Description
These delightful whoopie pies are perfect for holiday celebrations!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 0.75 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel preferred)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 0.5 cup candied walnuts, finely chopped
- 0.25 cup fresh cranberries or blackberries
- 10 sprigs rosemary or cedar, for garnish
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your whoopie pies bake evenly. In the meantime, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your lovely pies from sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is critical as it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed. Set this bowl aside as you prepare your wet ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air and gives your pies their delicate texture. Next, add the egg, followed by the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix this until smoothly combined, creating a beautiful crimson batter.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can affect the softness of your whoopie pies.
- Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop generous 2-inch rounds onto your prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are spaced out adequately to allow for puffing up during baking. Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want them to dry out! Once baked, remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the pie rounds are cooling, it’s time to make the delicious cream cheese frosting. In a clean mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until you achieve a fluffy consistency. Gradually add the powdered sugar and the extra vanilla extract, beating until everything is well combined and has that light fluffiness perfect for frosting.
- Once your cake rounds are cooled, take one and pipe a generous amount of frosting onto the flat side. Roll the edge of the frosting in your finely chopped candied walnuts for an added crunch. Place another round on top, creating a delightful whoopie pie sandwich. As a final touch, pipe a decorative swirl on top of the pie and garnish with fresh cranberries or blackberries and a sprig of rosemary for extra flair. Dust with powdered sugar for a snow-like effect, adding to the winter wonderland vibe.
Notes
Ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy blending.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Sodium: 175 mg
- Protein: 2.5 g