When it comes to making my husband happy, it takes one simple word...chocolate. To say that Jason is a chocoholic may be the understatement of the century. On Valentine's day I always try to bake something that appeals to his {chocolatey} taste buds. This year it's Chocolate Mint Whoopie Pies. The flavor of Jason's favorite mint chip ice cream with all the goodness of cake and frosting. Being that their name alone suggests romance, I figure they're just what cupid ordered!
{photos by Freutcake}
Chocolate Mint Whoopie Pies
Classic Chocolate Whoopie Pie Cakes- adapted from Whoopie Pies
1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup milk
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375°. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter, shortening and sugar on low speed until just combined. Increase the speed to medium and beat until fluffy and smooth, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat for another 2 minutes.
Add half of the flour mixture and half of the milk to the batter and beat on low until just incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the remaining flour mixture and the remaining ½ cup milk and beat until completely combined.
Using a small cookie dough scooper, drop about 1 tablespoon of batter onto one of the prepared baking sheets; repeat, spacing the rounds at least 2 inches apart. Bake one sheet at a time for about 10 minutes each, or until the rounds spring back when pressed gently. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool completely.
Meanwhile, make the filling...
Mint Filling- adapted from Bon Appetite
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons non-hydrogenated solid vegetable shortening
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups plus 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
¼ cup egg whites (from about 2 large eggs)
Using electric mixer, beat shortening, peppermint extract, and vanilla in large metal bowl until blended. Add powdered sugar, egg whites, and pinch of salt; beat until light and fluffy. Fill piping bag with mint filling and pipe covering the flat side of a cooled cake. Top with another cake, flat side down. Repeat with the remaining cakes and serve.
Storage: Whoopie Pies are best baked and enjoyed same day!
Jacquelyn | lark&linen says
I love that it's suggested that you enjoy them the same day. No need to feel guilty for eating the whole batch if it's an instruction!
freutcake says
Haha yes, it's not hard to eat them all same day. Especially when you have a man in the house!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe says
Super adorable, and most definitely delicious. I love the combination of chocolate and mint!
freutcake says
Thanks Amanda! If you love chocolate + mint you will be in heaven making this recipe. 🙂
Lane Culpepper says
I always thought these were filled with marshmallows. I'm so glad they aren't. I might actually love them!
freutcake says
Lane- Actually the traditional whoopie pie cream filling is made with marshmallow fluff, sugar and vegetable shortening so you are right! This filling is a bit different than traditional whoopie pies. 🙂
Gaby [The Vault Files] says
I've never had a whoopie pie before! Maybe I should make some one day!
Dana Gastelum says
Seriously those look DIVINE!! I tried to make whoopie pies before but couldn't seem to get them all to be the same size. I'll definitely be using a small cookie dough scoop next time!! 😉
freutcake says
Yes that is the trick! Also I tried to scoop them very carefully making sure each scoop was round. That will make a nice round cake in the end. 🙂
Lauren | Eyes/Ears/Mouth+Lens says
These look really, really delicious! I tried making some red velvet ones a few weeks ago and they didn't turn out so well so maybe this is a sign that I should try again 🙂
freutcake says
Lauren, this was my first time making Whoopie Pies and I really liked this recipe! The batter is gorgeous, you must give it a try!
Ana Maria / Anamu says
jason is one lucky man. can you adopt me, please?
Two Chums says
Leah you know your stuff when it comes to baking! Mint and chocolate..... now how could that be anything but deeeelicious!
ineedafavorplease says
hello and thanks for posting.
Do you have to flatten the scoop of chocolate before putting into the oven or does it bake into "a muffin top looking cookie"?
Leah Bergman says
You really don't need to flatten the scoop. It should shape itself! Enjoy.
Julie hiestand says
I fell in love with whoopie pies 12 months ago, while visiting Amish country in Ohio. My favorite ones were the chocolate cake with maple filling. Do you happen to have a recipe for the maple filling. I'm on a business trip, and can hardly wait to get home to try your recipe. They look exactly like the ones that I bought near Winesburg. Thank you so much for this recipe