When the first hints of winter start to chill the air, I can’t help but get excited about the flavors of the season. There’s something about the combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint that instantly evokes holiday cheer. One cozy evening, inspired by these festive vibes, I set out to create a treat that would make both my taste buds and my family’s hearts leap with joy. That’s when I fell in love with these Peppermint Bark Whoopie Pies!
Soft, decadent cookies sandwiching a luscious white chocolate and peppermint filling come together to create a treat that’s both comforting and a bit whimsical. Whether you’re looking to impress guests during a holiday gathering or simply want to delight your family on a chilly evening, these whoopie pies are a perfect choices. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up, making them a great alternative to store-bought desserts that often fall flat. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to leave you and your loved ones craving more!
Why will you love Peppermint Bark Whoopie Pies?
Irresistible flavors: The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a heavenly taste sensation that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.
Decadent texture: Soft, chewy cookies enveloping a creamy white chocolate filling provide a delightful contrast that melts in your mouth.
Easy to make: With straightforward steps, you’ll whip up these whoopie pies in no time, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
Perfect for sharing: These festive treats are a fantastic addition to holiday gatherings, guaranteed to impress your friends and family.
Endless delights: Customizable with various toppings, feel free to get creative and make these treats your own!
Peppermint Bark Whoopie Pies Ingredients
For the Cookie Batter
- Granulated sugar – enhances sweetness and helps achieve the perfect texture.
- Unsalted butter – adds richness; make sure it’s softened for easier mixing.
- Large egg – binds the ingredients together while adding moisture.
- Vanilla extract – a classic flavor enhancer that complements the chocolate and peppermint.
- Sour cream – contributes moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cookies.
- All-purpose flour – forms the base of the cookie dough for structure.
- Dark cocoa powder – gives a deep chocolate flavor; feel free to use unsweetened.
- Baking soda – provides leavening for a light texture.
- Baking powder – helps the cookies rise for that irresistible softness.
- Salt – balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Very hot or boiling water – helps bloom the cocoa for an intense chocolate flavor.
For the White Chocolate Filling
- White chocolate – the star of the filling; melts into a creamy, sweet mixture.
- Unsalted butter – adds creaminess and helps stabilize the filling.
- Powdered sugar – sweetens the filling while giving it a smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract – boosts the flavor; a touch goes a long way!
- Peppermint extract – brings the unmistakable holiday freshness to the filling.
- Salt – a pinch enhances the flavors of the sweet filling.
- Heavy cream – thickens the filling for a luxurious mouthfeel.
For the Topping
- Dark chocolate bar – for drizzling over the whoopie pies; a rich contrast to the filling.
- Crushed candy canes – adds a festive crunch and extra peppermint flavor; a must-have for festive flair.
Dive into these irresistible Peppermint Bark Whoopie Pies, and get ready to spread festive cheer with your homemade holiday treats!
How to Make Peppermint Bark Whoopie Pies
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Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (235°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
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Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the granulated sugar and unsalted butter using an electric mixer until light, fluffy, and well-combined, about 2-3 minutes.
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Incorporate egg and vanilla: Add the large egg and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed until the mixture turns a pale yellow hue and is fully blended.
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Mix in sour cream: Gently stir in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adding a lovely tang to your whoopie pie cookies.
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Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly incorporated.
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Gradual mixing: Add about one-third of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, gently folding in with a spatula until mostly combined, then add half of the very hot water and stir together.
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Complete the batter: Continue alternating until all flour and water are thoroughly mixed in, ensuring the batter is smooth and well-combined.
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Scoop dough: Using a slightly rounded tablespoon, drop the cookie batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies at least 2 inches apart for even baking.
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Bake and cool: Bake the cookies for 5 minutes. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the filling: For the filling, place the white chocolate in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in the microwave in 15-20 second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth. Let it cool.
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Beat butter and chocolate: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Slowly drizzle in the melted white chocolate and combine thoroughly.
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Add powdered sugar: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Then stir in vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt for a balanced flavor.
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Thicken filling: Add the heavy cream and increase the mixer speed to high, beating for 15-30 seconds until light and fluffy.
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Assemble pies: Dollop or pipe the filling onto the bottom of one cookie and press another cookie on top to create delightful whoopie pies.
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Finish with toppings: If desired, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the whoopie pies and finish with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate and sprinkle extra crushed candy canes for added flair.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Peppermint Bark Whoopie Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it (to maintain freshness and prevent drying out). Simply cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap after mixing the ingredients and store it in the fridge. You can also make the filling a day ahead; just keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it’ll stay fluffy. When you’re ready to bake, let the batter sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping it onto the baking sheet. Whip up the cookies and filling, assemble them, and enjoy delightful homemade treats that are just as delicious as freshly made!
