Red Velvet Whoopie Pies: A Decadent Treat with Cream Cheese Filling

Prepare to be enchanted by the irresistible charm of Red Velvet Whoopie Pies, the ultimate fusion of cake-like cookies and a luscious, tangy cream cheese filling. These vibrant, soft sandwiches are a dessert lover’s dream, offering a perfect balance of rich cocoa, subtle vanilla, and that iconic red hue. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, our recipe will guide you to creating these delightful treats that are sure to impress at any gathering.

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients beforehand makes the baking process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create these spectacular treats:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for filling)
4 cups powdered sugar (for filling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)

Preparation Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create perfect Red Velvet Whoopie Pies. The key is careful measurement and patience, especially when allowing the cookies to cool before adding that delectable cream cheese filling.

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the ½ cup softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
4. Color the Buttermilk: In a separate small bowl, combine the buttermilk and red food coloring, stirring until the color is evenly distributed.
5. Alternate & Mix: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Bake the Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of batter (about 1.5 tablespoons each) onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between them. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers spring back lightly when touched.
7. Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure they are fully cooled before filling.
8. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the 1 cup softened butter and softened cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating until the filling is light and fluffy. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
9. Assemble Whoopie Pies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of the cream cheese filling onto the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.
10. Chill & Serve: For best results, chill the assembled Red Velvet Whoopie Pies for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

Elevate your Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with these creative variations:

Chocolate Chip Bliss: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the cookie batter for an added textural surprise.
Espresso Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the cocoa mixture for a deeper, more complex chocolate flavor that perfectly complements the red velvet.
Peppermint Twist: During the holidays, add ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract to your cream cheese filling and garnish with crushed candy canes for a festive treat.
Citrus Zest: For a brighter flavor, add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the cream cheese filling.
Mini Whoopie Pies: Drop smaller spoonfuls of batter (about 1 tablespoon) for bite-sized whoopie pies, perfect for dessert platters or portion control.

FAQ

Have questions about making Red Velvet Whoopie Pies? We’ve got answers!

Q: Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cookies up to 2-3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Fill them closer to serving time for the freshest taste.
Q: How do I store leftover whoopie pies?
A: Due to the cream cheese filling, assembled whoopie pies should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Q: Why are my whoopie pies flat?
A: This could be due to overmixing the batter, which develops the gluten too much, or your baking soda might be old. Ensure your butter and sugar are properly creamed and don’t overmix after adding dry ingredients.
Q: Can I substitute the buttermilk?
A: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then filling the rest of the cup with regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Q: Can I freeze whoopie pies?
A: Yes, you can freeze assembled whoopie pies for up to 1 month. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience of rich, moist cake-like cookies embracing a tangy cream cheese filling. Perfect for any occasion, their vibrant color and irresistible flavor make them an instant favorite. Don’t hesitate to make a batch of these glorious treats and savor every bite. Happy baking!

Recipe Note

For the best texture and flavor, ensure all your dairy ingredients (butter and cream cheese for the filling, and butter for the cookies) are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together smoothly and incorporate air, resulting in a lighter, fluffier outcome.