If you’re looking for a festive and delicious treat to wow your guests, these 4th of July Whoopie Pies are exactly what you need. Made with soft, fluffy cake rounds in red, white, and blue and filled with a creamy marshmallow center, these little hand-held delights are a patriotic dessert dream. They’re perfect for fireworks night, BBQs, or any Independence Day celebration.
I’ve been making Fourth of July whoopie pies for years, and they never last long on the table. You’ll love how easy they are to make, and everyone will love how they taste. These 4th of July whoopie pies are the star-spangled dessert you didn’t know you needed this summer!
And if you’re building a dessert spread, don’t forget to check out our Patriotic Crinkle Cookies collection—it’s full of colorful, creative treats for the holiday!
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Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Patriotic Whoopie Pies
- Perfect for Parties: These 4th of July whoopie pies are a hit at any Independence Day gathering.
- Festive & Eye-Catching: Red, white, and blue layers make every bite feel like a celebration.
- Soft & Creamy: Cake-like shells with marshmallow filling make them extra indulgent.
- Great for Kids: Little hands love helping assemble these patriotic whoopie pies!
- Make Ahead-Friendly: Chill or freeze them ahead of time to save stress on the 4th.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Whoopie Pies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and blue gel food coloring
For the Marshmallow Filling
- 1 cup marshmallow creme
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Tips
- No Buttermilk? Combine regular milk with a splash of lemon juice for a quick sub.
- Natural Colors: Use beet powder and blue spirulina for a dye-free patriotic whoopie pie version.
- Extra Flavor: Add lemon zest or almond extract for a twist on traditional 4th of July whoopie pies.
4th of July Whoopie Pies
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These red, white, and blue whoopie pies are soft, fluffy, and filled with marshmallow cream—perfect for 4th of July parties, BBQs, or patriotic dessert spreads!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Red and blue gel food coloring
- 1 cup marshmallow creme
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar in a bowl. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix in baking soda, then alternate adding flour and buttermilk until smooth.
- Divide batter into 3 bowls—leave one plain, tint one red, one blue.
- Spoon or pipe tablespoon-sized rounds onto baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart. Bake 8–10 minutes. Cool completely.
- For filling, beat butter until smooth. Add marshmallow creme, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Mix until fluffy.
- Spread or pipe filling onto one cookie. Top with another to form a sandwich. Chill or serve immediately.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for 2 days at room temp or 4–5 in the fridge. Freeze wrapped pies up to 2 months. Decorate with sprinkles or drizzle with white chocolate for extra flair.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
How to Make 4th of July Whoopie Pies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix in baking soda, then alternate adding flour and buttermilk.
- Divide & Dye: Separate batter into three bowls. Leave one plain, color one red and one blue. These vibrant layers make your Fourth of July whoopie pies pop!
- Spoon or Pipe: Drop tablespoon-sized rounds onto baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes until set. Let cool completely on wire racks before filling.
Make the Filling
- Beat the softened butter until smooth.
- Add marshmallow creme, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat until fluffy and light.
Assemble the Patriotic Whoopie Pies
- Spread or pipe filling onto the flat side of one cookie.
- Top with a matching cookie to form a sandwich. Gently press together.
- Refrigerate to help them set, or serve right away at room temperature.
Want more festive food ideas like these 4th of July whoopie pies? Browse our Red White and Blue Marble Cake for more inspiration!
How to Decorate 4th of July Whoopie Pies
Ready to make your 4th of July whoopie pies stand out even more? These decorating ideas add sparkle, crunch, and color to every bite—and they’re easy enough for kids to help!
- Roll the Edges in Sprinkles: Press the marshmallow filling sides into red, white, and blue nonpareils or jimmies for a festive finish.
- Drizzle with White Chocolate: Melt white chocolate and use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle over the tops of the whoopie pies. Add star-shaped sprinkles before it sets!
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting makes them extra photogenic and gives a vintage Americana vibe.
- Use Themed Wrappers: Wrap each pie in patriotic cupcake liners or parchment for grab-and-go ease at parties.
