Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe
These Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are a delightful treat featuring soft, moist red velvet cookies sandwiched with a luscious cream cheese filling. Perfect for special occasions or an everyday indulgence, they combine the classic flavors of cocoa and vanilla with a rich cream cheese frosting creating an irresistible combination.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 whoopie pies (48 cookies) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Red Velvet Cookies
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 3 Tablespoons (15g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 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 to achieve deep red color)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 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
- Preheat Oven 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 for baking the cookies.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well mixed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for 1 minute until smooth and creamy. Add the light brown sugar and beat again on medium-high until fluffy and combined.
- Add Egg and Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg on high speed, scraping down the bowl as needed. Once fully incorporated, mix in the vanilla extract and buttermilk. The batter may appear curdled – this is normal.
- Mix Dry into Wet: On low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Then add gel red food coloring, approximately 1 teaspoon, to reach a deep red hue, mixing until evenly colored.
- Scoop and Bake Cookies: Spoon or scoop about 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of batter per cookie onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each mound about 3 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until centers appear set (usually 11 minutes).
- Cool Cookies: Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before handling to ensure they set properly.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on high speed with a paddle or whisk attachment until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the softened butter and beat until fully combined.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla to Filling: Mix in the sifted confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until creamy and smooth.
- Assemble Whoopie Pies: Pair cookies by similar size. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese filling onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with the other cookie’s flat side. Repeat for all cookies.
- Optional Finishing Touch: Sprinkle additional confectioners’ sugar on top of each whoopie pie for decoration.
- Storage: Store leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Ensure all cold ingredients such as butter, eggs, and buttermilk are brought to room temperature to help create a smooth batter.
- Using gel red food coloring is preferred to achieve vibrant color without affecting batter consistency.
- Do not overbake the cookies as they should be soft and moist to create the perfect whoopie pie texture.
- Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Adjust food coloring as needed for color preference, starting with about 1 teaspoon.
- Leftover whoopie pies can be frozen for up to 2 months if wrapped tightly; thaw in refrigerator before serving.
Keywords: Red Velvet Whoopie Pies, Cream Cheese Filling, Red Velvet Cookies, Holiday Desserts, Valentine Treats