Introduction: The Perfect Cozy Treat for Fall and Winter
As the crisp air of fall and the chill of winter set in, there’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked ginger molasses whoopie pies wafting through the house. These delightful, soft spiced cookies sandwiched together with a creamy, fluffy filling are the ultimate treat for cozying up on chilly days.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with a hot cup of tea, ginger molasses whoopie pies are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. This recipe is an indulgent twist on the classic whoopie pie, combining the deep, rich flavors of molasses with the zesty warmth of ginger and cinnamon.
In this post, we’ll walk you through every step of making these delicious cookies from scratch — from the essential ingredients to the different filling options, tips for variations, and even how to store them. By the end, you’ll be armed with everything you need to create bakery-style whoopie pies at home.
What Are Ginger Molasses Whoopie Pies?
Ginger molasses whoopie pies are a type of sandwich cookie made from two soft, spiced cookies flavored with molasses and ginger, filled with a creamy filling in the center. The cookies are soft and slightly chewy, with a perfect balance of warmth from the ginger and sweetness from the molasses. The filling adds a luscious touch of creaminess, making each bite a heavenly experience.
These pies are a perfect example of fall and winter flavors coming together in a delightful dessert. The spices in the cookie complement the smooth, fluffy filling for a treat that’s both comforting and indulgent.
The Origin of Ginger Molasses Whoopie Pies
Whoopie pies are a beloved treat in the United States, particularly in the Northeast and Pennsylvania Dutch regions. The exact origin of the whoopie pie is debated, with several stories pointing to different sources. Some believe it was created by the Amish community, while others attribute the recipe to a Maine bakery.
The addition of molasses and ginger to the whoopie pie recipe brings a unique twist to this classic. These spices are often associated with the colder months, and their warming flavors make them a perfect fit for the fall and winter seasons.
While whoopie pies can be made with a variety of flavor combinations, the ginger molasses version has become a favorite for those who enjoy a more robust, spicy-sweet treat.
Ingredients for Ginger Molasses Whoopie Pies
The ingredient list for ginger molasses whoopie pies is simple yet flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need to make the cookies and the two options for fillings.
For the Cookies:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup molasses (dark or robust for best flavor)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling (Choose One):
Classic Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
OR — Vanilla Marshmallow Filling (more traditional whoopie-style):
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Directions for Preparing Ginger Molasses Whoopie Pies
1: Preheat the Oven
Before you begin making the cookie dough, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready for your cookies when you’re finished preparing them. Also, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg until combined, then add the molasses and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft and sticky, which is the perfect texture for these cookies.
3: Bake the Cookies
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough (about 1 ½ inches in size) onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure the cookies are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly puffed but still soft. Be careful not to overbake — you want them to stay soft and chewy.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4: Make the Filling
While the cookies cool, make the filling of your choice. For either filling, beat the ingredients together until smooth and fluffy.
- Classic Cream Cheese Filling: Beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Vanilla Marshmallow Filling: Combine butter, marshmallow fluff, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, then beat until smooth.
5: Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Once the cookies are completely cool, pair them up by size. Take one cookie and spread or pipe 1–2 tablespoons of filling onto the flat side of the cookie. Then, place another cookie on top to create a sandwich. Press gently to adhere the two cookies together.
6: Chill and Serve
For the best texture, chill the assembled whoopie pies for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This allows the filling to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle and eat.
Storage:
- Room temperature: up to 2 days
- Refrigerator: up to 5 days
- Freezer: up to 2 months (wrap individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn)
Variations to Try
While the classic ginger molasses whoopie pies are incredible on their own, there are plenty of variations to try that will add a unique twist to your treat.
Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
Add 1 tsp lemon zest and 1 tsp lemon juice to the classic cream cheese filling for a zesty, fresh contrast to the rich ginger cookies.
Maple Filling
Replace the vanilla extract with 1 tsp maple extract for a rich, fall-inspired filling that pairs beautifully with the spiced ginger cookies.
Sparkle Finish
For an extra touch of crunch and shine, roll the tops of the cookies in coarse sugar before baking. This will give your whoopie pies a sparkly finish and a slight crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Just scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a Ziploc bag or airtight container and store for up to 3 months. Bake the cookies from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the filling. You can use chocolate ganache, peanut butter, or even whipped cream for a lighter option.
3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure your other ingredients (like baking soda) are gluten-free as well.
Conclusion: Why Ginger Molasses Whoopie Pies Are a Must-Make
Ginger molasses whoopie pies are more than just a dessert — they’re a warm, comforting treat that brings a sense of coziness to any chilly day. The soft, spiced cookies paired with a creamy filling create a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you choose the classic cream cheese filling or the marshmallow fluff option, you’re sure to enjoy each bite.
Making these pies from scratch is a fun, rewarding experience that will fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas. So, whether you’re baking for a holiday, a gathering, or simply to enjoy on a cozy afternoon, ginger molasses whoopie pies are the perfect choice. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll understand why these treats have become a classic favorite for so many!
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The Ultimate Ginger Molasses Whoopie Pies Recipe: A Cozy Fall & Winter Treat
- Total Time: 37 mins
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ginger molasses whoopie pies are a type of sandwich cookie made from two soft, spiced cookies flavored with molasses and ginger, filled with a creamy filling in the center. The cookies are soft and slightly chewy, with a perfect balance of warmth from the ginger and sweetness from the molasses. The filling adds a luscious touch of creaminess, making each bite a heavenly experience.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp ground ginger
1 ½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
⅓ cup molasses (dark or robust for best flavor)
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling (Choose One):
Classic Cream Cheese Filling
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
OR — Vanilla Marshmallow Filling (more traditional whoopie-style)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup marshmallow fluff
1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cookie Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Beat in the egg, then add molasses and vanilla.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Dough will be soft and sticky — that’s perfect!
3. Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons (or use a cookie scoop, ~1 ½ inches) onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers look puffed but soft.
Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Filling
Beat all filling ingredients together until smooth and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Adjust sweetness or texture by adding more powdered sugar for firmness or a touch of milk for softness.
5. Assemble
Pair cookies of similar size.
Spread or pipe 1–2 tablespoons of filling on the flat side of one cookie.
Top with another cookie and press gently to sandwich.
6. Serve & Store
Chill for 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Store in an airtight container:
Room temp: up to 2 days
Fridge: up to 5 days
Freezer: up to 2 months (wrap individually in plastic)
Notes
For an extra indulgent touch, roll the edges of the cream filling in crushed gingersnaps or sparkling sugar. These whoopie pies also taste amazing when chilled for a few hours — the flavors deepen, and the texture becomes even softer!
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: American
- Cuisine: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 310
Keywords: Ginger Whoopie Pies, Molasses Whoopie Pies, Soft Ginger Cookies, Fall Whoopie Pies, Whoopie Pie Recipe
