Description
Delicious Red Velvet Whoopie Pies featuring soft, cocoa-infused red velvet cookies sandwiched with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and the classic tang of buttermilk, these treats are great for parties, holidays, or anytime a sweet snack is desired.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 3 Tablespoons (15g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2/3 cup (160ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- gel red food coloring (about 1 teaspoon)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 6 ounces (170g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure a nonstick surface and easy cleanup. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for 1 minute until smooth and creamy. Add the packed light brown sugar and continue beating on medium-high until fluffy and well combined.
- Add Egg, Vanilla, and Buttermilk: Beat in the large egg at high speed, scraping down the bowl sides as needed to fully incorporate. Next, mix in the vanilla extract and buttermilk. The batter may appear curdled at this stage, which is normal.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Color: Reduce mixer speed to low, slowly add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending until just combined. Stir in gel red food coloring until the batter reaches a deep red hue, typically about 1 teaspoon.
- Portion and Bake: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop about 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of batter per mound onto the prepared sheets, spacing them approximately 3 inches apart. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, usually about 11 minutes, until the centers are set.
- Cool Cookies: Remove from oven and let cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before assembling.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a clean bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with paddle or whisk attachment, beat the softened cream cheese on high speed for 1 minute until smooth and creamy. Add softened butter and beat until combined. Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, then beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
- Assemble Whoopie Pies: Match cookie pairs by size. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with its pair using the flat side against the frosting. A small offset spatula can help spread the filling evenly.
- Finishing Touch and Storage: Optionally, dust the tops of assembled whoopie pies with additional confectioners’ sugar. Cover and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for optimal mixing and texture.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit 5 minutes before using.
- Gel food coloring provides vibrant color without thinning the batter like liquid dyes.
- To keep whoopie pies fresh, store them in an airtight container refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- Using parchment or silicone mats prevents sticking and ensures even baking of cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: red velvet, whoopie pies, cream cheese frosting, cookies, dessert, holiday bake
