Pineapple Whoopie Pies
Soft, Tropical Sandwich Cookies Filled with Creamy Pineapple-Coconut Bliss
If you’re dreaming of sunshine, sandy beaches, and a taste of the tropics — these Pineapple Whoopie Pies are the perfect bite-sized escape. Soft, cake-like cookies are made with crushed pineapple and a hint of coconut, then sandwiched around a dreamy pineapple cream cheese filling that’s light, fruity, and just sweet enough. They’re like mini tropical vacations… in cookie form.
These are perfect for summer picnics, luaus, baby showers, or anytime you want something a little different from your usual chocolate and vanilla lineup. The best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make, and you don’t need any special equipment — just a bowl, a spoon, and your favorite baking playlist.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
- ½ tsp coconut extract (optional, but adds extra tropical flair)
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup crushed pineapple, drained and patted dry
- ¼ cup shredded coconut (optional, for added texture)
Time Breakdown:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yields: 12–15 whoopie pies
- Calories: Approx. 180 per pie
Prep Step-by-Step
1. Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.
2. Mix the Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale in color — about 2–3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined — don’t overmix.
Fold in the crushed pineapple (be sure it’s well drained to avoid soggy dough) and coconut extract, if using.
Tip: You can press the pineapple between paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Bake the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed and lightly golden around the edges. They should still be soft to the touch.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before filling.
4. Make the Pineapple Cream Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and the remaining ¼ cup of crushed pineapple (again, make sure it’s very well drained).
Fold in the shredded coconut if desired — it gives the filling a little chew and makes the whole dessert feel more tropical.
5. Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, pair them up by size. On the flat side of one cookie, spread or pipe a generous amount of the pineapple cream filling. Top with the matching cookie to create a soft, sandwich-style treat.
Repeat with the rest until all your whoopie pies are assembled.
Optional: Roll the edges in more shredded coconut or chopped nuts for a festive finish.
6. Serve and Store
These are best served slightly chilled, which helps the filling set and makes them easier to handle. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie
They also freeze beautifully — just wrap each one individually and thaw before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These tropical whoopie pies pair perfectly with:
- A cold glass of iced tea or lemonade
- Pineapple sorbet or vanilla ice cream
- Toasted coconut on top for extra crunch
- Or serve alongside a piña colada for the full beachy experience!
Final Thoughts
These Pineapple Whoopie Pies are light, fun, and full of personality — just like summer. The bright fruitiness of the pineapple, the soft, cake-like cookies, and that luscious cream cheese filling make them irresistible. They’re proof that you don’t need chocolate to make a crowd-pleasing dessert — sometimes, all it takes is a little sunshine in your ingredients.