Name: Gingerbread Whoopie Pies with Spiced Cream Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 45 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 6 Tablespoons (90ml) unsulphured or dark molasses; 1/4 cup (60ml) hot water; 2/3 cup (130g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 6 ounces (170g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; small pinch each of ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves (about 1/16 teaspoon each)

There’s just something about the warm spices and the soft, pillowy texture that makes these Gingerbread Whoopie Pies with Spiced Cream Cheese Recipe irresistible. I love how the gingerbread cookies have a cozy spice kick, perfectly balanced by the creamy, lightly spiced filling—it’s like a hug in dessert form!

The image shows a close-up view of nine sandwich cookies stacked closely together in three rows and three columns. Each cookie has two soft, round layers with a rough texture and warm brown color, like gingerbread or molasses. Between each pair of cookie layers, there is a thick middle layer of creamy white filling that is smooth and slightly shiny. The white cream is evenly spread and slightly visible from the sides, making a clear contrast with the dark cookies. The background is a white marbled texture, emphasizing the warm colors of the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread Whoopie Pies with Spiced Cream Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gingerbread Whoopie Pies with Spiced Cream Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gingerbread Whoopie Pies with Spiced Cream Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Gingerbread Whoopie Pies with Spiced Cream Cheese Recipe quickly became one of my holiday favorites because it’s both nostalgic and unique. The texture is so soft and fluffy, but the spices really shine through, and that cream cheese filling? It’s a total game changer.

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The gingerbread spices blend beautifully with a hint of molasses, creating warmth without being overpowering.
Soft and Pillowy Texture: Unlike some crunchy gingerbread treats, these whoopie pies stay tender and moist, even after a couple of days.
Spiced Cream Cheese Filling: The subtle spices in the filling add a depth of flavor that's unexpected but so welcome and comforting.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough and filling in advance, which makes these great for holiday baking or gifting.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this Gingerbread Whoopie Pies with Spiced Cream Cheese Recipe lies in the combination of spices and the richness of molasses paired with a creamy, lightly spiced filling. Here’s a quick rundown of why each ingredient is essential:

Flat lay of a small pile of all-purpose flour spooned neatly on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with dark molasses, a small white bowl of hot water, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of vegetable oil, one large whole uncracked brown egg, a whole block of cream cheese with a smooth surface, a small white bowl of unsalted butter cubes, a small white bowl of sifted confectioners’ sugar, fresh whole sticks of cinnamon, a fresh piece of ginger root, whole nutmeg and whole cloves arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic plate, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the cookies without making them tough.
Ground Ginger and Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves): Classic warming spices that define gingerbread flavor and add depth.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Work together to give the cookies a tender rise and lightness without becoming cakey.
Molasses (Dark or Unsulphured): Gives that classic deep gingerbread flavor with just the right bitterness and sweetness. Avoid blackstrap—it’s too strong here.
Hot Water: Helps dissolve the molasses and soften the dough, making it easier to mix.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the spices and molasses.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cookies moist and tender—using oil instead of butter helps to keep them soft.
Egg: Binds everything and provides richness.
Cream Cheese and Butter (for the filling): Create a silky, luscious filling that really complements the spicy cookies.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling to the perfect consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors in the filling.
Pinch of Spices (in filling): Adds a subtle spice echoing the cookies without overpowering the cream cheese.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Gingerbread Whoopie Pies with Spiced Cream Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Once you’ve got the basics down, feel free to experiment.

Variation: I’ve tried adding finely chopped crystallized ginger into the dough for a little extra zing, and it’s fantastic if you love a stronger ginger punch.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the cream cheese and butter for vegan alternatives and use a neutral oil instead of vegetable oil—the texture stays surprisingly good!
Smaller Pies: For tea time, I like making smaller whoopie pies by using slightly less batter. They bake a bit quicker and are perfect with a cup of coffee.
Spice Level Adjustment: Feel free to dial up or down the cinnamon and cloves depending on your spice comfort level. I usually add a bit more cinnamon to the filling for a lovely warm finish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread Whoopie Pies with Spiced Cream Cheese Recipe

The image shows several soft, round brown sandwich cookies with a rough, slightly cracked texture on top. Each sandwich cookie is made of two cookie layers with a thick, smooth white cream layer in the middle. One cookie in the center is broken to show the creamy filling inside, which looks fluffy and slightly melting. The cookies rest on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Mix Up Those Warm Spices

Start by whisking the flour with your ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Getting these spices evenly distributed early on makes a big difference in flavor consistency. I like to pause and take a quick sniff at this stage — the smell just sets the mood for what’s coming!