How to Store and Freeze Whoopie Pies
These Fourth of July whoopie pies are perfect for make-ahead prepping, which makes them a party planner’s best friend.
Storage Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days if your kitchen is cool.
- Refrigerated: Lasts 4–5 days in the fridge. Bring to room temp before serving for best texture.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze Before Filling: Bake the cookie rounds, cool completely, then freeze in layers with parchment.
- Freeze Fully Assembled: Wrap each whoopie pie in plastic wrap, then store in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months.
- Thawing: Let thaw at room temperature for about 30–45 minutes before serving.
These freezer-friendly patriotic whoopie pies are perfect for stress-free entertaining!
Creative Twists on Patriotic Whoopie Pies
Want to put your own spin on this classic? Here are some variations that still scream 4th of July whoopie pies, but with a tasty twist.
- Mini Whoopie Pies: Make bite-sized versions using a teaspoon of batter for kid-friendly snacks.
- Berry Cream Filling: Add strawberry or blueberry puree to the marshmallow filling for extra flavor and color.
- Chocolate Shells: Use a chocolate batter base and fill with vanilla cream for a red, white, and dark blue vibe.
- Ice Cream Version: Freeze the cake shells and sandwich with vanilla ice cream for a fun summer dessert.
Explore even more fun party-ready bites in our patriotic party treats roundup!
Serving Ideas for Your Whoopie Pie Dessert Spread
These 4th of July whoopie pies are great on their own, but they shine even more when served with other festive favorites:
- Flag Fruit Skewers: Alternate strawberries, bananas, and blueberries on skewers for a healthy touch.
- Firecracker Popcorn: Red, white, and blue candy-coated popcorn is perfect for snacking alongside your pies.
- Patriotic Punch: Serve a layered red-white-blue drink with lemon-lime soda, cranberry juice, and blue sports drink.
Round out your dessert table with more Red White and Blue Marble Cake that wow your guests with minimal effort!
FAQs About 4th of July Whoopie Pies
What is the filling in whoopie pies made of?
The classic filling for whoopie pies is made with marshmallow creme, powdered sugar, butter, and a touch of vanilla. It’s sweet, fluffy, and holds the cakes together perfectly. You can also add cream cheese or berry puree for extra flavor in your 4th of July whoopie pies.
What state is known for whoopie pies?
Maine is famously known as the home of the whoopie pie. In fact, it was declared the official state treat in 2011. You’ll find whoopie pies in bakeries across the Northeast, but patriotic versions like these are perfect for national holidays!
Why do they call them whoopie pies?
Legend has it that Amish children would shout “Whoopie!” when they discovered these treats in their lunchboxes. The name stuck, and now whoopie pies are a nostalgic American favorite.
Why do people eat apple pie on the 4th of July?
Apple pie is often seen as a symbol of American culture and tradition. Eating it on the 4th of July celebrates that heritage. While apple pie is classic, these 4th of July whoopie pies offer a modern, colorful twist on patriotic desserts.
What is the most eaten food on 4th of July?
Grilled items like burgers and hot dogs dominate the 4th of July menu, but desserts are just as essential. Colorful, easy-to-eat sweets like Fourth of July whoopie pies are rising stars at parties and cookouts!
What is the story of apple pie 4th of July?
Apple pie became iconic in the 19th century as a symbol of American identity. It represented homegrown ingredients, family, and freedom. While apple pie remains popular, fun updates like these patriotic whoopie pies bring fresh flavor to the celebration.
Sweeten Your Celebration!
There’s something truly special about baking your own 4th of July whoopie pies. They’re festive, flavorful, and full of nostalgic charm with a red, white, and blue twist. Whether you’re bringing them to a potluck or serving them up at your backyard bash, these whoopie pies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
If you’re looking for more fun treats to match your pies, check out our dessert category for everything from fruit bars to fireworks cupcakes.
Now go fire up that oven, get creative with your decorations, and celebrate America with a batch of soft, sweet, 4th of July whoopie pies that everyone will remember.
