Indulging in homemade red velvet whoopie pies is a delightful experience that brings joy to any occasion. These soft, cake-like cookies paired with a creamy filling offer a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re planning a party, hosting a casual gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat, red velvet whoopie pies are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Delicious Flavor Combination: The rich cocoa notes of red velvet cake meet the tangy sweetness of cream cheese filling, creating a harmonious taste that appeals to all palates.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day to birthday parties and casual get-togethers, whoopie pies add a touch of elegance and fun.
Handheld Convenience: These pies are easy to eat on the go, making them ideal for snacking or as a portable dessert option.
Customizable: The basic recipe serves as a canvas for your creativity. Add chocolate chips, sprinkle with festive toppings, or experiment with different fillings to make them uniquely yours.
Crowd-Pleaser: Their vibrant red color and irresistible taste make them a hit among both kids and adults, ensuring they’ll disappear quickly at gatherings.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create these scrumptious red velvet whoopie pies:
For the Cookies:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder: Adds a deep chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become soft.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich, smooth base for the dough.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their moist texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, subtle flavor.
- 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring: Gives the cookies their signature vibrant red hue.
- 1/4 cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess and ensures a tender crumb.
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Provides a tangy and creamy base.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness to the filling.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
How to Make Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Creating these delightful treats involves a few simple steps. Follow this guide to achieve the perfect balance of soft cookies and creamy filling.
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are well mixed and free of lumps.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Flavorings
Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined. Then, mix in the red gel food coloring until the batter reaches a uniform red color.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix the dough.
6. Shape and Bake the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and spring back when lightly touched.
7. Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart.
8. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating on high speed for about 2 minutes until the filling is light and fluffy.
9. Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Pair the cooled cookies by size. Spread or pipe a generous amount of the cream cheese filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with a matching cookie to create a sandwich. Repeat this process until all the cookies are assembled.
10. Chill and Serve
Place the assembled whoopie pies in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the filling set and makes the pies easier to handle. Once chilled, serve and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Achieving the best results with your whoopie pies involves a few key tips:
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This allows for better mixing and a smoother dough.
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Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt helps eliminate clumps and ensures even distribution in the dough.
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Opt for Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides a more vibrant red color without adding extra moisture, which can affect the dough’s consistency.
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Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking. They should be set and spring back when touched but still soft inside.
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Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding flavors like chocolate ganache, marshmallow fluff, or even a hint of cinnamon for a unique twist.
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Roll the Edges: For a decorative touch, roll the edges of the filling in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or edible glitter before assembling the pies.
How to Store Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
To keep your whoopie pies fresh and delicious, follow these storage guidelines:
Short-Term Storage
- Refrigeration: Store the assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Long-Term Storage
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap each whoopie pie individually in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips for Storing
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Separate Layers: If stacking the pies, place parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.
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Avoid Freezing the Filling Alone: Only freeze the assembled pies to maintain the texture and consistency of the filling.
Serving Suggestions
Red velvet whoopie pies are versatile and can be served in various ways:
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Party Platter: Arrange them on a decorative tray for parties or gatherings.
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Gift Box: Package them in a beautiful box for a homemade gift.
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Dessert Buffet: Include them in a dessert spread alongside other sweet treats.
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Individual Portions: Serve them as a perfect dessert for each guest.
Red velvet whoopie pies are a delightful combination of rich chocolate cookies and creamy filling. Their vibrant color and irresistible taste make them a standout dessert for any occasion. With a straightforward recipe and a few helpful tips, you can create these delectable treats that will impress friends and family alike. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these whoopie pies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
These red velvet whoopie pies are a fun take on a classic! They have a delightful cream cheese filling. It’s impossible to eat just one.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to a medium bowl. Whisk the ingredients to combine.
- Beat the butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Use medium-high speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until combined. Mix in the red food coloring until fully incorporated.
- On low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions. Alternate with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes. The cookies are done when they are set and spring back when touched lightly. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl on medium speed. Continue until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed for about 2 minutes. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
- Pair up the cooled cookies by size. Spread or pipe a generous amount of cream cheese filling onto the flat side of one cookie. Take another cookie and place it on top. Create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies.
- Chill the whoopie pies in the refrigerator. Let them sit for 30 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
