Nothing says “I love you” quite like a homemade dessert, right? And if you’re anything like me, baking something from scratch feels like a warm, edible hug wrapped in sugar and butter. These Chocolate Valentine Whoopie Pies are the ultimate heart-melting treat. Imagine soft, pillowy chocolate cookies sandwiching a fluffy, dreamy filling that’s just the right amount of sweet. Whether you’re baking them for someone special or treating yourself (because self-love is real!), these whoopie pies are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any day you feel like spreading a little sweetness.
I remember the first time I made whoopie pies; I was trying to recreate a dessert I’d had at a bakery during a weekend trip. They had this melt-in-your-mouth texture that I couldn’t stop thinking about. After a few (okay, several) trial runs in my kitchen, I nailed the perfect balance of soft cookies and creamy filling. Now, they’re a Valentine’s Day tradition in my house. I even love wrapping them up in cute boxes with ribbons for gifts—they always bring big smiles. And trust me, if you’ve never made whoopie pies before, you’re in for a real treat. They’re surprisingly easy to whip up and so much fun to assemble. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Valentine Whoopie Pies
1. Soft and fluffy cookies: The chocolate cookies are rich, moist, and soft as a cloud. They have the perfect texture to pair with the creamy filling.
2. A dreamy filling: The buttercream filling is light, fluffy, and sweet without being overpowering. You can even add a pop of color with red or pink food coloring to make them extra festive.
3. Perfect for gifting: These whoopie pies look like something out of a bakery, which makes them ideal for wrapping up as Valentine’s Day gifts for friends, family, or your significant other.
4. Easy to make: Don’t be intimidated! With a few simple steps and basic ingredients, you can make these like a pro.
5. Customizable: Whether you want to add sprinkles, drizzle some melted chocolate, or experiment with different flavors for the filling, these are endlessly adaptable.
When you take your first bite, the soft cookie and creamy filling come together like magic. The chocolate flavor is rich without being too heavy, and the filling adds a lovely sweetness that ties it all together. These are the kind of treats that make you want to reach for seconds—or thirds!
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Servings: About 10-12 whoopie pies
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chocolate Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of the cookies and gives them structure.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The star ingredient for that rich chocolate flavor.
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and keeps the cookies moist.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies perfectly.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds a little moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and makes the chocolate shine.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Keeps the cookies extra soft and tender.
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base of the filling, making it creamy and rich.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and gives it structure.
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk): Helps create a smooth, fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the filling.
- Optional: A few drops of red or pink food coloring for a festive Valentine’s touch.
How to Make These Chocolate Whoopie Pies
Preheat Your Oven
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Make the Cookie Batter
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps break up any lumps in the cocoa powder and ensures everything is evenly mixed. Set this aside for now.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until everything is well combined.
Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. For example, add 1/3 of the dry ingredients, mix, then add half the buttermilk, mix, and repeat. This method ensures the batter stays smooth. Be careful not to overmix—once everything is combined, stop mixing.
Scoop and Bake the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop mounds of batter onto your prepared baking sheets. Aim for about 2 tablespoons of batter per cookie, leaving 2 inches of space between each one. The cookies will spread as they bake.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re set and spring back when lightly touched. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Filling
While the cookies are cooling, let’s make the filling. In a bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. If you want to add some Valentine’s flair, stir in a few drops of red or pink food coloring.
Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Now for the fun part! Take one cookie and spread or pipe a generous amount of filling onto the flat side. Top it with another cookie to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.
If you’re feeling extra festive, you can roll the edges of the filling in sprinkles or drizzle melted chocolate over the tops of the whoopie pies.
Serve and Enjoy
Your Chocolate Valentine Whoopie Pies are ready to enjoy! Serve them on a pretty plate, or package them in decorative boxes for a sweet, homemade gift.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures the batter and filling come together smoothly.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Let the cookies cool completely: If the cookies are even slightly warm, the filling will melt and make a mess.
- Customize the filling: You can add a splash of almond extract or even a little cocoa powder for a chocolate filling.
- Store them properly: Keep the whoopie pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe Variations
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap the butter and buttermilk for dairy-free alternatives, such as vegan butter and almond milk with a splash of vinegar.
Chocolate Overload: Add mini chocolate chips to the cookie batter or stir some melted chocolate into the filling.
Peppermint Twist: Replace the vanilla extract in the filling with peppermint extract for a refreshing flavor.
How to Serve
- Classic: Enjoy them as is for a delightful handheld dessert.
- With Ice Cream: Serve a whoopie pie alongside a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a decadent treat.
- Party Platter: Arrange them on a platter with chocolate-covered strawberries for a show-stopping Valentine’s dessert spread.
Storage and Freezing
To store your whoopie pies, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, arrange the assembled whoopie pies on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
Special Equipment
You don’t need much for this recipe, but a cookie scoop will make portioning the batter easier and more uniform. A piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off is handy for piping the filling, but you can also use a spoon.
FAQ
Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?
Yes, Dutch-processed cocoa will work, but it may give the cookies a darker color and slightly different flavor.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookies and make the filling a day in advance. Assemble them just before serving.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily if you need a larger batch.
I hope you love these Chocolate Valentine Whoopie Pies as much as I do! They’re a true labor of love—and they taste like it, too. If you try them, let me know how they turn out. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media. I’d LOVE to see your sweet creations!
Print
Chocolate Valentine Whoopie Pies Recipe – Easy & Delicious
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 whoopie pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Valentine Whoopie Pies are soft, pillowy chocolate cookies filled with a creamy buttercream filling. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion where you want to share a sweet homemade dessert!
Ingredients
- For the Chocolate Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: a few drops of red or pink food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
- Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing well.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Scoop batter onto prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between cookies.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until set and springy to the touch. Cool completely.
- For the filling, beat butter, powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
- Spread or pipe filling onto the flat side of a cookie, then top with another cookie to form a sandwich. Repeat with remaining cookies.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Store whoopie pies in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Add sprinkles or drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra flair!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American