Get ready to delight your taste buds and capture the spooky spirit of the season with this incredible Halloween Whoopie Pies with Spooky Vanilla Buttercream and Halloween Sprinkles Recipe. These soft, chocolatey whoopie pies sandwich a luscious, colorfully tinted vanilla buttercream that’s perfectly festive. The Halloween sprinkles add just the right amount of playful crunch and eye-catching detail to make these treats the star of any party or cozy night in. Whether you’re baking with the kids or prepping a fun dessert for friends, this recipe combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a magical Halloween treat that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Halloween Whoopie Pies with Spooky Vanilla Buttercream and Halloween Sprinkles Recipe plays a vital role — from the rich cocoa that makes the cupcakes delightfully chocolatey, to the vanilla that adds warmth and sweetness. These essentials come together beautifully to create perfect texture, flavor, and that irresistible festive color.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Using room temperature butter makes creaming easier and gives the cookies a tender crumb.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s slight crisp on the edges.
- ½ cup light brown sugar: Provides moisture and a subtle caramel flavor for depth.
- 1 egg (room temperature): For structure and richness in the cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor in both cookies and buttercream with its warm, comforting notes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for your cookies, lending just the right chewiness.
- ½ cup dark cocoa powder: Gives the cookies their deep, rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve that soft texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies chocolate notes.
- 1 cup milk (room temperature): Keeps the batter moist and smooth.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) for buttercream: Provides the creamy base for your frosting.
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the buttercream to perfect spreading consistency.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the buttercream with inviting flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Sharpens sweetness and adds balance.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Makes the frosting luxuriously smooth and fluffy.
- Orange & yellow gel food coloring (optional): Brings your spooky vanilla buttercream to a fun Halloween hue.
- ¼ – ½ cup Halloween sprinkles: Adds festive color and texture to the finished whoopie pies.
How to Make Halloween Whoopie Pies with Spooky Vanilla Buttercream and Halloween Sprinkles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cookie Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats — this ensures your whoopie pies bake evenly and come off easily. Then, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, giving you that perfect base for tender cookies. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until smooth — this helps combine the flavors and create a glossy dough.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, dark cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial because it evenly distributes the cocoa and leavening agents. Gradually alternate adding thirds of the dry ingredients and halves of the milk to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed. Ending with flour helps the batter hold together but stay soft enough for that classic whoopie pie texture.
Step 3: Scoop and Bake Your Cookies
Use a large cookie scoop, around 3 tablespoons of batter per cookie, to dollop rounds onto your lined baking sheets. Space them out generously as these cookies will puff and spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies are puffed up and spring back lightly to the touch — this ensures they’re tender but hold their shape. Let them cool on the sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
Step 4: Make the Spooky Vanilla Buttercream
While your cookies cool, beat together room temperature butter in a stand mixer or large bowl until it’s light and fluffy, approximately 5 minutes. Slowly add powdered sugar to avoid a sugar cloud and mix on low until fully incorporated. Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream, then whip on medium-high for a few more minutes until the buttercream is smooth and luscious. For that Halloween vibe, stir in drops of orange and yellow gel food coloring until you reach the perfect spooky shade.
Step 5: Assemble Your Halloween Whoopie Pies
Spread or pipe a generous dollop of your spooky vanilla buttercream onto the flat side of a chocolate cookie. Then gently sandwich another cookie on top. Pour your Halloween sprinkles onto a small plate and roll the exposed buttercream in the sprinkles to coat the edges — this adds an irresistible crunch and festive pop of color that truly completes this Halloween Whoopie Pies with Spooky Vanilla Buttercream and Halloween Sprinkles Recipe.
