Best Amish Sugar Cookie Whoopie Pies: Soft Cream-Filled Cookies for Family Gatherings

Table of Contents: Amish Sugar Cookie Whoopie Pies

Discover the cherished Amish tradition of pairing pillowy sugar cookie cakes with lush frosting – a nostalgic treat that turns ordinary moments into sweet celebrations!

There’s something undeniably magical about biting into an Amish Sugar Cookie Whoopie Pie. Imagine two tender, cake-like sugar cookies hugging a cloud of velvety frosting – a handheld delight that whispers of farmhouse kitchens and generations of recipe-sharing. Unlike standard cookies, these whoopie pies strike a perfect balance between a cookie’s convenience and a cake’s luxurious crumb, making them a crowning jewel at potlucks, Valentine’s Day gatherings, or cozy weeknight dessert trays.

Rooted in Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch traditions, these cream-filled cookies were originally tucked into lunchboxes as a “whoopie!”-inducing surprise. Our version stays true to that heritage with its soft sugar cookie base, enriched with buttermilk and brown sugar for depth, then sandwiched with the classic sweet filling that defines Amish whoopie pies. Whether you’re dressing them up with pink sanding sugar for Valentine’s Day or keeping them simple for Sunday suppers, this recipe promises smiles from kids and grandparents alike.

Alternate Names & Variations

  • Amish Cream Pies
  • Whoopie Cookies
  • Soft Sugar Cookie Sandwiches
  • Valentine’s Day Variation: Use pink sprinkles or heart-shaped sprinkles for festive charm!
Ingredients for Amish Sugar Cookie Whoopie Pies
Fig.1 – Ingredients for Amish Sugar Cookie Whoopie Pies
  • 1/2 cup softened butter (unsalted)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco)
  • 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • For Filling & Topping: Amish Whoopie Pie Frosting, pink sprinkles, or pink sanding sugar (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep & Preheat: Arrange oven racks in the center position and preheat to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream Fats & Sugars: In a stand mixer, beat softened butter, shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high until fluffy (3–4 minutes).
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in buttermilk and vanilla extract until jusssst combined (don’t overmix).
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually add to wet ingredients on low speed until dough forms. Chef’s Tip: The dough should be thick but scoopable – like muffin batter. If too sticky, add 1–2 Tbsp flour.
  5. Scoop & Bake: Use a 2-Tbsp cookie scoop to portion dough 2″ apart on sheets. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
  6. Fill & Decorate: Spread Amish whoopie pie frosting on flat sides of half the cookies. Top with remaining cookies. Roll edges in sprinkles or sanding sugar if desired.

Recipe Card Block

Prep Time: 25 mins | Cook Time: 12 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 14–16 whoopie pies | Calories: ~420 per pie

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

The magic of these Amish Sugar Cookie Whoopie Pies lies in their contrasting textures: the cookie’s soft crumb (thanks to buttermilk and brown sugar) juxtaposed with creamy frosting. Vegetable shortening ensures they hold their shape without spreading, while the dual leaveners (baking soda + powder) create airy lift. For flawless results:

  • Room Temperature Eggs & Buttermilk: Helps ingredients emulsify evenly.
  • Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups and level – don’t pack!
  • Underbake Slightly: Cookies set more as they cool, keeping centers tender.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

  • Storage: Keep unfilled cookies in an airtight container for 3 days. Assemble whoopie pies up to 2 hours before serving to prevent sogginess.
  • Freezing: Freeze unfilled cookies in layers separated by parchment for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before filling.
  • Frosting: Store separately in the fridge for up to 1 week; rewhip before using.
Amish Whoopie Pies with frosting
Fig.2 – Finished Amish Sugar Cookie Whoopie Pies

Whoopie pies are often mistaken for cookies but are technically miniature cake sandwiches. Unlike flat, crisp cookies, they bake up pillowy with a cake-like crumb, thanks to higher moisture from ingredients like buttermilk. The assembly also differs – two soft rounds hugging a thick frosting center, whereas cookies are typically single-layer and may include mix-ins like chocolate chips.

What is the filling in Amish whoopie pies made of?

Authentic Amish whoopie pie filling is a sweet, fluffy frosting made with marshmallow fluff, vegetable shortening, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. This creates a stable, pipeable texture that doesn’t melt or separate. Some modern versions use buttercream, but traditionalists swear by the “fluff” for its nostalgic taste and airy consistency.

Why are my whoopie pies flat?

Flat whoopie pies usually result from expired leaveners (check your baking soda’s freshness!), overmixed batter (which deflates air bubbles), or overly warm dough. Ensure your baking powder and soda are active, mix just until combined, and chill dough for 15 minutes before scooping if your kitchen is warm. Proper oven temperature (use a thermometer!) also prevents spreading.

Should whoopie pie batter be thick?

Yes! A cookie-like batter would yield dense results. Proper whoopie pie batter resembles thick muffin batter – scoopable but not runny. This ensures the cakes bake up tall and soft instead of thin and crispy. If your batter seems too thin, add 1–2 Tbsp flour; if too stiff, drizzle in 1 tsp buttermilk.

Baking these Amish Sugar Cookie Whoopie Pies is like weaving a thread of tradition into your family’s story. Whether shared at a holiday table or packed as a lunchbox surprise, they’re guaranteed to spark joy. We’d love to hear how yours turned out – tag #CrystalRecipes on social media or leave a comment below with your favorite twist (hello, almond extract fans!). Happy baking!

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Amish Sugar Cookie Whoopie Pies

Amish Sugar Cookie Whoopie Pies


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 35 min
  • Yield: 12 whoopie pies 1x

Description

These irresistible Amish Sugar Cookie Whoopie Pies combine soft, pillowy sugar cookies with a dreamy cream cheese filling. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or simply treating your family to a delightful homemade dessert. Moist, sweet, and perfectly balanced – each bite delivers old-fashioned comfort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • Filling:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
  3. In stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3 minutes). Beat in egg and vanilla.
  4. Alternate adding dry ingredients with buttermilk, mixing just until combined.
  5. Drop dough by tablespoons onto prepared sheets, spacing 2″ apart. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges just start turning golden. Cool completely.
  6. Filling: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Whip until fluffy.
  7. Pair similar-sized cookies. Pipe or spread filling on flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with another. Repeat.
  8. Refrigerate 30 minutes to set before serving. Store refrigerated in airtight container.

Notes

Tips: For uniform size, use a cookie scoop. Let cookies cool completely before filling to prevent melting.
Substitutions: Swap cream cheese filling with marshmallow fluff or vanilla buttercream.
Storage: Keep refrigerated up to 5 days. Freeze unfilled cookies for up to 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 25 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 38g
  • Sodium: 135mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Amish sugar cookies, whoopie pie recipe, cream filled cookies, easy dessert recipe