Description
Celebrate the 4th of July with these festive and delicious Whoopie Pies. Featuring soft, chocolatey cake-like cookies sandwiched with a smooth, creamy vanilla filling, these treats are perfect for summer gatherings and patriotic celebrations. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they are sure to delight kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Whoopie Pies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In another larger bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing the batter.
- Scoop dough and bake: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies are set and spring back lightly when touched.
- Cool cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks to prevent the filling from melting when assembled.
- Prepare the filling: In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
- Assemble the whoopie pies: Spread a generous amount of filling onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie, pressing gently to spread the filling evenly. Repeat with all remaining cookies.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the whoopie pies immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy. These can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days for best freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Chilling the dough slightly can help manage spreading if cookies flatten too much during baking.
- For a festive touch, add red and blue sprinkles to the filling before sandwiching.
- These whoopie pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Allow refrigerated pies to come to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
