Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Patriotic Whoopie Pies are festive sandwich-style desserts made with soft, cake-like cookies in red, white, and blue hues, filled with a sweet marshmallow or buttercream filling. Perfect for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any patriotic celebration, these treats are as eye-catching as they are delicious. Their soft texture and creamy center make them a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flourunsweetened cocoa powderbaking sodasaltunsalted buttersugareggsvanilla extractbuttermilkred and blue food coloringmarshmallow fluff or buttercream frostingconfectioners’ sugar (for frosting)milk (as needed for frosting)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until fully combined.

Divide the batter into three portions. Leave one white, tint one with red food coloring, and the other with blue.

Using a spoon or piping bag, form small mounds of each colored batter onto the baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cakes spring back when touched.

Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the filling by mixing marshmallow fluff (or buttercream) with confectioners’ sugar and a splash of milk if needed until smooth and spreadable.

Pair up similar-sized cakes and spread the filling on one side. Top with another cake to form the whoopie pie.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 18 whoopie pies.Preparation time: 20 minutesBaking time: 10-12 minutes per batchAssembly and cooling time: 30 minutesTotal time: 1 hour – 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Use cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.

Add patriotic sprinkles to the edges for extra flair.

Flavor the filling with a touch of lemon or almond extract.

Create tie-dye effects by swirling the batter colors before baking.

Make mini versions for bite-sized treats.

storage/reheating

Store Patriotic Whoopie Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.For longer storage, wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.To serve from frozen, thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

FAQs

What are whoopie pies made of?

Whoopie pies are soft cake-like cookies sandwiched around a sweet filling, usually marshmallow or buttercream.

Can I use a cake mix?

Yes, you can use a cake mix as a base and adjust the consistency with flour to make it thicker for scooping.

Are they hard to make?

No, they’re quite simple and fun to make, especially with kids.

How do I make sure they’re the same size?

Use a small cookie scoop or pipe them using a round template.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.

Can I use natural food coloring?

Yes, natural food dyes work well though they may yield more muted colors.

Can I skip the cocoa?

Yes, omit cocoa and add more flour to maintain consistency for a vanilla base.

What’s the best way to color the batter?

Use gel food coloring for vibrant results without thinning the batter.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for the best results.

What’s the best filling?

Marshmallow fluff is traditional, but buttercream or cream cheese frosting are great too.

Conclusion

Patriotic Whoopie Pies are the ultimate red, white, and blue dessert for any American celebration. Their vibrant colors, tender texture, and creamy filling come together in a delightful hand-held treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re baking with family or bringing them to a BBQ, these festive pies are a sweet way to show your patriotic spirit.