Classic Whoopie Pies

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (2 cups)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup)
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened)
• Granulated sugar (1 cup)
• Egg (1 large)
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons)
• Buttermilk (1/2 cup)
• Powdered sugar (2 cups)
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened (for frosting))
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon (for frosting))

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until thoroughly combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and slightly firm to the touch. The cookies will look soft but will set as they cool.
8. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
9. In a mixing bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract for the frosting until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
10. Spread a generous amount of frosting onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie. Press gently to secure.
11. Repeat with the remaining cookies and frosting until all are assembled.
12. Serve and enjoy these delicious whoopie pies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee!