Classic Chocolate Whoopie
from Whoopie Pies by Billingsley & Treadwell
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup milk
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; set aside. In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter, shortening and brown sugar on low speed until just combined. Increase the speed to medium and beat until fluffy and smooth, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat for another 2 minutes.
3. Add half of the flour mixture and half of the milk to the batter and beat on low until just incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the remaining flour mixture and milk and beat until completely combined.
4. Using a spoon, drop about 1 tablespoon of batter onto one of the prepared baking sheets and repeat, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Bake one sheet at a time for about 10 minutes each, or until the pies spring back when pressed gently. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool completely.
Coconut Cream Cheese Filling
If you’re not a fan of coconut, simply omit or substitute vanilla extract instead.
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (1/2 stick)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon coconut extract
2 cups powdered sugar
1. In the bowl of a mixer, beat cream cheese and butter together until fluffy.
2. Add the salt, vanilla and coconut extract. Reduce speed to low and slowly stir in the powdered sugar until moistened. Increase speed and beat the mixture until light and fluffy.
3. Scoop into a large plastic storage bag, snip off one corner, and squeeze the filling onto the cooled chocolate pie halves, topping with the other halves.