Name: Bailey’s Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour; ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional); 1 teaspoon sea salt; ½ cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature; ¾ cup (170 g or 1½ sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature; 4 cups (480 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted; 4-6 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 6 reviews

If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate, creamy filling, and an indulgent hint of Irish charm, then this Bailey’s Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These soft, cakey little sandwiches are bursting with deep cocoa flavor and cuddled up with a luscious Baileys-infused buttercream that will whisk you away to cozy afternoons and festive celebrations. Each bite delivers a decadent experience that’s both nostalgic and delightfully unique, making it a must-try for anyone who loves elevated comfort desserts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ten small white bowls and a glass measuring cup with ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the center is a white bowl filled with a soft white powder labeled all purpose flour. To its right, three small bowls hold fine white baking soda, salt, and dark brown espresso powder. Below the flour is a transparent glass measuring cup with creamy buttermilk. Next to the buttermilk is a white bowl with two blocks of pale yellow unsalted butter. Above this is a small white bowl with a raw egg displaying its yellow yolk and clear white. On the left side, a white bowl contains soft, golden brown packed brown sugar. Above it, a small white cup holds dark amber vanilla extract. Lastly, below the brown sugar is a small glass bowl filled with dark brown unsweetened cocoa powder. All bowls are evenly spaced and clearly labeled. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For a recipe this scrumptious, you only need a handful of everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create the perfect texture and flavor contrast in your whoopie pies. Each item plays a crucial role, from the tender cake layers to the smooth, boozy filling that gives these treats their signature flair.

All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides the structure for the soft, tender whoopie pie cakes.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (½ cup): Brings deep chocolate richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Baking soda (1 ¼ teaspoons): Helps the cakes rise with a light, fluffy texture.
Espresso powder (1 teaspoon, optional): Enhances the chocolate intensity without adding coffee flavor.
Sea salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate taste.
Unsalted butter (½ cup + 3/4 cup; room temperature): Adds richness and moisture to both the cakes and the filling.
Light brown sugar (1 cup): Gives a subtle caramel note while keeping the cake moist.
Large egg (1): Acts as a binder while contributing to the cake’s tender crumb.
Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Offers a warm, comforting aroma that lifts the entire recipe.
Buttermilk (1 cup): Provides tang and acidity, making the cakes wonderfully tender and moist.
Confectioners’ sugar (4 cups, sifted): Gives the buttercream its smooth, sweet finish.
Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur (4-6 tablespoons): Infuses the filling with a creamy, boozy kick that transforms these pies into a grown-up dessert sensation.

How to Make Bailey’s Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your whoopie pies bake evenly and come off the tray without a hitch. Organizing your ingredients and tools now makes the whole process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, espresso powder (if using), and sea salt. Give them a good whisk so these dry elements are evenly distributed. This step is crucial for an even chocolate flavor and consistent texture throughout the cakes.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the room temperature butter and light brown sugar together for about a minute until the mixture is fluffy and light. This aeration will help create the tender crumb texture that makes whoopie pies so irresistibly soft. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter looks lighter and creamy.

Step 4: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the dry mix to the butter mixture in three portions, alternating with the buttermilk. So, start with a third of the flour mixture, add half the buttermilk, then repeat, ending with the last of the flour mix. This alternating method helps keep the batter smooth and prevents it from becoming dense.

Step 5: Pipe and Bake the Cake Circles

Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe circles about two inches wide onto the prepared baking sheet, keeping them spaced roughly three inches apart since they’ll spread a bit while baking. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the tops puff slightly and spring back when you gently press them. Let the cakes cool completely before moving onward with the luscious filling.

Step 6: Make the Baileys Buttercream Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, Baileys Irish Cream, and sifted confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of Baileys to achieve the perfect balance between boozy flavor and swipe-worthy frosting consistency. Fill a piping bag with your buttercream and get ready for the best part.

Step 7: Assemble the Whoopie Pies

Pipe a generous dollop of the Baileys buttercream onto the flat side of one cake, then sandwich it gently with a second cake. Press lightly to spread the filling to the edges. Repeat until all cakes are paired into dreamy whoopie pies that are just begging to be dipped in coffee or shared with friends.

How to Serve Bailey’s Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe

The image shows a baking tray with eight chocolate whoopie pies arranged in two rows, each pie made with two dark brown, round, soft-looking layers with a slightly cracked texture. Below the tray on a white marbled surface are three white bowls: one filled with confectioners’ sugar, one with a creamy light beige liquid labeled Bailey’s Irish Cream, and one with light yellow butter chunks. The overall setup is neat and bright with natural lighting highlighting the texture and colors of the ingredients and pies. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate presentation and flavor, consider dusting a little cocoa powder or powdered sugar on top of the whoopie pies, or sprinkle mini chocolate chips around the edges. Fresh mint leaves or a few shaved chocolate curls will add sophistication and a pop of color that makes these treats even more irresistible at gatherings.

Side Dishes

These whoopie pies shine alongside classic sides like a creamy chai latte, hot espresso, or even a glass of chilled milk. If you’re looking to turn your dessert into a full-on feast, serve them with fresh berries or a simple bowl of whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap individual whoopie pies in clear cellophane tied with a festive ribbon for party favors or gifts. You could also create a whoopie pie tower for a stunning dessert centerpiece at celebrations. For smaller bites, cut the whoopie pies into halves or quarters and serve as petite dessert “sliders” on decorative trays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your Bailey’s Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe leftovers fresh for up to three days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This makes them perfect for preparing in advance for parties without losing that moist, fluffy texture or rich filling flavor.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead of time and freeze some, assemble the whoopie pies first, then individually wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to two months, keeping their taste and texture intact.

Reheating

When you’re ready to indulge, let the frozen whoopie pies thaw for 30 minutes at room temperature. Avoid microwaving to keep the cake from drying out. The Baileys buttercream will soften back to perfect piping consistency without losing any of its luxurious flavor.

FAQs

Can I omit the espresso powder if I don’t have it?

Absolutely! The espresso powder is optional and simply deepens the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste. Your whoopie pies will still be deliciously chocolatey without it.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic the tanginess and acidity buttermilk provides.

Is it necessary to use Baileys Irish Cream, or can I use another liqueur?

Baileys is traditional and adds a smooth creaminess that pairs perfectly with chocolate, but you can experiment with other cream liqueurs like Amarula or even a coffee liqueur for a different twist. Just adjust the quantity to maintain the right buttercream texture.

How can I make the whoopie pies less sweet?

Try reducing the amount of confectioners’ sugar slightly in the buttercream or adding a pinch more salt in the cake batter to balance the sweetness. Taste as you go to find what suits your palate best.

Can these whoopie pies be made vegan?

With some ingredient swaps—like using vegan butter, plant-based milk with vinegar for buttermilk, and an egg replacer—you can adapt this Bailey’s Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe to be vegan-friendly. The Baileys buttercream would require using a dairy-free cream liqueur alternative or leaving out the alcohol for a similar decadent taste.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t recommend the Bailey’s Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe enough for anyone who loves a fun, decadent treat with a boozy twist. It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles, sparks conversation, and invites you to savor every bite. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, these whoopie pies promise a warm hug of flavor that’s simply irresistible. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into this delicious adventure—you won’t regret a single crumb!