Chocolate Whoopie Pies

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Why Make This Recipe

Chocolate Whoopie Pies are a delightful treat that puts a spin on traditional cookies. They are like little sandwiches made of soft chocolate cookies with a creamy filling in between. The combination of rich cocoa and sweet cream makes these treats irresistible for chocolate lovers. Not only do they taste amazing, but they’re also fun to make, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to enjoy something sweet at home.

Making Whoopie Pies can become a charming family tradition. There’s something special about gathering in the kitchen, mixing the ingredients, and enjoying the aroma of baked goods filling the air. Plus, you can customize the filling with different flavors or even add colorful sprinkles for a festive touch!

How to Make Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Making Chocolate Whoopie Pies is a straightforward process, perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers. The key to these soft cookies lies in the mixing and baking process. By following the steps carefully, you will end up with perfect little pies that are both soft and filled with a delicious creamy center.

Ingredients:

2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1 cup Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon Coarse Kosher Salt
1 tablespoon Instant Espresso Powder (optional)
2 large Eggs
1 cup Whole Milk
1/2 cup Full-Fat Sour Cream
1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
2 cups Powdered Sugar
2 tablespoons Meringue Powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon Extra Coarse Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon Additional Vanilla Extract

Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step as it ensures that your whoopie pies bake evenly. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, coarse kosher salt, and instant espresso powder (if using). This step helps to aerate the flour and combine the dry ingredients evenly. Set this bowl aside.
Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, full-fat sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Mixing the wet ingredients separately ensures that the eggs are broken up correctly and that everything blends well together.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mixing until just combined will help your whoopie pies come out soft and moist.
Portion the Batter: Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, portion mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave enough space between each mound, as they will spread slightly while baking.
Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You will know they are done when the cookies are set and spring back slightly when touched. Avoid opening the oven too early, as this can cause the cookies to collapse.
Cool the Cookies: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents the cookies from becoming soggy.
Prepare the Filling: While the cookies are cooling, make the filling. In a mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Add the meringue powder (if using), extra coarse kosher salt, and additional vanilla extract. Beat until well combined and creamy.
Assemble the Whoopie Pies: To assemble, take one cookie and spread a generous amount of filling on the bottom. Top it with another cookie, pressing down gently to create a sandwich. Repeat this step with the remaining cookies and filling.
Serve and Store: You can serve your whoopie pies immediately. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for 3-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If you decide to freeze them, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container to avoid sticking.

How to Serve Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Chocolate Whoopie Pies are versatile and can be served in various ways. They are perfect as a sweet snack during the day or as a dessert at gatherings. You can present them on a decorative plate for a party or simply enjoy one with your afternoon coffee.

Adding a dusting of powdered sugar on top can make them look even more inviting. If you want to serve them at a celebration, consider placing them on tiered platters for a more elegant look. Pair them with milk, hot cocoa, or even coffee for a delightful culinary experience.

How to Store Chocolate Whoopie Pies

To store your Whoopie Pies, place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can sit at room temperature for several days, but if you want to keep them for a longer period, freezing is a great option.

When freezing, wrap each Whoopie Pie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they will stay fresh, and you can grab one whenever you have a craving. When ready to enjoy, just remove from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes.

Tips to Make Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Sifting: Always sift your dry ingredients. This helps in combining them evenly and prevents clumps, especially with cocoa powder which can easily form lumps.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and milk can help your batter mix more easily, leading to a better texture.
Don’t Overmix: Remember, once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough whoopie pies.
Baking Evenly: Rotate your baking sheets halfway through the baking time. This ensures that all whoopie pies bake evenly.
Too Sweet? If you find the filling too sweet, you can reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a pinch of salt for balance.
Flavor Variations: Consider adding a splash of almond extract or flavored extracts in the filling for a twist. Also, you can add mini chocolate chips or sprinkles in the filling for added fun.

Variation

While the classic Chocolate Whoopie Pie is delicious, you can definitely play around with flavors! Here are a few variations:

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies: Swap out cocoa powder for red velvet cake flour, and use cream cheese frosting for the filling.
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the batter, and use a cream cheese filling.
Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies: Incorporate peanut butter into the cookie mixture and make a peanut butter frosting for the filling.
Mint Chocolate Whoopie Pies: Add peppermint extract to the filling, and decorate with crushed mint candies for a refreshing touch.

Mixing up flavors makes this recipe even more enjoyable and allows you to experiment with different taste profiles!

FAQs

Can I make the batter in advance?
Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before scooping and baking.
What if my whoopie pies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much, they may need more flour. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and don’t skip the sifting step.
How do I know when the whoopie pies are done?
They should look set and gently spring back when pressed lightly. The edges may be firm, while the centers remain slightly soft and puffy.
Can I make whoopie pies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How can I add a fun twist to the filling?
Consider adding a few tablespoons of your favorite jam or fruit puree to the filling for a new flavor experience. You can also mix in some shredded coconut or crushed nuts for texture.

Creating Chocolate Whoopie Pies is a fulfilling and enjoyable project that brings scrumptious results sure to please any crowd. With these instructions and tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this sweet treat!