Did Amish bakeries use breast milk in whoopie pies?

No, traditional Amish Chocolate Whoopie Pies never use breast milk. While some folk tales mention unconventional ingredients in early community cooking, commercial and family bakeries have always used buttermilk or milk alternatives for the tender texture and subtle tang.

What is the filling made of in whoopie pies?

The classic whoopie pie filling consists of vegetable shortening , powdered sugar , marshmallow creme , vanilla extract , and a pinch of salt. This combination creates a light, fluffy, and sweet center that perfectly complements the chocolate cakes. Modern variations might include cream cheese, peanut butter, or even flavored buttercreams.

What is the difference between Maine and Pennsylvania whoopie pies?

Maine Whoopie Pies: Often have lighter, cake-like cookies that are slightly domed, with a cream cheese–based filling. Some recipes include a hint of corn syrup for extra chewiness. Pennsylvania (Amish) Whoopie Pies: Feature denser, fudgier chocolate cookies with a marshmallow crème filling, yielding a richer, more chocolate-forward bite. Both varieties are heavenly—choose your adventure based on whether you prefer fluffy or fudgy!

Do Amish whoopie pies need to be refrigerated?

While Amish Chocolate Whoopie Pies can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours, refrigeration is recommended if you plan to keep them longer than a day. The marshmallow-based filling stays fresher and firmer when chilled, preventing spoilage and maintaining that signature fluffy texture. Just be sure to let refrigerated pies sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for optimal softness.

Amish Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Name: Amish Chocolate Whoopie Pies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Amish
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ¼ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature); 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 cup marshmallow creme; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Description

Soft, chocolatey cake-like cookies sandwiched together with a fluffy vanilla filling – these Amish Chocolate Whoopie Pies are an old-fashioned treat that never goes out of style. Perfectly sweet, easy to make, and ideal for lunchboxes or dessert platters!

Ingredients

Scale

Everything you need to make these rich, creamy Amish treats at home.

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 ¼ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

1 cup brown sugar

1 large egg

1 cup marshmallow creme

½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Follow each simple step to bake your own delicious Amish Whoopie Pies.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar: In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and beat again until smooth.
Combine wet and dry: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
Scoop dough: Drop tablespoon-sized mounds onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until cakes spring back when lightly touched. Let cool on a wire rack.
Make the filling: Beat marshmallow creme, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until fluffy.
Assemble whoopie pies: Spread or pipe the filling on the flat side of half the cakes and top with the remaining cakes to make sandwiches.

Notes

For a fluffier cake, don’t overmix your batter.

You can chill the dough for 15 minutes before scooping if it’s too sticky.

These freeze well – just wrap individually and store in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Amish

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
Calories: ~320
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg