Maine Whoopie Pies

Maine Whoopie Pies are a delightful treat that many people fall in love with at first bite. These soft, cake-like cookies are filled with a creamy frosting that creates a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Originating from the state of Maine, these treats have become a beloved dessert across the United States. With easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a batch of these delightful whoopie pies and bring a taste of New England to your kitchen.

Why Make This Maine Whoopie Pies

There are countless reasons to make Maine Whoopie Pies, but it primarily boils down to their incredible taste and texture. These treats combine the richness of chocolate with a fluffy, creamy filling that melts in your mouth. They’re perfect for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just a rainy afternoon. Plus, making them from scratch is easier than you might think, so you can impress family and friends without spending all day in the kitchen. Also, the combination of dark cocoa and sweet buttercream makes for a dessert that’s hard to resist, whether you’re sharing them at a potluck or enjoying them with a cup of coffee at home.

How to Make Maine Whoopie Pies

Making Maine Whoopie Pies is straightforward and fun. You’ll begin by preparing the chocolate cake layers before moving on to the filling. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity; even if you’re a novice baker, you’ll be able to create these treats successfully. Follow the steps closely, and you’ll have delicious whoopie pies to savor and share.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk

For the filling:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced a few inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
8. For the filling, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
9. Spread filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie, creating a sandwich.
10. Repeat with remaining layers.
11. Enjoy your homemade Maine Whoopie Pies!

Nutritional Information

Per whoopie pie (assuming 12 servings):

• Calories: 300
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 42g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 25g
• Protein: 3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

How to Serve Maine Whoopie Pies

Maine Whoopie Pies are versatile treats that can be served in a variety of ways. You can enjoy them as a sweet snack or dessert after dinner. They’re also perfect for lunch boxes, picnics, or as a fun treat at gatherings. Try serving them with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee to elevate the experience.

How to Store Maine Whoopie Pies

Store your Maine Whoopie Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the individual pies for up to three months. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy one from the freezer, let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour.

Expert Tips for Perfect Maine Whoopie Pies

• Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the perfect texture.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniformly sized pies, helping them bake evenly.
• Allow the cookies to cool completely before adding the filling to prevent it from melting.
• Experiment with different flavored fillings, such as peanut butter or cream cheese, for a twist on the classic recipe.

Delicious Variations

• Pumpkin Whoopie Pies: Substitute half of the cocoa powder with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin spice to the filling for a fall-inspired treat.
• Red Velvet Whoopie Pies: Use red velvet cake mix instead of cocoa powder for a visually stunning dessert.
• Mint Chocolate Filling: Add a few drops of mint extract to the filling for a refreshing twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of flour?
   While all-purpose flour works best, you can substitute it with gluten-free flour blends if you need a gluten-free option.

2. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the filling and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just ensure to let it soften at room temperature before spreading between the whoopie pie layers.

3. Why are my whoopie pies flat?
   Flat whoopie pies can be a result of overmixing the batter or not using enough leavening agents. Ensure that your baking soda and powder are fresh and do not overmix the batter after adding the flour.

Conclusion

Maine Whoopie Pies are an irresistible combination of delicious chocolate cookies and creamy filling. They are simple to make, offer endless variations, and serve well for any occasion. Encourage your friends and family to try these delectable treats and enjoy the joy of baking together. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this delightful recipe—you won’t regret bringing a little piece of Maine into your home baking! Enjoy making and sharing your homemade whoopie pies.

Maine Whoopie Pies

Maine Whoopie Pies are soft, cake-like cookies filled with creamy frosting, making a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, New England

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the cookie layers

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk

For the filling

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.
6. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced a few inches apart.

Baking

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

Filling

1. For the filling, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
2. Spread filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie, creating a sandwich.
3. Repeat with remaining layers.

Notes

Store your Maine Whoopie Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Ensure to separate with parchment paper when freezing.