Description
Celebrate the 4th of July with these classic Whoopie Pies featuring rich, cocoa-flavored cake-like cookies sandwiched with a smooth, creamy vanilla filling. Perfectly soft and sweet, these treats are an American favorite for any summer gathering or holiday picnic.
Ingredients
Scale
Whoopie Pie Cookies
- 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
Filling
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and cocoa throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate larger bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cookies’ soft texture.
- Portion and Bake Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies spring back when lightly pressed and appear set.
- Cool Completely: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before filling. This prevents the filling from melting.
- Prepare Filling: In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Whoopie Pies: Spread a generous amount of the filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with another cookie. Repeat until all cookies are paired.
Notes
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before assembling to avoid melting the filling.
- You can add a pinch of salt to the filling for enhanced flavor balance.
- Store assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Allow refrigerated pies to come to room temperature before serving for best texture.
- For a festive look, decorate the filling edges with red and blue sprinkles for the 4th of July theme.