Moist Whoopie Pies

These American cocoa cushions with creamy vanilla filling are the perfect companion for cozy coffee hours. The moist chocolate dough harmonizes wonderfully with the delicate cream cheese filling, making these little delicacies an unforgettable taste experience.

My family is delighted every time I prepare these little treats. My children especially love helping to assemble the whoopie pies.

Carefully Selected Ingredients

• Double cream cheese: Provides the particularly creamy consistency of the filling
• Real vanilla bean: Gives the cream an intense, natural aroma
• Baking cocoa: Gives the dough shells their characteristic dark color and intense flavor

Preparation of Whoopie Pies

Dough preparation:

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Beat butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy.

Incorporate eggs:

Add the eggs one at a time and stir for about a minute each until they are fully incorporated.

Dry ingredients:

Mix flour, cocoa, and baking powder in a separate bowl and fold into the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with milk.

Shape and bake:

Fill the dough into a piping bag and pipe uniform circles onto the baking sheet. Bake the dough pieces for 13 minutes.

As a long-time baker, I can confirm that using vanilla beans instead of extract makes a noticeable difference in flavor.

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Creative Serving Variations

Decorate with colorful sprinkles, dust with powdered sugar, or coat with melted chocolate. Ideal with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee.

Flavor Variations

The filling can be wonderfully refined with Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit puree. The dough can be flavored with spices such as cinnamon or cardamom.

Storage and Freshness

Keeps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Unfilled dough shells can be frozen.

These whoopie pies are not only a delight but also a wonderful way to interpret baking tradition in a modern way. With a little practice, you will master these small works of art perfectly.

Perfect Dough Consistency

The right dough consistency is crucial for the success of whoopie pies. The dough should be soft but stable in form. If it's too liquid, the cakes will spread when baking. If it's too firm, the shells become dry and brittle. A well-made dough can be piped evenly and maintains its shape.

Temperature and Timing

The baking temperature of 180 degrees is just right for the shells to rise evenly and become slightly crispy on the outside while remaining moist inside. The baking time of 13 minutes should be strictly observed. One minute too much or too little can make the difference between perfect and failed whoopie pies.

The Perfect Cream

The cream cheese cream is the heart of the whoopie pies. It must be creamy yet firm. The butter should be soft but not too warm. If you beat the cream too long, it becomes too soft. Two minutes of vigorous beating is completely sufficient. Then immediately fill the cream into the piping bag and process.

Decorative Design

Whoopie pies can be beautifully decorated. The top can be covered with icing. Colorful sprinkles, chopped nuts, or chocolate shavings make them a special eye-catcher. Edible glitter decoration is also suitable for festive occasions.

Seasonal Adaptations

In spring, fresh berries complement the cream filling; in summer, a light citrus note. Autumnal spices like cinnamon and cardamom transform the whoopie pies into spicy autumn pastries. During Christmas time, gingerbread spice and orange zest can be added.

Quality of Ingredients

The quality of the cocoa is particularly important. A high-quality cocoa powder gives the shells an intense flavor and a beautiful dark color. You shouldn't skimp on the vanilla bean either. A good Bourbon vanilla develops a wonderful aroma in the cream.

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Flavor Balance

The sweetness of the cream should balance that of the shells. The cocoa dough shells are not too sweet, so the sweet cream filling doesn't overwhelm. This balance makes the whoopie pies a harmonious treat, where you'll gladly reach for a second piece.

Serving Temperature

The filled whoopie pies taste best when taken out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the full flavor to develop, while the cream still maintains its firmness.

This American specialty has become an absolute favorite in my kitchen. The combination of moist dough and creamy filling makes it a special taste experience that delights young and old alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long do whoopie pies keep?

In the refrigerator, well sealed, about 3-4 days. However, they taste best freshly prepared.

→ Can I freeze whoopie pies?

Yes, the unfilled halves can be frozen for up to 2 months. Only fill them after thawing.

→ Why do my whoopie pies turn out flat?

Usually it's due to warm dough or old baking powder. Chill the dough briefly before baking.

→ Can I substitute the cream cheese?

Yes, you can also use mascarpone or a classic buttercream.

→ How big should the dough portions be?

Ideally, mounds of about 6-7 cm in diameter, so the finished pies fit well in your hand.