Whoopie Pies

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Whoopie Pies

Whoopie Pies are delightful treats that combine the best of cookies and cake in a handheld dessert. Soft, cake-like cookies sandwich a creamy filling, making these treats irresistible and perfect for any occasion. This recipe is a step-by-step guide that ensures you’ll create your own batch of these nostalgic snacks, bound to bring joy to your family and friends. Easy to make and fun to customize, Whoopie Pies are a comforting reminder of simpler times and the joy found in home-baked goodies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about Whoopie Pies! They are incredibly easy to prepare, featuring minimal ingredients that most home chefs already have in their kitchens. This means less hassle and more time to enjoy delicious treats with loved ones. Plus, Whoopie Pies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! With their charming presentation and delightful taste, they can brighten up any gathering, from birthday parties to weeknight dinners. Whether you’re a novice baker or a pie enthusiast, this recipe guarantees sweet results that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Creating Whoopie Pies starts with a few key ingredients that blend together to create a rich and moist flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour – This is the foundation of your pies, providing structure.
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder – The cocoa adds deep, chocolatey notes that make these pies decadent.
• 1 tsp baking soda – Essential for leavening, ensuring your pies rise perfectly.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness that balances the cocoa’s intensity.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar – This adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor.
• 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients for a smooth, homogenous batter.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk – Brings a creamy texture and enriches the flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – The richness of butter lends a delicate crumb.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – A hint of vanilla to round out the flavors.
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for filling) – Perfect for creating a sweet, fluffy filling.
• 4 oz cream cheese (optional) – Adds a tangy balance to the sweetness (optional).

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow these simple steps to whip up your own batch of Whoopie Pies:

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal of your Whoopie Pies after baking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. This will create a wonderful, airy base for your batter.

3. Incorporate the Egg
   Add the egg to the creamed mixture and mix until combined. This introduces moisture and richness to your batter.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. These dry ingredients must be well combined to ensure even flavor distribution.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Beat until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep your pies tender.

6. Scoop the Batter
   Scoop the batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each scoop. This spacing is important, as the cookies will spread while baking.

7. Bake the Pies
   Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly underbaked. The slight underbaking helps achieve that soft, cake-like texture.

8. Make the Filling
   While the cookies cool, whip together softened butter and cream cheese (if using) with powdered sugar until smooth. This creamy filling is what makes Whoopie Pies uniquely delicious.

9. Assemble the Whoopie Pies
   Spread the filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with another, flat side down. Press gently to create a sandwich.

Tips & Tricks

For the best Whoopie Pies, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. If you’re looking for a flavor boost, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients—this enhances the chocolate flavor. You can also experiment with fillings by incorporating different flavors of extracts or even adding a bit of peanut butter for a fun twist.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Whoopie Pies are delightful on their own but can also be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. They are perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat for an afternoon tea. A cup of hot cocoa or freshly brewed coffee makes an excellent pairing, enhancing the overall enjoyment.

Nutritional Information

Each Whoopie Pie contains approximately 180-220 calories, depending on the size and filling. While these are sweet treats meant to be enjoyed in moderation, they offer a balance of sugars and fats that can fit into a well-rounded diet. Remember to savor each bite!

Storing Tips & Variations

Whoopie Pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. To do this, place the assembled pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be enjoyed straight from the freezer or thawed at room temperature. Feel free to experiment with variations by adding different fillings, such as vanilla buttercream or flavored whipped cream.

Conclusion

Whoopie Pies are not only a deliciously nostalgic treat but also a fantastic way to bond with family and friends over baking. This recipe invites you to indulge in the simple joy of creating something delightful in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients and give this Whoopie Pie recipe a try! Don’t forget to share your experience and any unique twists you added along the way.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
   Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture and flavor may change slightly. Start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a lighter result.

2. What can I use instead of buttermilk?
   If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle before adding it to your batter.

3. How can I make the filling without cream cheese?
   Simply omit the cream cheese and increase the amount of butter, adding a bit of milk if necessary, to achieve a fluffy consistency.

4. Are Whoopie Pies suitable for gluten-free diets?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these pies gluten-free. Look for a blend that has xanthan gum included for the best results.

5. How can I add flavor to the filling?
   You can mix in different extracts, such as almond or mint, or add a pinch of cocoa powder for a chocolate filling variation.

Whoopie Pies

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Delightful treats that combine the best of cookies and cake, filled with a creamy filling, perfect for any occasion.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for filling)
• 4 oz cream cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg to the creamed mixture and mix until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Beat until just combined.
6. Scoop the batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each scoop.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly underbaked.
8. While the cookies cool, whip together softened butter and cream cheese (if using) with powdered sugar until smooth.
9. Spread the filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie, flat side down.

Notes

For the best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature. Experiment with flavors by adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients or different flavored extracts to the filling.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 pie
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

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