How to Serve Halloween Whoopie Pies with Spooky Vanilla Buttercream and Halloween Sprinkles Recipe
Garnishes
Elevating your Halloween Whoopie Pies doesn’t have to be complicated. Try adding tiny edible candy eyeballs or edible glitter alongside your Halloween sprinkles for an extra spooky flair. A drizzle of melted white chocolate tinted with orange food coloring can also create fun spider web designs on top for a playful touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these whoopie pies with warm autumnal drinks like spiced apple cider or rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. Fresh fruit skewers with autumn colors — think cranberry, apple slices, and pumpkin chunks — make a refreshing counterbalance for those with a sweet tooth looking to add a healthy twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation brings the fun to Halloween treats — arrange your Halloween Whoopie Pies with Spooky Vanilla Buttercream and Halloween Sprinkles Recipe on a rustic wooden board lined with faux cobwebs or black lace doilies. Stack them in a tiered cake stand with mini pumpkins and fall leaves scattered around for an eye-catching dessert centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, store your whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. This keeps the cookies soft and the buttercream fresh while preserving those beautiful Halloween colors and sprinkles.
Freezing
You can freeze unassembled cookies or fully assembled whoopie pies. For unassembled, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For assembled whoopie pies, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy the freshest flavor, let frozen whoopie pies thaw in the refrigerator. If you prefer them a little warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds — just enough to soften the cookies but not melt the buttercream.
FAQs
Can I make the cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain the texture and structure of the cookies.
What if I don’t have gel food coloring?
You can use liquid food coloring, but gel coloring is preferred because it’s more concentrated and won’t thin out your buttercream. If using liquid, add it sparingly to avoid altering frosting consistency.
Can I use a different flavor for the buttercream?
Definitely! Swap out the vanilla extract for almond, maple, or even pumpkin spice extract to match your Halloween theme or personal taste preferences.
Is there a way to make these whoopie pies dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter substitutes and plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Make sure powdered sugar and decorations are also dairy-free to keep all components compatible.
How long does the batter keep before baking?
It’s best to bake the cookie batter immediately for optimal rise and texture, but if needed, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before scooping to ensure even baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about creating Halloween Whoopie Pies with Spooky Vanilla Buttercream and Halloween Sprinkles Recipe from scratch. With every step, you’re not just baking a treat but making memories filled with laughter, fun colors, and delicious flavors that everyone will want to come back for. So grab your mixing bowls and sprinkles, dive into this easy yet festive recipe, and watch your loved ones’ faces light up with joy this Halloween season!
Print
Halloween Whoopie Pies with Spooky Vanilla Buttercream and Halloween Sprinkles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (12 whoopie pies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully festive Halloween Whoopie Pies featuring rich, moist chocolate cookies sandwiched with creamy vanilla buttercream frosting tinted in vibrant orange and yellow colors. These bite-sized treats are perfect for Halloween parties and celebrations, combining soft textures with colorful sprinkles for a fun, spooky twist.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cookies
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup dark cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (room temperature)
Vanilla Buttercream Filling
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Orange & yellow gel food coloring (optional)
- ¼ – ½ cup Halloween sprinkles
Instructions
- Make the Chocolate Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which ensures the cookies will be soft and tender.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated, creating a uniform base.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and flavorings.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add one-third of the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture on low speed, then half the milk, mixing gently. Repeat with the remaining flour and milk, ending with the flour. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter which could toughen the cookies.
- Portion and Bake: Use a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons) to portion the batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are puffed and they bounce back when gently pressed, indicating doneness.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps maintain their shape and texture.
- Prepare Vanilla Buttercream: Using a stand mixer or handheld beater, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until it turns light and fluffy, which creates a smooth texture for the frosting.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, fully integrating the sugar for a creamy consistency.
- Flavor and Texture Enhancement: Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream; then beat on medium-high speed for 3 minutes to achieve a light and fluffy buttercream.
- Color the Frosting: Mix in a few drops of orange and yellow gel food coloring to create festive Halloween shades suitable for the occasion.
- Assemble Whoopie Pies: Spread or pipe a generous amount of buttercream on the flat side of one chocolate cookie using a piping bag or spatula.
- Sandwich and Decorate: Place a second cookie on top to form a sandwich. Roll the exposed buttercream edge in Halloween sprinkles for a colorful, decorative finish.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure all cold ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- You can customize the buttercream colors with different gel food coloring to fit other themes or preferences.
- Store the completed whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Allow refrigerated whoopie pies to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and to promote even baking.
- Handle the cookies gently when assembling to avoid breaking the delicate structure.