How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Bark Whoopie Pies
Room Temperature: Store whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
Fridge: Keep them in the fridge if you want to extend their shelf life; they’ll last for up to a week. Seal them in an airtight container to prevent drying.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the assembled whoopie pies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to regain that freshly baked softness.
What to Serve with Peppermint Bark Whoopie Pies?
Delight your senses with these complementary offerings that elevate the experience of indulging in sweet, creamy whoopie pies.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of velvety hot chocolate enhances the cocoa flavor, creating a cozy pairing perfect for winter nights.
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Festive Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings a burst of freshness, balancing the sweetness and adding a colorful touch to your dessert spread.
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Peppermint Tea: Sipping on peppermint tea harmonizes with the whoopie pies, increasing the minty flavor while offering a soothing, warm experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the chocolate, providing a luscious texture that elevates every decadent bite.
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Gingerbread Cookies: Embrace the festive spirit with spiced gingerbread cookies. The warm spices pair wonderfully with the cool peppermint filling.
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Spiced Apple Cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider complements the whoopie pies, the aromatic spices enhancing the overall holiday theme beautifully.
To complete your holiday celebration, consider serving these treats alongside your whoopie pies for an unforgettable feast!
Expert Tips for Peppermint Bark Whoopie Pies
• Chill Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened, but not too warm. Chill your eggs and sour cream a bit; this helps create a fluffy batter.
• Mixing Technique: Avoid over-mixing the batter once you add flour; this can lead to tough cookies. Gently fold until just combined for that perfect texture!
• Water Temperature: Use very hot or boiling water as indicated; this helps bloom the cocoa, enhancing the rich chocolate flavor your Peppermint Bark Whoopie Pies deserve.
• Cooling Time: Don’t skip the cooling process! Allow cookies to cool completely before filling; this prevents the filling from melting and makes assembly easier.
• Filling Consistency: For the perfect filling, let the melted white chocolate cool before adding it to the butter. This ensures a creamy and stable filling to delight your family and friends.
Peppermint Bark Whoopie Pies Variations
Feel free to play around with these delightful twists to make your whoopie pies uniquely yours!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious alternative that everyone can enjoy.
- Mint Chocolate Swirl: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder and a few drops of green food coloring to the filling for a festive look.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in some finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie batter for added texture and a satisfying crunch.
- Chili Chocolate: For a spicy kick, include a pinch of cayenne pepper in the cookie batter to balance the sweetness with a hint of heat.
- Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of fresh orange zest to the filling for a bright, zesty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate and peppermint.
- Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg in place of the large egg for a plant-based option without sacrificing flavor.
- Richer Filling: Increase the amount of white chocolate for a thicker, creamier filling that will have everyone coming back for more.
- S’mores Style: Sandwich toasted marshmallows between the cookies along with the filling for a fun s’mores twist on these whoopie pies.
Explore these variations and make these Peppermint Bark Whoopie Pies your own holiday masterpiece!
Peppermint Bark Whoopie Pies Recipe FAQs
What type of chocolate is best for the filling?
Absolutely! The recipe calls for white chocolate, which provides a creamy and sweet filling that balances perfectly with the dark cocoa cookies. I recommend using high-quality white chocolate bars for the best flavor—avoid chocolate chips, as they often contain stabilizers that affect melting.
How should I store leftover whoopie pies?
For optimal freshness, store your Peppermint Bark Whoopie Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge in the same container, where they can stay fresh for up to a week.
Can I freeze the assembled whoopie pies?
Very much so! Freezing is a great option for preserving these festive treats. Place your assembled whoopie pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once solid, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge!
What should I do if my whoopie pies come out too dry?
If your cookies turn out too dry, it may be due to over-mixing the batter or not measuring ingredients accurately. Make sure to gently fold in your flour and only mix until combined. If you notice dry cookies, try adding a splash of heavy cream to the batter next time to enhance moisture without compromising texture.
Are these whoopie pies suitable for everyone?
They are certainly a crowd-pleaser, but if you have dietary considerations, be mindful of the ingredients. These whoopie pies contain gluten (from the all-purpose flour) and dairy (from the butter and cream), making them unsuitable for those with celiac disease or lactose intolerance. Always check label information for allergens, especially when baking for kids or friends with dietary restrictions.
Can I make these whoopie pies ahead of time?
Oh yes! You can prepare the cookies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container before filling them. They’ll stay fresh and tasty, and you can assemble them right before serving to keep the filling lovely and luscious!
Peppermint Bark Whoopie Pies for Holiday Sweet Cravings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (235°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the granulated sugar and unsalted butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture turns pale yellow.
- Gently stir in the sour cream until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and hot water until combined.
- Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 5 minutes and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- For the filling, melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth and let cool.
- Beat the butter until creamy; slowly mix in the melted chocolate.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, peppermint extract, and salt, mixing well.
- Add heavy cream and beat until light and fluffy.
- Dollop or pipe the filling onto one cookie and sandwich with another cookie.
- Drizzle melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for serving.