dough and use lemon extract in the frosting.
• Carrot Cake Whoopie Pies – Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and shredded carrots for a spiced twist.
• Buttercream Filling – Swap the frosting for a traditional buttercream or cream cheese filling.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze assembled whoopie pies in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
• Reheating: Not needed; serve at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make these whoopie pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cookies a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Assemble with frosting just before serving.

Why did my whoopie pies spread too much?

Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing the batter.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, but homemade frosting gives the best texture and flavor.

How do I get perfectly round whoopie pies?

Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform portions and shape.

Can I make mini whoopie pies?

Yes! Use a smaller scoop and reduce the baking time to 7-9 minutes.

What’s the best way to decorate these for Easter?

Pastel sprinkles, edible glitter, or even small candy eggs make great toppings.

Can I substitute buttermilk?

Yes, mix ½ cup milk with ½ tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

How do I prevent sticky whoopie pies?

Store them in a single layer or separate with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Can I use a different frosting flavor?

Yes! Try almond, coconut, or strawberry extract for a unique twist.

Are whoopie pies more like cookies or cakes?

They have a soft, cake-like texture but are shaped like cookies.

Conclusion

Easter Whoopie Pies are the perfect combination of soft, cake-like cookies and sweet, creamy filling. With pastel sprinkles and a festive look, they are a delightful addition to any Easter celebration. Whether you serve them at brunch, a spring party, or as a fun baking project with kids, these whoopie pies are sure to be a hit!