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To make chocolate peppermint whoopie pies, gather these ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting) - Red and green sprinkles for decoration (optional) You can swap some ingredients if needed. For butter, use coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Instead of buttermilk, mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar. If you do not have cream cheese, use mascarpone cheese instead. You can replace granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. Prepare these kitchen tools before you start: - Mixing bowls - Whisk - Electric mixer - Cookie scoop - Baking sheets - Parchment paper - Spatula - Measuring cups and spoons - Piping bag or knife for frosting With these ingredients and tools, you will create delicious chocolate peppermint whoopie pies. Enjoy the festive spirit with every bite! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven heats, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the whoopie pies bake evenly and makes for easy cleanup later. In a medium bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt Mix these well to ensure no lumps remain. In a large bowl, beat together: - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar Use an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Next, add in one large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract. Mix until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Alternate with 1/2 cup buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mix. Stir until smooth but do not overmix. Using a cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of your batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave space between each dollop. Bake the whoopie pies for 10-12 minutes. They should spring back when lightly pressed. Once done, let them cool completely on wire racks before adding the frosting. To get that perfect whoopie pie texture, start with room temperature butter. This helps create a light and fluffy dough. When mixing, beat your butter and sugar for at least 2-3 minutes. This step adds air and makes your cookies soft. Use a cookie scoop for even portions. This ensures all your cookies bake evenly. Bake them until they spring back when pressed gently. If they are too hard, you may have overbaked them. For a smooth frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter well. Make sure they are at room temperature. Add the powdered sugar slowly to avoid a cloud of sugar. When adding peppermint extract, do this to taste. You want the mint flavor to be present but not overpowering. Use a piping bag for easy frosting. This gives a nice, even layer. If you don't have a piping bag, a simple spatula works great too. To make your whoopie pies festive, use sprinkles. Red and green sprinkles add a holiday touch. After frosting, sprinkle them on the sides. You can also add crushed peppermint candies for extra flavor. For a fun twist, drizzle melted chocolate on top. This adds a rich taste and a beautiful look. Serve these whoopie pies on a festive platter to impress your guests. Enjoy the smiles they bring! Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For a more structured whoopie pie, chill the batter for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better during baking. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier blending, resulting in a smoother frosting. Don't Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense whoopie pies. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add crushed peppermint candies or chocolate chips to the frosting for an extra layer of flavor and texture! {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor of your whoopie pies. For a mocha twist, add 1 tablespoon of instant coffee to your batter. If you love chocolate orange, mix in orange zest and a bit of orange extract. For a spiced version, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. Making these whoopie pies gluten-free is easy. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For a dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil and buttermilk with almond milk mixed with lemon juice. These swaps keep the taste and texture while meeting different dietary needs. You can make these whoopie pies festive for any holiday. For Halloween, use orange and black sprinkles. For Christmas, add crushed candy canes to the frosting for extra peppermint flavor. In spring, you can switch to lemon extract and use pastel sprinkles. Each season brings a new way to enjoy these treats! To keep your chocolate peppermint whoopie pies fresh, place them in an airtight container. This method keeps the cookies soft and the frosting creamy. You can store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, the fridge is a good option. They can last up to a week in the fridge. Freezing whoopie pies is easy! First, let them cool completely after baking. Then, wrap each pie in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. To maintain the best flavor and texture, avoid exposing whoopie pies to air. If they dry out, they lose their taste. Always seal them tightly. For the best taste, eat them within the first week. If you freeze them, be sure to thaw slowly for the best results. Enjoy every bite! Yes, you can use different extracts. Almond or orange extracts work great. Just keep the amount the same. These changes can give your whoopie pies a unique twist. To check if they are done, gently press the tops. They should spring back. If they hold the imprint, bake a bit longer. Usually, 10-12 minutes is perfect. To soften cream cheese, leave it out for about 30 minutes. You can also microwave it for 10-15 seconds. Make sure to check so it doesn’t melt. This helps it mix smoothly in your frosting. You learned how to make delicious whoopie pies, starting with the right ingredients and tools. I shared tips for mixing, baking, and decorating them perfectly. We also covered fun variations to try, ensuring everyone can enjoy these treats. Remember, storing them well keeps them fresh for longer. Now, it’s time to gather your ingredients and have fun baking. Enjoy every bite, and share your creations with friends!

Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies

Delicious chocolate whoopie pies with a peppermint cream cheese filling, perfect for the holidays.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting)
  • to taste Red and green sprinkles for decoration (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the creamed mixture, then mix well until combined.
  • Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined and smooth.
  • Using a cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they spring back when lightly pressed. Allow to cool completely on racks.
  • In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract until smooth and creamy.
  • Once the cookies are completely cool, turn half of them upside down. Pipe or spread a generous amount of frosting on the flat side of each cookie, then top with another cookie flat side down to create a sandwich.
  • If desired, sprinkle red and green sprinkles on the sides of the frosting for a festive touch.
  • These whoopie pies can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Keyword chocolate, dessert, holiday, peppermint, whoopie pies