Delicious Gingerbread Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Step into the cozy flavors of the holiday season with these delightful Gingerbread Whoopie Pies! Imagine soft, spiced gingerbread cake-like cookies perfectly hugging a generous swirl of tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting. This classic festive treat is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. They are the ideal addition to any holiday cookie platter or a wonderful gift for friends and family.

Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Whoopie Pies

Hero image of gingerbread whoopie pies on a white plate with minimal background.

Flavor Profile

These treats boast a rich, warm ginger and molasses flavor that instantly evokes holiday cheer. A perfect blend of classic holiday spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a comforting taste. The tangy and sweet cream cheese filling beautifully complements the spiced cookies.

Texture Perfection

You will adore the soft, moist, cake-like cookies that form the base of these delightful sandwiches. They have a slightly chewy edge that adds a wonderful contrast to their tender centers. The smooth, creamy frosting perfectly melts in your mouth, creating an irresistible bite.

Easy Baking

Sweet Emily believes in making baking simple, and this recipe delivers just that. With straightforward steps, you don’t need complicated shaping or advanced techniques. It’s a great recipe for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, ensuring success every time.

Holiday Favorite

These festive Gingerbread Whoopie Pies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. They make an excellent addition to your holiday cookie platters. Enjoy making these fun and seasonal treats with family and friends.

Key Ingredients for Gingerbread Whoopie Pies

Achieving the perfect flavor and texture for these spiced whoopie pies starts with quality ingredients. Measuring accurately is key to success!

For the Gingerbread Cookies

All-purpose flour: Spooned and leveled for precision, it forms the structure of our soft cookies.
Ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves: These classic spices create the signature gingerbread flavor. Freshly ground spices offer the best aroma.
Baking soda, baking powder: Our leavening agents ensure the cookies rise beautifully and achieve a cake-like texture.
Salt: Just a touch enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
Unsulphured or dark molasses: Essential for that deep, rich gingerbread taste. Avoid blackstrap molasses as it can be too bitter.
Hot water: Helps dissolve the molasses and sugar, ensuring a smooth batter.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with moisture.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies incredibly moist and tender.
Large egg, room temperature: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.

For the Spiced Cream Cheese Filling

Full-fat brick cream cheese, softened: Essential for a rich, tangy, and stable frosting. Ensure it’s full-fat and not a spread.
Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and structure to the filling. Room temperature butter creams beautifully.
Confectioners’ sugar, sifted: Provides sweetness and a smooth, lump-free texture. Sifting prevents gritty frosting.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and complements the spices.
Small pinch of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves: These additional spices in the filling echo the cookie’s flavor, tying everything together perfectly.

Equipment You’ll Need

Gathering your tools before you begin ensures a smooth baking process. You likely have most of these items already in your kitchen.

Large mixing bowls: For combining both wet and dry ingredients.
Whisk, silicone spatula/wooden spoon: Essential for mixing dough and filling.
Baking sheets: You will need two or three to bake all the cookies.
Parchment paper or silicone mats: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
Medium cookie scoop (1.5 Tablespoons): Creates uniform cookies for easy pairing.
Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool completely and evenly.
Electric mixer (handheld or stand): Crucial for achieving a smooth, fluffy cream cheese filling.
Piping bag (optional): For neatly piping the frosting onto the cookies.
Wilton 1A piping tip (optional): Creates a lovely, professional-looking swirl of frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Close-up of gingerbread whoopie pie showing creamy frosting filling and soft cookie texture.

Follow these simple steps to create delicious Gingerbread Whoopie Pies. Remember to read through the entire recipe first before you begin.

First, prepare your gingerbread cookie dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set these dry ingredients aside.

In a separate large bowl, whisk the molasses and hot water together. Let this mixture cool for about a minute. Next, whisk in the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until fully combined. Finally, whisk in the room temperature large egg.

Pour these wet ingredients into your dry flour mixture. Use a silicone spatula or a wooden spoon to fold everything together until just combined. You can also use a mixer on medium speed for this heavy dough. The dough will be thick, heavy, and might appear slightly oily.

Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours. You can even chill it for up to 2 days, which makes this recipe perfect for preparing ahead of time. Chilling is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Understanding the science behind baking, chilling cookie dough allows the fat to solidify, preventing excessive spreading and contributing to a chewier texture. The science behind chilling cookie dough explains how this crucial step improves both flavor and structure.

When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cookie removal.

Spoon or scoop mounds of the chilled batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Aim for about 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons of dough per cookie. Place the mounds about 3 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Bake the cookies for 13-14 minutes. They are ready when the edges appear set, and the centers look slightly puffed. Do not overbake these delicate cookies. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Start making your filling while the cookies cool.

