Name: Easy Santa Whoopie Pies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup brown sugar; ½ cup butter, melted; 1 egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup milk; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3–4 tablespoons milk; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons water; Red food coloring; Shredded coconut; Black and red edible markers

Ingredients

2¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup brown sugar

½ cup butter, melted

1 egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup milk

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3–4 tablespoons milk

For colored icing:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons water
Red food coloring

Shredded coconut

Black and red edible markers

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 355°F (180ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar. Add the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and milk, stirring until the batter is smooth and well mixed.

Step 3: Scoop the batter into tablespoon-sized balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for about 10 minutes until the edges are set but the cookies remain soft.

Step 4: While the cookies cool, mix the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 3–4 tablespoons of milk until the filling is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Spread or scoop about 1 tablespoon of filling onto the bottom of one cookie, then gently press another cookie on top to form a sandwich.

Step 6: For the colored icing, mix powdered sugar with water until you get a very thick paste. Divide into two portions, adding red food coloring to one half to create red icing.

Step 7: Decorate each whoopie pie by spreading white icing on the bottom side and covering it with shredded coconut to create Santa’s beard. Use the red icing to make Santa’s hat and add white sprinkles or icing as the hat’s trim and pom-pom.

Step 8: Finish by drawing eyes and a nose with black and red edible markers for the classic Santa look.

Tips & Variations

Use powdered sugar sifted before mixing to avoid lumps in your filling and icing.

Substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.

If you don’t have edible markers, small dots of black and red icing can be used to create facial features.

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter to evoke warm holiday spices.

Storage

Store the whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to one week. Let refrigerated pies come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the soft texture. Avoid freezing, as the frosting and coconut may not retain their best quality.

FAQs

Can I make the cookie batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature and stir gently before scooping onto the baking sheet.

What if I don’t have edible markers for decorating?

If you don’t have edible markers, you can use a small brush to paint on facial features using colored icing or gel food coloring. Alternatively, mini chocolate chips or candies work well for eyes and noses.