Red Velvet Wreath Whoopie Pies

A festive holiday dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious

Introduction: A Holiday Treat That Steals the Show

The holidays are the season of traditions, and for many of us, those traditions revolve around the kitchen. The familiar smell of cocoa, butter, and vanilla filling the house, holiday music playing softly in the background, and a counter dusted with flour—it’s all part of the magic. Every year, I love adding at least one new recipe to my holiday baking list, something that feels festive but still comforting. That’s exactly how these Red Velvet Wreath Whoopie Pies were born.

Whoopie pies are a classic dessert with deep roots in American baking, especially in New England and Pennsylvania Dutch kitchens. Traditionally, they’re made with two soft cake-like cookies sandwiched around a creamy filling. While the classic chocolate version will always have a place in my heart, red velvet feels tailor-made for the holidays. Its rich red color, hint of cocoa, and subtle tang pair beautifully with a smooth cream cheese filling.

Shaping these whoopie pies into wreaths transforms them from a simple handheld dessert into a holiday centerpiece. Decorated with green frosting “leaves” and tiny red sprinkles or candy pearls, they look like edible Christmas wreaths—perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or gifting to friends and family.

This recipe is detailed and beginner-friendly, but the final result looks bakery-worthy. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these Red Velvet Wreath Whoopie Pies are guaranteed to impress.

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What Makes Red Velvet Special?

Red velvet isn’t just chocolate cake dyed red. It’s a unique flavor with a delicate balance of cocoa, vanilla, and tanginess. Traditionally, that tang came from buttermilk and vinegar, which also help create an incredibly soft crumb.

In this recipe, we use:

• Buttermilk for moisture and tenderness

• A touch of cocoa powder for depth

• Red food coloring for that iconic holiday hue

Paired with a cream cheese filling, the flavor is rich but not overly sweet, making these whoopie pies easy to enjoy even after a big holiday meal.

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Why Wreath-Shaped Whoopie Pies?

Holiday baking is about more than flavor—it’s about presentation. Wreath-shaped whoopie pies:

• Instantly feel festive

• Stand out on dessert tables

• Are perfect for gifting

• Can be customized with decorations

Unlike cut-out cookies that require rolling and chilling dough, these wreaths are made by piping batter in a circle, making them surprisingly easy to shape.

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Ingredients Overview

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters.

For the Red Velvet Whoopie Pie Cookies

• All-purpose flour – Provides structure

• Unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds subtle chocolate flavor

• Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise

• Salt – Balances sweetness

• Unsalted butter – Adds richness

• Granulated sugar – Sweetens and tenderizes

• Egg – Binds ingredients and adds moisture

• Vanilla extract – Enhances flavor

• Buttermilk – Creates a soft, tender texture

• Red food coloring – For that signature red velvet look

• White vinegar – Reacts with baking soda for lift

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• Cream cheese – Tangy, creamy base

• Unsalted butter – Adds smoothness

• Powdered sugar – Sweetens without graininess

• Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor

For Decoration (Optional but Recommended)

• Green buttercream frosting

• Red sprinkles, candy pearls, or mini candies

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Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls

• Hand or stand mixer

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Piping bags (or zip-top bags)

• Round piping tip or plain cut tip

• Baking sheets

• Parchment paper

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Full Recipe: Red Velvet Wreath Whoopie Pies

Ingredients

Red Velvet Cookies

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 2 tablespoons red food coloring

• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decorations

• Green buttercream frosting

• Red sprinkles or candies

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Cocoa powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

Set aside. This step ensures even distribution of leavening and cocoa.

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Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step is crucial for a soft, cake-like texture.

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Step 4: Add Egg and Flavorings

Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, followed by the vanilla extract.

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Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix:

• Buttermilk

• Red food coloring

• White vinegar

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Step 6: Combine Everything

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.

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Step 7: Pipe the Wreath Shapes

Transfer the batter to a piping bag. Pipe circles onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a hole in the center to form wreath shapes. Each wreath should be about 3 inches in diameter.

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Step 8: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly when touched. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

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Making the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.

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Assembling the Whoopie Pies

1. Pair cookies of similar size.

2. Pipe or spread cream cheese filling on the flat side of one cookie.

3. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich.

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Decorating the Wreaths

Use green buttercream to pipe small “leaves” around the top of the wreath. Add red sprinkles or candy pearls to mimic berries. This step transforms them into true holiday showstoppers.

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Tips for Perfect Whoopie Pies

• Don’t overbake – They should be soft, not crisp

• Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth batter

• Chill filling slightly if it’s too soft

• Pipe consistently for even shapes

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Variations and Flavor Twists

• Peppermint Cream Filling – Add crushed candy canes

• Chocolate Ganache Filling – For a richer dessert

• Mini Wreaths – Perfect for cookie platters

• Gluten-Free Version – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend

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Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Store assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

• Unfilled cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months

• Bring to room temperature before serving

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Serving Ideas

• Arrange on a tiered dessert stand

• Package individually in clear bags for gifting

• Serve with hot cocoa or milk

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Why These Belong on Your Holiday Table

Red Velvet Wreath Whoopie Pies combine everything we love about holiday baking: bold color, nostalgic flavor, and a playful presentation. They’re festive without being fussy and indulgent without being overwhelming. Best of all, they’re made to be shared.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a holiday party, these whoopie pies are guaranteed to bring smiles—and probably requests for the recipe.

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Final Thoughts

Holiday baking is about creating memories, not perfection. If your wreaths aren’t perfectly round or your decorations are a little uneven, that just adds to their charm. These Red Velvet Wreath Whoopie Pies are meant to be enjoyed, shared, and remembered.

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels special, festive, and undeniably delicious, this recipe deserves a place in your holiday baking lineup.

Happy baking 🎄🍰