Chocolate Whoopie Pies are delightful mini cakes that perfectly combine the soft, cake-like texture of cupcakes with the convenience and charm of cookies. These treats feature fluffy chocolate rounds filled with a smooth, creamy vanilla frosting, making them irresistible to anyone who tries them.
Ingredients
- For the Whoopie Pies:
- 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 tablespoons vegetable shortening
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- For the Frosting:
- 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Directions
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Combine:
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Bake:
- Drop tablespoons of the batter onto the prepared sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the pies spring back when lightly touched. Allow to cool.
- Prepare Frosting:
- In a bowl, whip the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla and milk until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble:
- Spread frosting on the flat side of one pie and top with another, pressing gently to form a sandwich.
Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to ensure even mixing.
- Adjust the amount of milk in the frosting to achieve your desired consistency.
- Allow the whoopie pies to cool completely before applying frosting to prevent it from melting.
FAQs
- Can I make these whoopie pies in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the pies a day ahead and store them unfrosted in an airtight container. Frost before serving.
- How should I store the whoopie pies?
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate if preferred.
- Can the frosting be flavored differently?
- Absolutely! Feel free to add cocoa powder for a chocolate frosting or incorporate other extracts like almond or mint for a twist.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 whoopie pies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Conclusion
Chocolate Whoopie Pies are a fantastic treat that merge the best aspects of cupcakes and cookies into one delicious dessert. Whether for a special occasion, a friendly gathering, or just a sweet snack, these whoopie pies are sure to bring joy and satisfaction with every bite. Enjoy the process of making and sharing these wonderful treats!