If you’re looking for a fun, colorful treat that instantly brightens up any celebration, you have to try this Easter Sprinkles Whoopie Pie Recipe. These delightful little sandwich cakes bring together fluffy, vanilla-flavored cookies dotted and coated with cheerful sprinkles, filled with a luscious, creamy pink frosting. Each bite is a perfect blend of soft textures and sweet flavors, making it an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for spring gatherings or any festive occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the key to making these Easter Sprinkles Whoopie Pies so effortlessly special. Each component plays a crucial role, from the moist cake mix to the vibrant sprinkles that add fun pops of color and the smooth, velvety frosting that unites everything in creamy harmony.
- French vanilla cake mix: This forms the soft, tender base of the whoopie pies, giving them a rich vanilla flavor that’s perfectly balanced.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the dough together and provide structure without weighing it down.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Adds moisture and a buttery richness to the dough for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Easter sprinkles (3 cups): Half folded into the dough and the rest for coating the cookie balls, these bring festive color and a fun crunch.
- Softened unsalted butter (½ cup, for frosting): Essential for creating a creamy, stable frosting that’s smooth and decadent.
- Powdered sugar (2 ½ cups): Sweetens the frosting while adding a silky texture that whips up perfectly.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the vanilla notes in both the cookies and frosting.
- Heavy whipping cream (2 tablespoons): Lightens the frosting to a fluffy, spreadable consistency.
- Pink gel food coloring: Adds a cheerful, pastel hue to the frosting, perfect for an Easter-themed dessert.
How to Make Easter Sprinkles Whoopie Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—this simple prep ensures your adorable whoopie pie cookies won’t stick and cleanup will be a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Using a standing mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the french vanilla cake mix, one large egg, and ½ cup of unsalted butter. Beat everything until you see a soft, smooth dough forming—this is your base, soft but firm enough to hold shape.
Step 3: Add Sprinkles to the Dough
Fold in 1 cup of those colorful Easter sprinkles gently. Don’t overmix here; you want the sprinkles to be evenly distributed without breaking or losing their festive crunch.
Step 4: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Grab a small cookie scoop and portion out the dough, rolling each portion into a neat ball. Pour the remaining 2 cups of sprinkles into a bowl and roll each dough ball around to coat it completely. This sprinkle coating makes the outside vibrant and fun!
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Place the sprinkle-coated dough balls spaced out on your prepared baking sheets. Bake in the oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn just golden. Keep an eye to avoid overbaking so the cookies stay soft and tender inside.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool fully right on the sheets. This cooling step is important so they firm up just enough to assemble without breaking.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
Now for the luscious filling! Beat together ½ cup softened butter, 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, and add drops of pink gel food coloring until you get a creamy frosting that holds its shape beautifully.
Step 8: Assemble Your Easter Sprinkles Whoopie Pie Recipe
Pair up cooled cookies by size. On the flat side of one cookie, pipe a generous dollop of the pink frosting, then gently press the flat side of a matching cookie on top to make a cute sandwich. Repeat for all cookies and watch your Easter Sprinkles Whoopie Pie Recipe come to life!
How to Serve Easter Sprinkles Whoopie Pie Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar or add a few extra sprinkles around the plate. Fresh edible flowers also add a whimsical spring vibe and make these treats look even more inviting.
Side Dishes
These whoopie pies shine on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of lightly brewed tea. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a creamy lemonade to round out the festive flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the whoopie pies in a tiered dessert stand or arranging them artfully on a rustic wooden board with pastel-colored napkins. Wrapping each pie in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon also makes for charming gifts or party favors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Easter Sprinkles Whoopie Pie Recipe treats fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cookies and frosting stay soft and flavorful, ready to be enjoyed anytime.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the assembled whoopie pies individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
These treats are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. If you prefer a slightly softer bite, simply let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes after removing from the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While french vanilla cake mix works beautifully for a classic flavor, you can experiment with yellow or white cake mixes too. Just be mindful that darker mixes might change the color of your sprinkles and frosting contrast.
What if I don’t have pink gel food coloring?
No worries! You can use any pastel gel color you like to keep the Easter spirit, or simply leave the frosting white for a more classic look. The flavor remains delicious regardless of color.
Can I make the frosting dairy-free?
Yes, swap out the unsalted butter for a dairy-free alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil and use a plant-based heavy cream substitute. This adjustment keeps the frosting rich and creamy without dairy.
How long do whoopie pies stay fresh?
Freshly made whoopie pies are best eaten within three days when stored properly. Beyond that, they can start to dry out or lose their soft texture, so freezing is your best bet for longer enjoyment.
Can I add other mix-ins besides sprinkles?
For sure! Small chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or even finely chopped nuts can add interesting textures and flavors. If you do add mix-ins, consider how they’ll complement the sweetness and texture of the original recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about these Easter Sprinkles Whoopie Pie Recipe treats — from their cheerful colors to the soft, creamy texture that feels like a hug in dessert form. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, these pies are guaranteed to bring smiles and sweet memories. So go ahead, grab those sprinkles, and start mixing — a delicious celebration is just a few steps away!
Print
Easter Sprinkles Whoopie Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easter Whoopie Pies are a delightful and colorful treat, combining soft, vanilla-flavored cake cookies speckled with festive Easter sprinkles and a creamy, pink-tinted vanilla frosting sandwiched between them. Perfect for spring celebrations or as a fun dessert, they are easy to prepare with simple ingredients and bake to a tender, fluffy texture.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box French vanilla cake mix
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup unsalted butter (for dough)
- 3 cups Easter sprinkles
Vanilla Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- Pink gel food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Mix the dough: Using a standing mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the French vanilla cake mix, one large egg, and ½ cup unsalted butter. Beat these ingredients together until a soft and cohesive dough forms, making sure the mixture is well incorporated.
- Add sprinkles to the dough: Gently fold in 1 cup of Easter sprinkles into the dough so that the colorful bits are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Shape the cookies: Using a small cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll the portions into balls. Pour the remaining 2 cups of Easter sprinkles into a separate bowl and roll each dough ball in the sprinkles until fully coated.
- Bake the cookies: Arrange the sprinkle-coated dough balls on the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them evenly to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the baked cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets before handling further.
- Prepare the frosting: In a standing mixer, beat together ½ cup of softened butter, 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream, and a few drops of pink gel food coloring. Mix until the frosting is creamy and thick enough to hold a peak.
- Assemble the whoopie pies: Once cookies are fully cooled, pair them up by size. Pipe a generous dollop of the prepared pink vanilla frosting onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently press the flat side of another cookie on top to form a sandwich-style whoopie pie.
Notes
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Customize sprinkles and gel food coloring to match other holidays or preferences.
- For firmer frosting, chill in the refrigerator before assembling the pies.
- Store whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
