Football shaped whoopie pies are a fun and festive dessert perfect for game day, Super Bowl parties, or any football-themed gathering. With soft, chocolatey cake-like cookies sandwiched around fluffy marshmallow buttercream and decorated to resemble footballs, these treats are guaranteed to score big with kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A creative dessert that doubles as game day décor.
- Soft, moist chocolate cakes with a rich cocoa flavor.
- Fluffy marshmallow buttercream filling that’s light yet decadent.
- Fun and easy to decorate with simple piping for the football “laces.”
- A crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for tailgates and parties.

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Whoopie Pies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
Marshmallow Fluff Buttercream:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups marshmallow fluff (about one 7-ounce jar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons milk, if needed
Directions
Whoopie Pies
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter with granulated and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and mix well.
- Add half of the dry ingredients, mix until combined, then add milk. Stir in the remaining dry ingredients until smooth.
- Print football templates, place on baking sheets, cover with parchment, and secure with magnets.
- Transfer batter to a piping bag with a medium round tip. Pipe football shapes (about 3 inches long) and fill in evenly. Space about 2 inches apart. Remove templates before baking.
- Bake 8–10 minutes, until set and firm to the touch. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Marshmallow Fluff Buttercream
- In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat butter, powdered sugar, and salt until creamy.
- Add marshmallow fluff and vanilla, then beat on high speed until fluffy.
- If too thick, add 1–2 teaspoons milk to reach spreadable consistency.
Assembly
- Once cakes are cool, spread frosting on the flat side of half the footballs.
- Top with the remaining football cakes to make sandwiches.
- Pipe frosting lines on top to resemble football laces.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 whoopie pies.
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Bake time: 10 minutes per batch
- Total time: about 45 minutes
Variations
- Different fillings: Swap marshmallow fluff with chocolate ganache or peanut butter buttercream.
- Team spirit: Tint the filling with food coloring to match your team’s colors.
- Mini footballs: Make smaller whoopie pies for bite-sized party treats.
- Extra chocolatey: Stir chocolate chips into the batter for a richer flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating
- Store whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze individually wrapped whoopie pies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
FAQs
Can I make these whoopie pies ahead of time?
Yes, bake and store the cakes, then fill and decorate the day of serving.
Do I need the espresso powder?
No, it’s optional, but it enhances the chocolate flavor.
Can I use store-bought marshmallow fluff?
Yes, one standard 7-ounce jar is perfect.
How do I keep whoopie pies from sticking?
Use parchment paper on baking sheets and allow them to cool before removing.
Can I make these without a piping bag?
Yes, you can spoon batter onto the parchment and shape it gently with the back of the spoon.
How do I get even football shapes?
Using a printed template under parchment helps guide the piping.
Can I use Dutch-process cocoa?
Yes, but it may make the cakes darker and richer.
How thick should the filling be?
It should be fluffy and spreadable but thick enough to hold the sandwich together.
Can I decorate with royal icing instead of frosting?
Yes, but buttercream gives a softer bite and blends better with the filling.
Can I make them into regular round whoopie pies?
Of course—just pipe rounds instead of football shapes.
Conclusion
Football shaped whoopie pies are a playful and delicious way to celebrate game day. With soft chocolate cakes, fluffy marshmallow filling, and fun football decorations, they’ll be the star of your party spread. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl bash or a weekend tailgate, these whoopie pies are guaranteed to win over your guests.
Print
Football Shaped Whoopie Pies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Football shaped whoopie pies are the ultimate game day dessert — soft chocolate cakes filled with fluffy marshmallow buttercream and decorated to look like footballs. Perfect for Super Bowl parties, tailgates, or any football-themed celebration, this fun and festive recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 cup whole milk
½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (for filling)
3 cups powdered sugar
¼ teaspoon kosher salt (for filling)
1 ½ cups marshmallow fluff (about one 7-ounce jar)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 teaspoons milk, if needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter with granulated and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and mix well.
- Stir in half of the dry ingredients, then add milk. Mix in the remaining dry ingredients until smooth.
- Print football templates, place on baking sheets, cover with parchment, and secure with magnets.
- Transfer batter to a piping bag with a medium round tip and pipe football shapes (about 3 inches long). Space 2 inches apart. Remove templates before baking.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until set and firm to the touch. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- For the buttercream, beat butter, powdered sugar, and salt until creamy. Add marshmallow fluff and vanilla, beating on high until fluffy. Add milk if needed.
- Spread frosting on the flat side of half the football cakes. Top with the remaining cakes to form sandwiches.
- Pipe frosting lines on top to resemble football laces.
Notes
- Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy football shapes.
- Store at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Freeze individually wrapped whoopie pies for up to 2 months.
- Filling can be tinted with food coloring to match team colors.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg