Smores Whoopie Pies
Indulging in the delightful combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers is a quintessential experience for anyone who loves a good sweet treat. That’s where these Smores Whoopie Pies come into play! They marry the nostalgic flavors of campfire s’mores with the soft, cake-like texture of whoopie pies. Imagine biting into a rich chocolate cake filled with fluffy marshmallow cream and a hint of graham cracker crunch. Join me in this delicious adventure as we whip up these delightful treats that are bound to impress at any gathering or satisfy your sweet cravings at home.
Why I Love This Recipe
Smores Whoopie Pies are the perfect blend of nostalgia and creativity. Growing up, I fondly remember roasting marshmallows over a campfire, waiting for that golden brown perfection before sandwiching it between graham crackers and chocolate. This recipe captures that essence but takes it to the next level by transforming it into a luscious dessert that’s just as good for a summer barbecue as it is for a cozy winter treat. Plus, they’re fun to make! Each step brings you closer to a delightful final product that you can share with friends and family, or keep all to yourself—no judgment here!
Ingredients at a Glance
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 2 tablespoons
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder plus 2 tablespoons
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 5 ounces semisweet chocolate
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Graham cracker crumbs for garnish
Before You Start: Equipment
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few different sizes for mixing and whipping.
- Electric mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer will make whipping the egg whites a breeze.
- Baking sheets: Line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cooling rack: Essential for cooling your whoopie pies after baking.
- Whisk: For mixing dry ingredients and the marshmallow filling.
Smores Whoopie Pies: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your whoopie pies bake evenly and rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Whisk these together until well blended.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 egg, 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Add Boiling Water
Carefully stir in 1 cup of boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that’s exactly what you want for the perfect texture.
Step 6: Bake the Pies
Using a cookie scoop, drop the batter onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each mound. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Step 7: Prepare the Marshmallow Filling
In a clean bowl, beat 4 egg whites until foamy. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar. Continue beating until stiff peaks form. Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
Step 8: Melt the Chocolate
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 5 ounces of semisweet chocolate with ½ cup of heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly before using.
Step 9: Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Once the chocolate has cooled and your whoopie pie cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of marshmallow filling on the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie, flat side down, to create a sandwich.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
For that extra smores flair, roll the edges of the whoopie pies in graham cracker crumbs. Serve immediately or store them for later!
Seasonal Twists
- Fall: Add pumpkin spice to the marshmallow filling for a cozy autumn flavor.
- Winter: Mix in peppermint extract to the marshmallow for a festive twist.
- Spring: Incorporate crushed strawberries into the filling for a fruity kick.
- Summer: Add toasted coconut flakes to the filling for a tropical vibe.
Frequent Missteps to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
- Not letting the cookies cool completely before adding filling can cause the marshmallow to melt.
- Using too much boiling water can make the batter too runny. Measure carefully!
- Skipping the cooling rack may result in soggy bottoms. Always cool on a rack.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
Smores Whoopie Pies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to prepare them in advance, bake the cookies and store them separately from the filling. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes! You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make these whoopie pies gluten-free. Just ensure that the blend you choose works well for baking.
How can I make these whoopie pies more chocolatey?
If you want a deeper chocolate flavor, consider adding a bit of instant coffee granules to the batter or using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder.
What if I don’t have egg whites for the filling?
You can use a store-bought marshmallow fluff as an alternative to the homemade marshmallow filling. Just spread it between the cookies for a quick option.
Can I freeze Smores Whoopie Pies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled pies for up to a month. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
The Last Word
Creating Smores Whoopie Pies is not just about baking; it’s about evoking memories, sharing joy, and indulging in the simple pleasures of life. Each bite of these delightful treats will take you back to summer nights spent by the campfire, with friends gathered around and laughter filling the air. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, these whoopie pies are sure to win hearts and satisfy cravings. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen!
Smores Whoopie Pies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together sugar, egg, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Step 4: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Step 5: Carefully stir in boiling water.
- Step 6: Drop batter onto lined baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Step 7: Beat egg whites until foamy, then gradually add sugar and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
- Step 8: Melt chocolate with heavy cream over low heat until smooth.
- Step 9: Spread marshmallow filling on one cookie and top with another to create a sandwich.
- Step 10: Roll edges in graham cracker crumbs and serve!
Notes
- Store whoopie pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For best results, assemble just before serving.
- Feel free to experiment with different flavors in the filling.
