If you’ve been searching for a fun, delightful treat to wow friends or just indulge yourself, this Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe is an absolute winner. These soft, cake-like cookies sandwich a luscious cream cheese filling, marrying that iconic red velvet flavor with a texture that’s both tender and satisfyingly rich. Perfect for celebrations or any day that calls for a little sweet happiness, these whoopie pies will soon become your go-to dessert for sharing smiles and delicious moments.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe plays a crucial role, from giving the cakes their signature color and subtle cocoa flavor to creating that dreamy cream cheese filling that makes every bite unforgettable. You don’t need fancy or complicated supplies—just everyday staples that come together beautifully.

2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and soft crumb that makes these whoopie pies so irresistible.
1/2 cup cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate depth that perfectly balances the sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the red coloring.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that keeps the cakes perfectly tender without overwhelming the flavors.
1 tsp baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cakes rise just right for that fluffy softness.
1 tsp baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to give a balanced lift and tender texture.
1/4 tsp salt: Enhances every flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
3/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cakes moist with a richness that’s lighter than butter, perfect for the texture here.
1 cup buttermilk: Brings acidity that reacts with the baking soda to create a tender crumb and subtle tang.
2 large eggs: Bind everything and add richness, helping the cakes rise and stay soft.
2 tbsp red food coloring: The magical ingredient that turns these whoopie pies into the festive, iconic red velvet treat.
8 oz cream cheese (for filling): The star of the filling, creamy and tangy, it balances out the sweetness beautifully.
2 cups powdered sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cream cheese into a smooth, luscious frosting perfect for sandwiching.

How to Make Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures easy clean-up and prevents sticking, setting the stage for perfectly shaped whoopie pies that bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening and cocoa, so every bite has consistent flavor and texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar and vegetable oil until combined nicely. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air for fluffy cakes. Finally, stir in the buttermilk and red food coloring until the mixture is smooth and vibrant.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is incorporated. Resist overmixing here to keep your whoopie pies tender and soft rather than dense.

Step 5: Portion the Batter

Using a rounded tablespoon, drop dollops of batter onto the prepared parchment-lined sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. This allows room for slight spreading without merging into one another during baking.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake the red velvet rounds for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they spring back when lightly touched. This indicates just the right level of doneness. Remove from oven and allow them to cool completely before filling.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While the cakes cool, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth, creamy, and fluffy. This filling is the perfect contrast in texture and flavor to the red velvet cakes.

Step 8: Assemble Your Whoopie Pies

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese filling on the flat side of one cake and sandwich with another. Press gently to spread the filling to the edges and create that classic whoopie pie shape.

How to Serve Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe, consider dusting the tops with a little powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. For special occasions, a few decorative edible pearls or a drizzle of melted white chocolate adds an elegant touch that makes each pie look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

These whoopie pies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side can also provide a fresh contrast that balances the richness of the pies.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking several Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe sandwiches on a decorative cake stand for a fun party centerpiece. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares for a delightful party platter or gift-wrap a couple in parchment and ribbon for a charming homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover whoopie pies fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream cheese filling will stay delightfully smooth and safe to eat, maintaining the perfect balance of moist cake and creamy center.

Freezing

You can freeze these whoopie pies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until firm. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

For that freshly-baked feel, allow frozen or refrigerated whoopie pies to come to room temperature naturally. If you prefer a warm treat, microwave gently for 10 to 15 seconds—just enough to soften the cake but not melt the filling.

FAQs

Can I make the Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe without food coloring?

Absolutely! They won’t have the classic red hue, but the cake will still be delicious with the cocoa flavor shining through. You can use natural coloring options like beet juice for a more natural red if you prefer.

Is there a way to make these pies more moist?

Yes! Just be careful not to overmix the batter and avoid overbaking. Also, using vegetable oil instead of butter really helps keep the cakes tender and moist.

Can the cream cheese filling be substituted?

Definitely. You can use a classic marshmallow fluff or whipped buttercream if you want a sweeter or lighter filling, but the cream cheese version adds that perfect tang and richness that’s hard to beat.

How big should the whoopie pies be when portioning the batter?

About a rounded tablespoon per cake is ideal for a size that’s not too large or small. This size ensures even baking and a perfect balance between cake and filling in each bite.

Can I prepare these in advance for a party?

Yes, these whoopie pies are fantastic made ahead of time. The flavors actually meld beautifully when refrigerated for a few hours or overnight—making them a smart, stress-free choice for entertaining.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe enough if you want a show-stopping dessert that’s both nostalgic and fresh. It’s easy to make, so rewarding to eat, and perfect for sharing with those you love. Give it a try, and watch these soft, sweet pockets of joy become a favorite in your kitchen.