Name: Valentine’s Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (natural unsweetened); ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup light brown sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature; 1 tablespoon (1 oz.) red gel food coloring; 6 oz cream cheese, room temperature; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted

Introduction

These Valentine’s Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are adorable, festive treats perfect for sharing with someone special. With soft, cocoa-infused red cookies and a creamy cream cheese filling, they’re a delightful twist on a classic dessert. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, they’re sure to be a hit at any celebration.

The image shows several red heart-shaped sandwich cookies with two layers, both the top and bottom layers being a soft, smooth red cookie. Between these layers, there is a thick layer of white cream filling that looks smooth and slightly textured. Some cookies have small heart-shaped sprinkles on the top red cookie in white, pink, and red colors, while others have no decoration. The cookies are arranged closely on a white marbled surface with scattered heart-shaped sprinkles around them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 Tablespoons cocoa powder

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

8 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup light brown sugar

1 large egg, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup buttermilk, room temperature

1 Tablespoon (1 oz.) red gel food coloring

6 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

5 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

Step 1: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter or a template cut from a card to stencil hearts all over the paper, leaving about one inch between each. Turn the paper so the stencil side faces down. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until combined.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter on medium-high speed for about 1 minute until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the brown sugar and beat on medium-high speed until fluffy and well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract and egg, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5: Beat in the buttermilk and red gel food coloring. On low speed, gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing the batter.

Step 6: Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch round tip, or use a zip-lock bag with a corner cut off. Pipe a simple V shape inside the stenciled hearts on the parchment paper. The batter will spread during baking, so a small V is sufficient.

Step 7: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the centers appear set. Let cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: To make the filling, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.

Step 9: Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, or use a zip-lock bag with a cut corner.

Step 10: Pair the cookies by shape and size. Pipe filling onto the flat side of one cookie, leaving a small border around the edges. Top with another cookie, flat side down, and gently press so the filling reaches the edges.

Step 11: Store the assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense red color, add a little extra red gel food coloring, but be careful not to alter the batter consistency.

Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter as a stencil to create perfectly shaped cookies without needing to cut each piece after baking.

Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the batter for a subtle depth of flavor.

The cream cheese filling can be flavored with lemon zest or a splash of almond extract for a different twist.

FAQs

Can I make the cakes without food coloring?

Yes, you can omit the red gel food coloring if desired. The whoopie pies will have a natural cocoa brown color, but they won’t have the classic red velvet look.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, make a substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ½ cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.