Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Valentine’s Day is all about spreading love, and what better way to do that than with a sweet, indulgent treat that will leave everyone’s taste buds dancing? These Valentine’s Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are the perfect combination of rich, moist red velvet cookies and a luscious, tangy cream cheese filling. With their vibrant red color, they make a stunning dessert for the holiday, and their soft, cake-like texture is a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy filling.
Whether you’re preparing a special treat for a loved one, hosting a Valentine’s Day party, or simply indulging in something sweet, these whoopie pies are sure to impress. The tangy cream cheese filling pairs beautifully with the slightly chocolatey flavor of the red velvet cookie, creating a bite that’s irresistible. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make and can be customized with a few fun variations.
What You’ll Need
For the Red Velvet Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1-2 tsp red gel food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
These ingredients come together to create a decadent, show-stopping treat that’s perfect for sharing with someone special or savoring yourself.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Red Velvet Cookie Dough:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your whoopie pies bake evenly and come off the sheet without sticking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a large bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Once combined, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Next, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
For the signature red velvet color, add 1-2 teaspoons of red gel food coloring. Stir until the batter reaches the desired shade of red. The gel food coloring will give you a vibrant, deep red hue, but you can always add more if you want a bolder look.
2. Scoop and Bake the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or two teaspoons, drop rounded mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Aim to space the cookies about 2 inches apart, as they will spread slightly while baking.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes using a mixer.
Add the vanilla extract and gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth and creamy. You want the filling to be thick enough to hold its shape but smooth enough to pipe easily.
4. Assemble the Whoopie Pies:
Once your cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to assemble your whoopie pies. Turn half of the cookies upside down so that the flat side is facing up.
Using a piping bag or a spoon, generously pipe or spread the cream cheese filling onto the flat side of each of the upside-down cookies. Top with the remaining cookies, flat side down, to form sandwich-like pies.
Gently press the cookies together so the filling spreads to the edges. If you have any excess filling, you can carefully scrape it away with a knife.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
These whoopie pies are best enjoyed the day they are made, but they can be stored for later. For the ultimate indulgence, serve them alongside a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This will help them blend more smoothly into the batter and filling, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When preparing the cookie dough, avoid overmixing after adding the dry ingredients. This can result in dense cookies instead of light, cake-like ones.
- Chill the Dough: If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping and baking. This will prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives the red velvet cookies their iconic bold red color. Liquid food coloring can make the batter too runny, so gel is the best choice for vibrant results.
- Make Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the cookies and filling a day ahead. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the whoopie pies the day you plan to serve them.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Cream Cheese Filling: For an extra chocolaty twist, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to your cream cheese filling. This will create a more decadent, chocolatey flavor that pairs beautifully with the red velvet cookies.
- Red Velvet with White Chocolate Chips: For a little extra sweetness, fold some white chocolate chips into the cookie dough before baking. The pockets of gooey white chocolate will add a lovely surprise in every bite.
- Mini Whoopie Pies: Make mini-sized versions of these whoopie pies by using a smaller cookie scoop. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or sharing with friends.
- Other Fillings: While the cream cheese filling is a classic, you can also experiment with other fillings like marshmallow fluff, whipped cream, or even Nutella for a unique twist.
Storing and Reheating
Storing: To keep your Red Velvet Whoopie Pies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them for a longer period, refrigerate them. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing: These whoopie pies can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, arrange the assembled pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the pies to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy a warm whoopie pie, you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or gently warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes. Just be careful not to overheat them, as the filling may melt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel food coloring? A: While gel food coloring is preferred for its vibrant color, you can use liquid food coloring. However, you may need to use more liquid coloring to achieve the desired color, and it could slightly alter the consistency of the dough.
Q: Can I make these whoopie pies gluten-free? A: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1 for regular flour. Make sure to use a gluten-free flour that includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
Q: Can I make these whoopie pies ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can make the cookies and cream cheese filling ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the whoopie pies the day you plan to serve them.
Q: Can I use a different frosting instead of cream cheese filling? A: Yes! If you prefer a buttercream frosting or whipped cream filling, feel free to use those as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the tangy cream cheese filling complements the red velvet flavor perfectly.
The Final Word
These Valentine’s Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are not only a delicious treat but also a great way to show someone you care. Whether you’re baking them for your significant other, family, or friends, these whoopie pies will surely put a smile on everyone’s face. The balance of flavors between the rich red velvet cookie and the creamy, slightly tangy filling makes them the perfect indulgence for any occasion, especially for celebrating love on Valentine’s Day.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a batch of irresistible whoopie pies ready to share in no time. So go ahead, grab your apron, and start baking these scrumptious treats for someone you love—or for yourself!