Valentine’s Day is all about expressing love, and what better way to do so than with homemade treats? These Valentine’s Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are a perfect blend of rich flavors and charming aesthetics. With their vibrant red hue and creamy filling, they’re sure to wow your loved ones. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or a casual celebration, these delightful desserts are an ideal way to sweeten the occasion.
Ingredients
For the Whoopie Pies:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 tsp red food coloring
For the Creamy Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients.
Mix in the red food coloring until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized dollops of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops spring back when gently touched.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
In a bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and fluffy.
Step 5: Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Spread or pipe a generous amount of frosting onto the flat side of one cookie.
Top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
Repeat with the remaining cookies and frosting.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Assembly Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Baking Pro Tips
Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in dense whoopie pies instead of soft, cake-like ones.
Use gel food coloring: It provides a more vibrant red hue without altering the batter’s consistency.
Chill the dough: For perfectly round cookies, chill the batter for 15 minutes before scooping.
Pipe the frosting: For a professional look, use a piping bag to fill the pies evenly.
Store properly: Keep the assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
These Valentine’s Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Their moist, red velvet texture pairs beautifully with the creamy filling, making them a standout treat. Whether you’re gifting them or enjoying them yourself, they’re bound to make Valentine’s Day extra special. So, roll up your sleeves, whip up a batch, and spread the love one whoopie pie at a time!