Funfetti Whoopie Pies are like a party in every bite — soft, cake-like cookies sandwiched together with a creamy vanilla filling and rolled in bright rainbow sprinkles. These cheerful treats combine the nostalgic flavor of birthday cake with the satisfying handheld form of a classic whoopie pie, making them irresistible for kids and grown-ups alike.

Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any day that needs a little extra joy, Funfetti Whoopie Pies are as fun to make as they are to eat. The colorful sprinkles baked into the cookies add visual flair, while the light, fluffy filling offers just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re baking with kids or prepping for a party, this is a dessert that brings instant smiles.
Why You’ll Love This Funfetti Whoopie Pie
- They’re soft, sweet, and bursting with colorful sprinkles
- Great for celebrations or just because
- Easy to make with basic ingredients
- Can be prepped ahead for parties or lunchboxes
- Customizable with different fillings or sprinkle types
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To make perfect Funfetti Whoopie Pies, you’ll need a few reliable kitchen tools. Start with a hand or stand mixer, essential for creaming the butter and sugar to the right fluffy texture. A mixing bowl set will help you keep wet and dry ingredients organized. Use a cookie scoop to portion out the batter evenly for consistent cookie sizes. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking. And finally, a cooling rack allows the cookies to cool properly before assembly, preventing melted filling.
Each tool plays a critical role in achieving the soft texture and neat sandwich shape these whoopie pies are known for.
Preparation Tips
Measure your ingredients carefully — especially flour, which should be spooned and leveled, not scooped. Room temperature butter and eggs help the batter mix evenly. Be gentle when folding in the sprinkles to avoid color streaks. Once baked, let the cookies cool completely before adding the filling to keep it from melting. For neater pies, pipe the filling instead of spreading with a spoon. And if you’re making these ahead, keep them refrigerated to maintain freshness.
Ingredients for this Funfetti Whoopie Pie
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies style – avoid nonpareils)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (to adjust consistency)
- Pinch of salt
- Additional rainbow sprinkles for rolling

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is key for the cookies to rise uniformly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step traps air in the batter for a tender cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then add the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is blended evenly.
Step 4: Alternate Adding Flour and Buttermilk
With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; do not overmix, or the cookies may turn out dense.
Step 5: Fold in Sprinkles
Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles using a spatula. Be careful not to stir too much, as overmixing can cause the sprinkles to bleed color into the batter.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop even rounds of batter onto the sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden and the tops spring back when touched.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before adding the filling. This prevents the buttercream from melting and sliding out.
Step 8: Make the Filling
In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter on high speed for about 2 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, then add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached — thick yet spreadable.
Step 9: Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Pair cookies by size. Pipe or spoon a dollop of filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with a second cookie to create a sandwich. Press gently to spread the filling to the edges.
Step 10: Decorate
Roll the edges of each whoopie pie in a shallow bowl of sprinkles for extra flair and crunch. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
Notes
Funfetti Whoopie Pies are best enjoyed the same day they are assembled for ultimate softness and freshness. However, they can be made in stages—bake the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container, then fill just before serving. For a thicker, fluffier filling, use marshmallow fluff instead of heavy cream in the buttercream. To make these pies even more festive, coordinate sprinkle colors with your event theme or holiday.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
- Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to dense, tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Using the Wrong Type of Sprinkles: Nonpareils tend to bleed color. Stick with jimmies for vibrant, intact sprinkles.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: If you fill warm cookies, the buttercream will melt and ooze out.
- Inconsistent Cookie Sizes: Use a cookie scoop for even portioning, which ensures all pies match when sandwiched.
- Too Much Filling: Overfilling may cause the pies to be messy or fall apart.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven and check accuracy with an oven thermometer.
Storage Instructions
Store assembled Funfetti Whoopie Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to soften the filling. If storing unassembled, keep the cookies and filling separate — cookies at room temp and filling in the fridge. They also freeze well: freeze individually wrapped pies for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Estimated Nutrition
(Per whoopie pie, based on standard recipe yield)
- Calories: ~290
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: <1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between whoopie pies and sandwich cookies?
Whoopie pies are softer and more cake-like, while sandwich cookies are typically crispier and more structured.
Can I use a cake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?
Yes, you can use a funfetti or vanilla cake mix to simplify the process. Adjust baking time as needed.
How do I keep the sprinkles from bleeding into the batter?
Use jimmies (long, soft sprinkles) and gently fold them in at the end to avoid streaking.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Scoop and freeze the unbaked dough on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can use plant-based butter and milk substitutes like almond or oat milk for both the cookies and filling.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This could be due to overly soft butter or too little flour. Chill the dough slightly before baking if needed.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly but will still be tasty.
What other fillings can I use?
Try marshmallow fluff, cream cheese frosting, or even ice cream for a frozen twist.
Conclusion
Funfetti Whoopie Pies are the kind of treat that instantly sparks joy — they’re colorful, creamy, and undeniably fun to eat. Whether you’re making them for a birthday party, a school celebration, or just a cheerful weekend baking project, this recipe delivers a delightful blend of softness, sweetness, and whimsy. With the right tools, a little patience, and a generous splash of sprinkles, you’ll have a batch of irresistible sandwich cookies that look as good as they taste. So go ahead — bake a batch, share a few, and let the smiles roll in.
Funfetti Whoopie Pie
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Add a burst of joy to your dessert table with this Funfetti Whoopie Pie recipe! These soft, cake-like cookie sandwiches are loaded with colorful sprinkles and filled with a creamy vanilla buttercream. Perfect for quick breakfast treats, easy dessert ideas, and birthday party snacks, they’re a playful and delicious twist on classic sandwich cookies. Ideal for both kids and adults, these are a standout option in your list of food ideas — whether you’re baking for a celebration or just want a fun weekend project. With simple ingredients and a festive finish, this easy recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves sweet and cheerful baking.
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Pinch of salt
Additional rainbow sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar with a mixer until fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract; beat until fully combined.
4. On low speed, alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mix.
5. Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles with a spatula.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Scoop batter onto sheets using a cookie scoop, spacing about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the tops spring back when touched.
9. Cool completely on a wire rack.
10. For the filling, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and salt. Add cream 1 tbsp at a time to reach desired texture.
11. Pipe or spread filling on the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie.
12. Roll edges in sprinkles for a festive finish.
Notes
Use jimmies sprinkles instead of nonpareils to avoid color bleeding.
Chill the cookies slightly before baking to prevent excess spreading.
For extra flair, match sprinkle colors to your event theme.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
