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Whoopie Pies
Whoopie pies are a delightful treat believed to have originated with the Amish communities of Pennsylvania. Known as a classic comfort food in American baking, these “pies” are actually soft, cake-like cookies sandwiched with a fluffy, creamy filling. Traditionally made with chocolate cookies and a vanilla-based filling, they offer a nostalgic taste of rural Americana. Named for the joy they inspired, “Whoopie!”, these handheld desserts are a cross between cookies and cakes, popular in lunchboxes and bake sales. This recipe from a handwritten card evokes the warmth of home kitchens and generations of passed-down baking traditions.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 173 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cookies:

  • 6 tbsp vegetable shortening
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 5 tbsp 10x powdered sugar (sifted)
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp baking soda ( dissolved in 1/2 cup hot water)

Cream Filling:

  • ¾ cup vegetable shortening
  • 2½ 10x powdered sugar (sifted )
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Batter

  • Cream vegetable shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in eggs one at a time.
  • Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
  • Combine buttermilk and vanilla.
  • Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk-vanilla mixture.
  • Finally, stir in the baking soda dissolved in hot water. Batter should resemble a thick cake batter.

Step 2: Shape and Bake Cookies

  • Drop rounded teaspoons of batter onto greased cookie sheets, spacing about 2" apart.
  • Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes.
  • Test by pressing the center gently, cookies are done if the imprint springs back slowly.
  • Remove from oven and cool on wire racks.

Step 3: Make the Cream Filling

  • Cream shortening with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until fluffy.
  • Beat in egg white and vanilla.
  • Gradually add more powdered sugar until the mixture has a thick, spreadable frosting consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Whoopie Pies

  • Spread a generous amount of cream filling on the flat side of one cookie.
  • Top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
  • Repeat with remaining cookies.

Tips

  • Add a tablespoon of marshmallow fluff to the filling for extra texture.
  • Try a peanut butter or peppermint extract variation in the cream filling.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
  • Freeze filled cookies for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 173kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 63mgPotassium: 45mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 28IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Amish, chocolate, comfort baking, cookies, cream filling, heritage recipe, new england treat, nostalgic, soft cake, vintage dessert, whoopie pies
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