Whoopie Pies
Ingredients
For the shells:
- ½ cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 6 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 cups flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup milk
For the filling:
- ½ cup shortening
- 2 cups confectioners sugar
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
Starting with the Shells: Begin by creaming together ½ cup of shortening with 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is the foundation of your whoopie pie shells, providing them with their signature texture.
Adding the Good Stuff: To this, add the egg yolks, cocoa powder, flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, vanilla, and milk. Blend these ingredients well. The cocoa powder not only gives the shells their chocolatey goodness but also a rich, deep color that's visually appetizing.
Shaping Your Whoopie Pies: Drop heaping dessert spoonfuls of the batter onto an ungreased cookie sheet. This is where you get to decide how big or small your whoopie pies will be. Remember, they will spread a bit, so give them some space to breathe.
Bake to Perfection: Pop them into a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. You're looking for them to set but still be soft to the touch—after all, a good whoopie pie is all about that tender, cakey texture.
Filling Time: While your shells are cooling, whip up the filling by creaming together ½ cup shortening, 2 cups confectioners' sugar, 2 egg whites, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth. This creamy, dreamy filling is the heart of your whoopie pie, so make it with love.
Assembly: Once your shells have cooled, it's time to bring your whoopie pies to life. Spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of one shell and top it with another. Gently press them together, and voila! You've made whoopie pies.
A Journey from Classic to Contemporary
Whoopie Pies, with their soft, cake-like cookies and creamy filling, represent a delightful crossroads between a cake, a cookie, and a pie. Originating from the Amish tradition as a way to use leftover cake batter, these treats have evolved into a beloved confectionery icon, celebrated for their versatility and the joy they bring to both bakers and recipients alike. Let’s delve into the art of crafting the perfect Whoopie Pie, exploring both its rich heritage and the ways it can be adapted to suit any taste.
The Perfect Cookie Shell
The key to a memorable Whoopie Pie lies in its cookie shell: it must be soft enough to yield to each bite, yet sturdy enough to hold its shape and embrace the filling. Achieving this balance starts with the right ratio of ingredients, particularly the role of shortening, which lends the cookies their characteristic tenderness.
- Experiment with Flavors: While chocolate is traditional, consider vanilla, pumpkin, red velvet, or even lemon shells for a twist.
- Mind the Size: A consistent size ensures even baking and a uniform look. Using a cookie scoop can help achieve this.
The Filling: A Blank Canvas
The creamy filling is where the Whoopie Pie truly comes to life, acting as a blank canvas for flavor innovation. From the classic marshmallow fluff to buttercream or cream cheese variations, the filling can be customized to complement or contrast the cookie shells.
- Flavor Infusions: Incorporate extracts, zests, or even spices into the filling for an extra flavor burst.
- Seasonal Twists: Adapt the filling to the season with peppermint in winter, strawberry in spring, lemon in summer, or spiced pumpkin in fall.
A Celebration of Creativity
Whoopie Pies are not just about taste but also presentation. Decorating the edges of the filling with sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed nuts can add a festive touch that makes them even more irresistible.
In every Whoopie Pie is an opportunity for creativity—a chance to play with flavors, textures, and colors. Whether sticking to the classic chocolate and marshmallow combination or venturing into new culinary territories, making Whoopie Pies is as much about the joy of baking as it is about the delight of eating.
Baking Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky, a brief chill in the refrigerator can make it easier to handle.
- Even Baking: Rotate the baking sheets halfway through to ensure the cookies bake evenly.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookie shells to cool completely before adding the filling to prevent it from melting.
Serving Suggestions
Whoopie pies are best enjoyed with a glass of cold milk or a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. They make for a perfect sweet snack or a delightful dessert after a meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a twist to your filling with flavors like peppermint, peanut butter, or raspberry.
The Joy of Sharing
Whoopie pies are not just about indulging in a sweet treat; they’re about sharing joy and smiles. Bake a batch, share them with friends, family, or neighbors, and watch as their faces light up with delight. It’s the simple pleasures like these that make baking so rewarding.
And there you have it, a classic whoopie pie recipe that’s sure to bring a touch of sweetness to any day. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at this recipe for the first time, remember, the best ingredient you can add is a sprinkle of love and a dash of joy. Happy baking!
Nutrition Facts
- Servings Per Recipe: 18
- Calories: 309
% Daily Value
- Total Fat: 13.2g (17% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 5.4g (27% DV)
- Cholesterol: 138mg (46% DV)
- Sodium: 2630mg (114% DV)
- Total Carbohydrates: 48.1g (17% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 10.4g (37% DV)
- Total Sugars: 18.9g
- Protein: 10.4g
- Vitamin D: 12mcg (60% DV)
- Calcium: 303mg (23% DV)
- iron: 6mg (33% DV)
- Potassium: 1460mg (31% DV)
Note: The “% Daily Value” (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Recipe analyzed by verywell.
