Craving a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of peanut butter with the fun of a classic dessert? Look no further! This Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies Recipe is exactly what you need. Soft, cakey cookies sandwiching a creamy, dreamy peanut butter filling – it’s a taste of childhood that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.
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What are Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies?
Whoopie pies… What a whimsical name, isn’t it? Did a baker really shout “Whoopie!” the first time they pulled these plump, cloud-like cookies from the oven? Or did they simply evoke a feeling of pure, unadulterated joy? Some say the Pennsylvania Dutch created these little gems, packing them in lunchboxes as a special treat, bringing smiles and, perhaps, preventing sibling squabbles (because, let’s be honest, everyone wants the whoopie pie!). Whatever the origin, one thing is certain: these pies are delightful.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Whoopie Pie
Craving a dessert that is both comforting and unique? These peanut butter whoopie pies are guaranteed to become a family favorite. The delightful combination of soft, cakey cookies and creamy peanut butter filling is simply irresistible. Forget store-bought treats filled with preservatives; making these at home lets you control the ingredients and save money.
Key Ingredients for Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies
Here’s what you’ll need to make those dreamy peanut butter whoopie pies. Make sure you have everything on hand before you start baking!. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and texture.
For the Whoopie Pies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and tenderness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps them stay moist.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor and enhances the moisture.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the texture.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Reacts with the baking soda to create a light and airy crumb. Alternatively, you can make your own buttermilk using regular milk and lemon juice or vinegar.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and adds a warm aroma.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky): Provides the signature peanut butter flavor.
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich and creamy base for the filling.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling.
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky): Contributes to the creamy texture and nutty flavor.
- 1/4 cup milk: Adjusts the consistency of the filling to make it smooth and spreadable.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the filling.
How to Make Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies
These pies look and taste like something you’d get from a bakery, but you can easily make them at home. These peanut butter whoopie pies are easy to bake, incredibly satisfying, and will always make you and the ones with you feel delighted.
The combination of soft cookies and creamy filling it’s delicious!. For the pie, it takes around 20 minutes to prepare + 20 minutes of making.
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Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies 1x
Description
Soft, cakey peanut butter cookies sandwiching a creamy, dreamy filling – a nostalgic treat you’ll love.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for filling)
- 1 cup peanut butter (for filling)
- 1/4 cup milk (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Add 1/2 cup peanut butter and beat until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden and tops spring back when touched.
- Cool on sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the filling: Cream together 1 cup butter and 1 cup peanut butter until smooth.
- Beat in powdered sugar one cup at a time, alternating with milk. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Spread filling on flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another cookie.
- Optional: Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Add mini chocolate chips for extra fun. Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
What to Serve Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies With

Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies are a satisfying treat on their own, but pairing them with complementary items can enhance the experience. Here are a few suggestions:
- A Glass of Cold Milk: A classic pairing! The creamy milk balances the richness of the peanut butter and cookies perfectly.
- Iced Coffee: The coolness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the whoopie pies, making it a great mid-afternoon treat.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a whoopie pie creates a delightful dessert sundae. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the soft cookies.
- Fresh Fruit: To balance the richness, serve the whoopie pies with a side of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
- Hot Chocolate: For a cozy and comforting treat, especially on a cold day, pair the whoopie pies with a warm mug of hot chocolate.
Top Tips for Perfecting Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies:
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to ensure you’re not using too much flour. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs will cream together more easily and create a smoother batter.
- Scoop Evenly Sized Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure that all the cookies are the same size, so they bake evenly.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry cookies. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown and the tops spring back lightly when touched.
- Adjust Filling Consistency: If the filling is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips into the whoopie pie batter and/or peanut butter filing!.
- Consider Different Peanut Butter: For a twist, experiment with chunky peanut butter for added texture or another nut butter (like almond butter) for a different flavor profile.
- Be careful when transferring: Be very gentle when transferring the cookies to the wire rack so they don’t break. It’s best to wait until they are a little firmer.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storage: Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To prevent sticking, you can layer them with parchment paper.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the whoopie pies in an airtight container for up to a week. However, the cookies may become slightly drier.
- Freezing: For long-term storage, you can freeze the whoopie pies. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating/Thawing: There’s not really a point if reheating a whoopie pie as the aim is to not melt the filling by heating it. If you freeze the whoopie pie. Let the defrost at room temperature.
Final Thoughts:
This Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies recipe is your ticket to a fun, delicious, and nostalgic treat. Follow the steps, experiment with the tips, and enjoy the process of creating something special. Happy baking, and get ready to shout “Whoopie!” at your own scrumptious creations!
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FAQs:
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter provides a richer flavor and better texture than margarine, but if you need a substitute, choose a high-quality margarine with a high-fat content.
Can I use all granulated sugar or all brown sugar?
While you can, using a combination of both granulated and brown sugar results in the best flavor and texture. Brown sugar adds a subtle molasses flavor and helps keep the cookies moist.
Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Prepare the filling just before assembling the whoopie pies for the best results.
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