Name: Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Filling
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp cocoa powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 4 tbsp vegetable shortening; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup packed brown sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 tsp red food coloring; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

So, here’s the scoop: I tried to channel my inner baking queen this Valentine’s Day and decided to whip up a batch of Red Velvet Whoopie Pies. Let me tell you, the journey was hilariously messy—imagine frosting splattered across the counter, flour clouds in the air, and yes, even my dog sporting a white dusting of flour like a snowstorm had hit! Lesson learned: baking may require love, but a solid dose of patience doesn’t hurt either. Despite the chaos, these whoopie pies turned out absolutely dreamy. They’re soft, pillowy, and stuffed with a rich cream cheese filling that screams love at first bite. Whether you’re looking to impress someone special or just treat yourself (because self-love is the best kind of love), these little red velvet beauties are the perfect way to sweeten up the day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe of the Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

There’s something magical about whoopie pies. They strike the perfect balance between a cookie, cake, and sandwich, which makes them an irresistible dessert hybrid. Let’s break down why this recipe deserves a spot on your Valentine’s Day menu.

First off, it’s so easy to make. You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated techniques—just a few bowls, a hand mixer, and some everyday ingredients. Even if you’re a beginner, I promise you’ve got this! The red velvet cookies are delightfully soft and tender with just a hint of cocoa, making every bite rich but not overpowering.

Then there’s the filling—oh, the filling! It’s creamy, tangy, and sweet all at once, thanks to the magical duo of cream cheese and butter. Every time you bite into a whoopie pie, the filling oozes slightly, creating a dreamy combination of textures. Plus, these pies are a total showstopper with their vibrant red color. Perfect for gifting or serving at a romantic dinner.

But what I love most is the nostalgic charm of whoopie pies. They remind me of carefree childhood days, sneaking treats from the kitchen. These red velvet versions add a touch of grown-up sophistication while keeping all the whimsy.

Preparation Time and Servings the Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: Makes 12 whoopie pies

Nutritional Information: Calories per serving: 250; Fat: 12g; Carbs: 34g; Protein: 2g

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cookies:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp cocoa powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
4 tbsp vegetable shortening
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tsp red food coloring
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk, room temperature

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prep the Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that everything is evenly distributed and prevents clumps. Set it aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter, shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating soft and airy cookies.
Add the Egg, Food Coloring, and Vanilla
Crack the egg into the bowl, then pour in the red food coloring and vanilla extract. Beat again until everything is well combined. The batter will turn a vibrant red—so satisfying to see!
Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed and stop as soon as everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies could turn out dense.
Scoop and Bake
Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon of batter per scoop), drop the batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the scoops about 2 inches apart to give the cookies room to spread. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies spring back when gently pressed. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, starting on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, then increasing to high speed. Beat until the filling is thick and fluffy.
Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, pair them up based on similar sizes. Spread or pipe a generous amount of filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie to create a sandwich. Gently press to spread the filling evenly.

How to Serve the Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Serve these whoopie pies as a dessert centerpiece with a sprinkling of powdered sugar for extra flair.
Pair them with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk for the ultimate cozy treat.
They also make a delightful addition to a Valentine’s Day dessert spread. Arrange them on a pretty platter alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries and heart-shaped cookies.

Additional Tips

For the most vibrant color, add a touch more red food coloring if needed.
Make sure your buttermilk and egg are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Don’t skip the parchment paper—it prevents the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.
Use a piping bag for a more polished look when adding the filling.
Store the assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Recipe Variations of the Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for an extra burst of chocolate.
Festive Sprinkles: Roll the edges of the filling in colorful sprinkles for a fun and festive look.
Minty Fresh: Add a drop or two of peppermint extract to the filling for a refreshing twist.

Freezing and Storage

If you want to make these ahead of time, you’re in luck—whoopie pies freeze beautifully! For best results, freeze the cookies and filling separately. Store the cookies in an airtight container, separated by layers of parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. The filling can be stored in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, let the cookies thaw at room temperature and whip the filling briefly before assembling.

FAQ Section

Can I use store-bought buttermilk?
Yes, absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing ½ cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

What can I use instead of shortening?
If you don’t have shortening, you can use an equal amount of butter, but the texture may be slightly less fluffy.

How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the batter for 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape.

Can I make the filling less sweet?
Yes, you can reduce the powdered sugar slightly, but keep in mind that it may affect the consistency of the filling.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep the whoopie pies in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

There you have it—Red Velvet Whoopie Pies that are as fun to make as they are to eat! I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it did to mine (messy moments included!). Don’t forget to share your baking adventures—tag me on social media so I can see your beautiful creations. Happy baking and Happy Valentine’s Day!