🍪 Peppermint Whoopie Pies: A Winter Wonderland of Minty Delight

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,450 fans)
📸 632+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated [October 2025]

There’s something truly magical about the holidays, and for me, that magic often comes in the form of sweet treats that evoke pure joy. These Peppermint Whoopie Pies are more than just a dessert; they’re a cozy hug on a chilly evening, a burst of festive flavor that transports you straight to a winter wonderland. Imagine soft, yielding chocolate cake-like cookies, rich and dark, cradling a creamy, cloud-like peppermint buttercream filling, all kissed with the cool, invigorating whisper of mint. They’re simply irresistible – perfect for sharing at your next holiday gathering, tucked into a lunchbox for a special surprise, or enjoyed quietly with a warm mug of cocoa by the fire. Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes, a truly decadent experience that feels both comforting and exhilarating.

Quick Glance

• ⏱️ Prep Time: 25 minutes
• 🍽️ Servings: 12-14 whoopie pies
• 💥 Vibe: Minty, Decadent, Festive

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Peppermint Whoopie Pies
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ
• Conclusion

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step on our journey to whoopie pie bliss! Most of these pantry staples are likely already in your kitchen, making this festive treat surprisingly simple to whip up.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar, let sit 5 mins)
• ½ cup crushed candy canes, for garnish (optional)

For the Peppermint Buttercream Filling:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• ¼ cup milk or heavy cream
• Pinch of salt
• Green gel food coloring (optional)

How to Make Peppermint Whoopie Pies

Let’s get baking! This process is all about creating those tender, chocolatey domes and that luscious, refreshing filling. Follow these steps for perfect Peppermint Whoopie Pies every time.

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Alternate & Mix: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix!
6. Pipe or Spoon Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them. They’ll spread a bit!
7. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies spring back when lightly touched. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make the Filling: While the cookies cool, prepare the peppermint buttercream. In a clean large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
9. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, a cup at a time, beating until smooth after each addition.
10. Flavor & Color: Beat in the peppermint extract, milk or cream, and a pinch of salt. If desired, add a drop or two of green gel food coloring and mix until fully incorporated and the color is even.
11. Assemble Whoopie Pies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous dollop of peppermint buttercream onto the flat side of one cookie. Gently top with another cookie, pressing down slightly to create that classic whoopie pie sandwich.
12. Garnish (Optional): Roll the edges of the filled whoopie pies in crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch and delightful crunch.
13. Enjoy! Serve immediately or store for later.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

These Peppermint Whoopie Pies are divine as is, but don’t shy away from playing around with flavors and presentations!

• Double Chocolate Dream: Add a ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to your cookie batter for an even richer chocolate experience.
• White Chocolate Dip: After assembling, dip half of each whoopie pie in melted white chocolate and let it set on parchment paper for an elegant touch.
• Coffee Kissed: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cookie batter to deepen the chocolate flavor and create a sophisticated mocha-mint profile.
• Marshmallow Fluff Swirl: For an even fluffier filling, replace half of the butter in the buttercream with marshmallow fluff.
• Hot Cocoa Companion: Serve these alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa or a festive peppermint mocha for the ultimate winter treat.

Reviews

– Sarah M., ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“These whoopie pies were an absolute hit at my holiday party! The cookies are so soft and the peppermint filling is perfectly balanced – not too sweet, just wonderfully minty. A new family favorite!” – *Sarah M., ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️*

– David P., ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”I made these for my coworkers and they disappeared in minutes! The instructions were easy to follow, and the result was truly impressive. The crushed candy canes on the outside were a brilliant touch.” 

 – Emily R., ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“I’ve always loved whoopie pies, but the peppermint twist here is just genius. It tastes like Christmas in a bite! I even made a dairy-free version using almond milk and vegan butter, and it worked beautifully.”

FAQ

Q: Can I make Peppermint Whoopie Pies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can bake the cookies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The buttercream can also be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator; just let it come to room temperature and re-whip before assembling. Assembled whoopie pies are best enjoyed within 1-2 days, but will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Q: How do I store leftover whoopie pies?
A: Store assembled Peppermint Whoopie Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is very warm, or you want them to last longer, you can store them in the refrigerator, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Q: Can I freeze Peppermint Whoopie Pies?
A: Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies before filling for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before filling. You can also freeze fully assembled whoopie pies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to firm up, then transferring them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: No problem! You can easily make a substitute. For 1 cup of buttermilk, simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a liquid measuring cup, then fill the rest of the cup with regular milk (any kind works). Stir it gently and let it sit for 5 minutes. It will curdle slightly, which is exactly what you want!

Conclusion

There you have it, dear bakers! A recipe that’s sure to bring smiles and festive cheer to all who taste it. These Peppermint Whoopie Pies are a testament to the simple joys of baking, a delightful combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint that truly sings of the holiday season. Don’t be shy; gather your ingredients, turn on your favorite holiday tunes, and let the magic unfold in your kitchen. There’s nothing quite like the pride of sharing homemade treats, and these whoopie pies are guaranteed to be a cherished memory in the making. Happy baking, and happy feasting!

Recipe Note

For the most vibrant peppermint flavor and best texture, make sure your butter for both the cookies and the filling is truly softened to room temperature before you begin. This allows for proper creaming and a smooth, airy buttercream.