Halloween Whoopie Pies Recipe

Introduction:

Get into the spooky spirit with these Halloween Whoopie Pies! Featuring rich chocolate cookies and vibrant orange buttercream, these treats are perfect for Halloween parties or festive gatherings. Easy to make and delightfully spooky, they are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Short Description

These Halloween Whoopie Pies are a fun and festive treat for the spooky season. They feature dark chocolate cookies with a vibrant orange buttercream filling, making them perfect for Halloween celebrations. With their rich flavor and playful appearance, these whoopie pies are both delicious and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Chocolate Whoopie Pie Cookies:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup dark cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk (room temperature)

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Orange & yellow gel food coloring (optional)

Decoration:

• ¼ – ½ cup Halloween sprinkles

Directions

1. Make the Chocolate Cookies:
   • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
   • Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
   • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, dark cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add ⅓ of the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix on low speed. Add ½ of the milk and continue mixing. Repeat with the remaining flour and milk, ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
   • Bake Cookies: Use a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons of batter) to portion the batter onto prepared baking sheets. Leave space between cookies for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are puffed and bounce back when gently touched.
   • Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Vanilla Buttercream:
   • Beat the Butter: In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat the room temperature butter on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes, until light and fluffy.
   • Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar on low speed until fully incorporated.
   • Add Flavoring and Cream: Add the vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream. Mix on medium-high for another 3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
   • Tint with Food Coloring: Add a few drops of orange and yellow gel food coloring and mix until you achieve your desired Halloween color.
3. Assemble the Whoopie Pies:
   • Pipe the Buttercream: Spread or pipe a generous amount of buttercream onto the flat side of one chocolate cookie using a piping bag or spatula.
   • Top with Another Cookie: Place another cookie on top to create a sandwich.
   • Roll in Sprinkles: Pour Halloween sprinkles onto a small plate and roll the exposed buttercream in the sprinkles to decorate.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 whoopie pies
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Color Variations: Use different gel food coloring to match other Halloween themes, such as purple or green.
• Flavor Additions: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cookie batter for extra flavor.
• Filling Options: Try other frosting flavors or fillings, such as cream cheese frosting or caramel sauce, for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be refrigerated for longer freshness.
• Reheating: These pies are best enjoyed at room temperature. If desired, gently warm individual whoopie pies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?
   • Yes, you can use regular cocoa powder if you prefer, but dark cocoa powder gives a richer chocolate flavor.
2. How can I make sure my cookies are uniform in size?
   • Using a large cookie scoop helps ensure all cookies are the same size and bake evenly.
3. Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can bake the cookies in advance. Store them in an airtight container and assemble the whoopie pies when ready to serve.
4. What if I don’t have gel food coloring?
   • Liquid food coloring can be used, but it may not be as vibrant. Adjust the amount accordingly.
5. Can I freeze the whoopie pies?
   • Yes, you can freeze the assembled whoopie pies. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
6. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
   • Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature and avoid overmixing the dough.
7. What other decorations can I use?
   • Besides Halloween sprinkles, you can use edible glitter, candy corn, or mini chocolate chips for added decoration.
8. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   • Butter is preferred for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute.
9. How do I adjust the sweetness of the buttercream?
   • Add more powdered sugar if you prefer a sweeter buttercream or reduce the amount if you like it less sweet.
10. Can I make a smaller batch?
    • Yes, you can halve the recipe if you want to make fewer whoopie pies.

Conclusion

These Halloween Whoopie Pies are a delightful and spooky treat that brings a festive touch to any Halloween celebration. With their rich chocolate flavor and vibrant buttercream filling, they are sure to impress and satisfy guests of all ages. Easy to make and fun to decorate, these whoopie pies are a perfect addition to your Halloween festivities. Enjoy the spooky sweetness!

Print