Oh, let me tell you about red velvet whoopie pies! These delightful treats are like little clouds of happiness, soft and cake-like, with a luscious cream cheese filling that just melts in your mouth. Every time I make them, the kitchen fills with that warm, inviting smell that makes everyone wander in, curious about what’s baking. I remember the first time I tried them at a friend’s birthday party. I was instantly hooked, and now I can’t resist making them whenever I want to impress guests or just indulge myself!
They’re such a hit at gatherings, and honestly, who can resist that gorgeous red color? It’s like a celebration on a plate! Whether you’re enjoying one with a cup of coffee or sharing them at a potluck, red velvet whoopie pies are sure to bring smiles and compliments. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be dreaming about them long after the last bite! So, let’s dive into making these scrumptious cookies together!
What are Red Velvet Whoopie Pies?
Red velvet whoopie pies are a delightful dessert that combines the best of both worlds: soft, cake-like cookies and creamy filling. Originating from the Pennsylvania Dutch community, these charming treats have gained popularity for their vibrant red hue and rich flavor profile. Essentially, they consist of two tender red velvet cookies sandwiched around a luscious cream cheese filling, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. The texture is light and fluffy, making each bite feel like a little piece of heaven. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavor and color, often enjoyed at parties, holidays, or simply whenever a sweet craving strikes. Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they’ve become a classic favorite!
Ingredients for Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
To whip up these delightful red velvet whoopie pies, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level it so it’s not packed too tightly.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetener brings balance to the cocoa and cream cheese filling.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: A must for that perfect rise in your cookies!
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder: Adds a touch of chocolate flavor to complement the red velvet.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: This keeps the cookies moist and tender.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds richness and tanginess, making them extra delicious.
- 2 large eggs: For binding and moisture.
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring: This is what gives our whoopie pies that signature vibrant color!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla elevates the entire flavor profile.
For the luscious cream cheese filling:
- 1 cup cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This adds sweetness and a lovely, smooth texture.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Softened, to create a rich and creamy filling.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re well on your way to baking up a storm of tasty whoopie pies!
How to Prepare Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Making red velvet whoopie pies is a fun and rewarding process! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of these delightful treats in no time. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and rise perfectly. Trust me; you don’t want to skip this step!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk until everything is well blended. This step is vital because it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, helping your cookies rise beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined; the mixture should be smooth and vibrant! This combination adds moisture and that lovely red color to your cookies.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Now, it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together! Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients using a spatula. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix! We want that light, fluffy texture to shine through!
Step 5: Bake the Pies
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space in between for spreading. Bake your whoopie pies for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re set and spring back when touched. The aroma will be heavenly!
Step 6: Prepare the Filling
While your cookies cool, let’s whip up that creamy filling! In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy. This filling is what makes these whoopie pies truly irresistible!
Step 7: Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Once your cookies are completely cool, it’s assembly time! Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie. Press gently to secure them together, and voila—your whoopie pies are ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These red velvet whoopie pies are not just a treat; they’re an experience! Here are a few reasons why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:
- Quick Preparation: You can whip these up in under an hour, perfect for a last-minute dessert craving!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of soft cookies and creamy filling is simply heavenly and will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a party, a picnic, or just a cozy night in, these whoopie pies are a hit with friends and family.
- Visually Stunning: Their vibrant red color makes them a showstopper on any dessert table.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the filling or add sprinkles for that extra fun touch!
Honestly, once you taste these, you’ll understand their charm and why they’re a favorite in my kitchen!
Tips for Success
To ensure your red velvet whoopie pies turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips I swear by! First, make sure to let your cookies cool completely before adding the filling. This prevents the filling from melting and keeps everything nice and neat. If you want that deep, rich red color, don’t be afraid to add a bit more food coloring—it really makes the pies pop!
Also, when mixing your batter, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to denser cookies, and we want them light and fluffy. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different fillings like chocolate ganache or a flavored cream cheese. The possibilities are endless! Trust me, these little tweaks will take your whoopie pies from good to absolutely fabulous!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! While I can’t give you exact nutritional values for these red velvet whoopie pies—because, let’s be honest, ingredients and brands can vary—here’s a general idea of what you can expect per whoopie pie:
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Sugar: About 20g
- Sodium: Roughly 200mg
- Fat: Around 10g
- Carbohydrates: About 36g
- Protein: Approximately 3g
Remember, these values can change based on what you use, so it’s always a good idea to check your specific ingredients if you’re watching your intake. But hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone, right? Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about red velvet whoopie pies? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
How should I store my whoopie pies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge, and they’ll last about a week!
Can I freeze whoopie pies? Absolutely! Just layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container, and they’ll freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge before enjoying.
Can I change the filling? Yes! Feel free to experiment with different fillings like chocolate cream or even a peanut butter frosting. The possibilities are endless!
Why did my cookies spread too much? If your cookies spread too much, it might be because the dough was too warm or you didn’t chill it long enough before baking. Make sure to scoop and chill before baking for the best results!
Print
Red velvet whoopie pies that will steal your heart!
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Red velvet whoopie pies are soft, cake-like cookies with cream cheese filling.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until set.
- Let cool completely.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter until smooth.
- Spread filling on one cookie and sandwich with another.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Allow cookies to cool before filling.
- You can add more food coloring for a deeper color.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: red velvet whoopie pies
