Homemade Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe: A Perfect Balance of Cocoa and Cream Cheese Filling

Whoopie pies are the perfect blend of soft, cake-like cookies and sweet, creamy filling. These Red Velvet Whoopie Pies deliver a rich, velvety flavor with a delightful cream cheese filling that’s hard to resist. The soft red velvet cookies are slightly crispy on the outside but wonderfully fluffy on the inside. Sandwiched between them is a tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting that will melt in your mouth.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

The first time I tried these pies, I was hooked. They’re a fantastic treat for holidays like Valentine’s Day, but I’ll be honest—I make them all year long. Their gorgeous red hue and the smooth, creamy center make them feel like an indulgence, but they’re surprisingly easy to whip up at home.

I discovered this recipe on the Insanely Good Recipes, and it was so good I had to share it with you. Let’s dive in and learn how to make these delectable red velvet treats yourself!

The Story Behind Whoopie Pies

Whoopie pies originated in the United States, particularly in the Northeast. They're often associated with Amish traditions, where they were considered a beloved treat made with leftover cake batter. Some stories suggest that children would yell “Whoopie!” when they found these sweet treats in their lunchboxes—hence the name.

Ingredients for the Cookies

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1⁄2 cup buttermilk, room temperature

Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions for the Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and for easier cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of the ingredients in your cookie dough.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes, until creamy and fluffy. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.

Step 4: Add Food Coloring

Mix in the red food coloring until fully incorporated, creating that signature red velvet look.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

On low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, and mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Form the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set and spring back when lightly touched. Allow them to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating on high speed for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Assemble the Whoopie Pies

Pair up the cooled cookies by size. Spread or pipe a generous amount of cream cheese filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with another to create a sandwich. Repeat this process for the remaining cookies.

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Chill the whoopie pies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set, making the pies easier to eat and even more delicious!

Tips for Making the Best Whoopie Pies

• Get the Texture Right: Don’t overmix the batter—just mix until the ingredients are combined to ensure your cookies stay soft.
• Storage: These whoopie pies can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
• Variations: Want to add an extra layer of flavor? Try incorporating a hint of almond extract into the filling, or sprinkle crushed candy canes for a festive twist.

Pairing Suggestions

Whoopie pies are perfect on their own, but pairing them with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee will take the experience to the next level. They also make an excellent addition to dessert spreads during celebrations and holidays.

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