Introducing a delectable delight for both kids and adults alike: Kid Safe Whoopie Pies! These delightful treats are not only irresistibly delicious but also free from raw egg whites in the filling, making them perfectly safe for your little ones to enjoy without worry. Originating from the Amish markets, whoopie pies are essentially oversized soft chocolate cookies sandwiched together with a creamy filling. Despite the name, they’re not pies at all but rather delightful handheld treats reminiscent of a cookie sandwich.
Now, let’s delve into the recipe and discover how to recreate these delightful treats in your own kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 eggs (yes, you read that right!)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for the filling)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for the filling)
- 1 cup shortening (for the filling)
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the filling)
Instructions:
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Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the hot water and cocoa, mixing until well incorporated.
- Allow the mixture to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes.
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Making the Cookies:
- In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the cocoa mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing until thoroughly combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, mixing until a smooth batter forms.
- Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the batter onto greased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each mound of batter slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are just firm to the touch.
- Once baked, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
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Preparing the Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine the 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and transfer it to a bowl. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the filling until it is completely chilled.
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Assembling the Whoopie Pies:
- In a medium bowl, cream together the 1 cup of shortening, confectioners’ sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Add the chilled filling mixture to the creamed mixture and beat for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the filling is fluffy and smooth.
- Spread a generous amount of the filling onto the flat side of half of the cooled cookies.
- Top each filled cookie with another cookie to create sandwich-like whoopie pies.
- For storage, individually wrap each whoopie pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
These Kid Safe Whoopie Pies are sure to become a family favorite, perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, potlucks, or any occasion where a sweet treat is called for. With their soft, chocolatey cookies and creamy filling, they’re guaranteed to put smiles on faces and have everyone asking for more. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these delightful whoopie pies and indulge in the joy of homemade treats without the worry of raw eggs. Enjoy!