Step 2: Combine Molasses and Wet Ingredients

Whisk the molasses and hot water together and let it cool for a minute or two. This helps with a smooth mixture without cooking the egg later. Then stir in the sugar and oil, followed by the room-temperature egg. Pour this wet blend into your flour-spice mixture and fold until just combined. It’s okay if the dough looks dense and a little oily; that’s expected.

Step 3: Chill That Dough

Pop your dough into the fridge for at least 2 hours, or even up to 2 days if you want to prepare ahead. Chilling is key—it helps the flavors meld together and makes the dough less sticky and easier to scoop.

Step 4: Bake Soft, Spiced Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your baking sheets. Drop scant 1 and ½ tablespoon mounds about 3 inches apart. Bake for 13-14 minutes until the edges look set but the cookies stay soft and springy. Don’t rush cooling—let them rest on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Whip Up That Spiced Cream Cheese Filling

Beat the cream cheese on high until super smooth, then add butter and beat again. Sift in the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and those little pinches of spices. Beat on medium until combined. Taste as you go—I often add a touch more cinnamon to mine! This filling is what makes these pies truly special.

Step 6: Assemble Your Whoopie Pies

Match up cookies by size, then spread or pipe the filling onto the flat side of one cookie. Sandwich with the other gently and voilà, you’ve got a perfect gingerbread treat! If you want cleaner edges, piping is my go-to, but spreading with a small spatula works just fine too.

Top Tip

After making this recipe several times, these tips have really helped me nail perfect Gingerbread Whoopie Pies with Spiced Cream Cheese Recipe every time, and I’m confident they’ll help you too.

Chill the Dough Thoroughly: It makes the cookies bake evenly and prevents the batter from spreading too much.
Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps the wet ingredients blend more smoothly with the dry mix, resulting in more tender cookies.
Don’t Skip Sifting the Confectioners' Sugar: It prevents lumps in the filling, keeping it silky and smooth.
Match Cookies by Size Before Filling: This ensures uniform whoopie pies that look great and fit nicely in your hand.

How to Serve Gingerbread Whoopie Pies with Spiced Cream Cheese Recipe

gingerbread whoopie pies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like sprinkling a tiny bit of ground cinnamon or finely grated orange zest on top of the filling before sandwiching the cookies. It adds a little zing and looks lovely. Sometimes a dusting of powdered sugar over the finished whoopie pies makes them feel extra special, especially for holiday gatherings.

Side Dishes

These whoopie pies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced chai or a frothy latte. Since they’re sweet and comforting, I like to serve them alongside fresh fruit or a light citrus salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged these whoopie pies on tiered cake stands alongside gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark. Wrapping each pie in parchment paper tied with a festive ribbon also makes for a charming edible gift. Trust me, everyone loves receiving these little bundles of spicy joy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep wonderfully for up to one week without losing that soft texture or flavor. I always line the container with parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together.

Freezing

I like to freeze individual whoopie pies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready, just thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Reheating

If you prefer your whoopie pies slightly warmed, pop one in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds after thawing. It softens the filling nicely without melting it completely, giving you a delightfully cozy treat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use blackstrap molasses in the Gingerbread Whoopie Pies with Spiced Cream Cheese Recipe?

Blackstrap molasses is much more bitter and intense than regular unsulphured or dark molasses, and it isn’t recommended for this recipe. The flavor can overpower the spices and lead to a less balanced taste. Stick with a milder dark molasses like Grandma’s brand for the best results.

How long can I store the filled whoopie pies?

You can store the assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking. This keeps the cookies soft and the filling fresh.

Can I make the dough or filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to two days before baking. The cream cheese filling can also be made up to two days in advance and stored covered in the fridge. This makes the recipe super convenient for holiday prep.

What’s the best way to assemble the whoopie pies?

I recommend matching cookies of similar size to keep your sandwiches even. You can spread the filling with a small spatula or pipe it on using a piping bag fitted with a medium tip for cleaner edges and a more polished look.

Final Thoughts

These Gingerbread Whoopie Pies with Spiced Cream Cheese Recipe hold a special place in my kitchen, especially around the holidays. Every bite brings that perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and creamy filling that feels both comforting and a little festive treat-like. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing them as much as I have—they’re definitely a winner whenever I bring them out. Go ahead, bake a batch and share the cozy joy!