Now, prepare the spiced cream cheese filling. In a large bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the softened cream cheese on high speed for about 2 minutes. Beat until it is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps. Add the softened unsalted butter to the cream cheese and beat until smooth and well combined.

Add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, pure vanilla extract, and the small pinch of each spice (ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) to the bowl. Beat on medium speed until all ingredients are combined and the frosting is light and fluffy. Taste the filling and add a pinch more of any spices if you desire a stronger flavor.

Once the cookies are completely cool, pair them up. Find two cookies that are similar in size for each sandwich. Spread or pipe the frosting onto the flat side of one cookie. If piping, a Wilton 1A piping tip works beautifully for a professional swirl. Then, sandwich it with another cookie, gently pressing them together. Repeat this process with all remaining cookies.

Serve your delicious gingerbread treats immediately. If you have any leftover Gingerbread Whoopie Pies, cover them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Pro Tips for Perfect Whoopie Pies & Troubleshooting

Achieve bakery-worthy Gingerbread Whoopie Pies every time with these helpful hints and solutions. These tips will guide beginners and ensure consistent results.

Don’t Skip Chilling!

Chilling the cookie dough for at least two hours is crucial. This step prevents the dough from spreading too thin in the oven. It ensures your cookies have that desirable soft, cake-like texture, not flat and crispy.

Measure Accurately

Always spoon and level your flour properly. Scooping directly from the bag can lead to too much flour, resulting in dry cookies. Accurate liquid measurements also prevent overly thin dough, which can contribute to spreading.

Room Temperature Ingredients

Using softened cream cheese and butter for the filling is non-negotiable. This ensures you achieve a smooth, lump-free, and perfectly emulsified frosting. Cold ingredients will create a lumpy, unpleasant texture.

Avoid Overbaking

Bake your cookies just until their edges appear set. Overbaking, even by a minute or two, can quickly result in dry, crumbly cookies. You want them tender and moist in the center.

Troubleshooting Flat Cookies

If your cookies are spreading too thin, first check the freshness of your baking soda and baking powder. Expired leavening agents won’t activate properly. Also, avoid over-measuring wet ingredients, as this can make the dough too loose. Finally, ensure your dough is adequately chilled before baking.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

Make the most of your delightful Gingerbread Whoopie Pies with these serving and storage suggestions, plus fun ways to customize them.

Serving Suggestions

You can enjoy these spiced whoopie pies chilled or at room temperature. They make a perfect dessert for holiday parties, potlucks, or a cozy evening treat. Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or tea for an extra special moment.

Storage Instructions

Because the filling contains cream cheese, it requires refrigeration. Store your covered Gingerbread Whoopie Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This keeps them fresh and prevents drying out.

Freezing Whoopie Pies

These are fantastic for making ahead! To freeze, individually wrap each assembled pie tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Flavor Variations

Get creative with your whoopie pies! You can easily swap the spiced cream cheese filling for a different buttercream. Try a classic vanilla, maple, or even a brown sugar buttercream. Incorporate a dollop of lemon curd for a tangy surprise. For more servings, make mini whoopie pies using a smaller scoop. You can also serve the gingerbread cookies frosted individually, without sandwiching, for a simpler treat.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional values for homemade recipes can vary widely based on ingredients and portion sizes. We recommend using an online recipe nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you use for the most accurate information. If you have specific dietary needs or concerns, always consult with a qualified health professional.

Component	Per Whoopie Pie (Estimated)
Calories	300-350
Total Fat	15-20g
Saturated Fat	8-12g
Cholesterol	40-50mg
Sodium	150-200mg
Total Carbs	40-50g
Sugars	30-40g
Protein	3-5g

Note: These values are approximate estimates. Please calculate for precise data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is my whoopie pie dough too liquidy?

This can happen if your molasses consistency is thinner than usual, or if you over-measured wet ingredients. Ensure proper chilling and accurate flour measurement to prevent this.

Can I make these dairy-free?

The gingerbread cookies are naturally dairy-free; you can adapt the filling. Substitute the cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version.

How do I prevent the filling from squishing out?

Ensure your cream cheese and butter are well-beaten and your confectioners’ sugar is sifted for a firmer filling. Chilling the assembled Gingerbread Whoopie Pies for a bit also helps the filling set.

Conclusion

These Gingerbread Whoopie Pies are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful invitation to celebrate the warmth and joy of the holiday season. With their soft, spiced cookies and luscious cream cheese filling, they truly capture the essence of festive baking. Simple to make and utterly irresistible, these treats are perfect for sharing with loved ones.

We encourage you to bake a batch today and spread some homemade cheer!