Grammy Wilda’s Whoopie Pies

Whoopie pies are a famous Maine dessert that taste wonderful when you make them at home. They are a hand-held treat that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just because. This is my family’s recipe that has been handed down from my great grandmother and now I will share it with you.

Makes approximately 10 - 12 whoopie pies

Ingredients for batter:
2 3/4 cups of flour
3/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup buttermilk*
1 tsp. vanilla extract

* Note: If you do not have buttermilk on hand put 1/2 Tbsp of white vinegar in the bottom of a measuring cup and then pour milk in the measuring glass up to the 1/2 cup line. Next stir slightly and let sit for 5 minutes. After you have done that it is ready to use.

Ingredients for the filling:
1 1/2 cup shortening
2 1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup and 2 Tbsp. marshmallow fluff
3 tsp. vanilla extract
6 - 8 Tbsp. Milk

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Then line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or grease them. Sift and mix together the flour, salt, and, baking soda in a medium size bowl. Set aside. Then combine the hot water and the cocoa powder in a small bowl to make a paste. Set this aside as well.

After completing step 1, cream shortening and sugar in a large mixing bowl, then beat in the eggs. Stir in the buttermilk, vanilla, and the cocoa mixture. Next add in the sifted dry ingredients and stir until combined.

Now that you have completed the dough, use a large spoon to scoop large, but not huge amounts of dough onto the cookie sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in your preheated oven.

While your whoopie pies are cooling, cream the shortening and powdered sugar together for the filling. Next add in the marshmallow fluff and vanilla. Pour in the milk one tablespoon at a time until the consistency of the filling is stiff but easy to spread. Wait until the whoopie pies are completely cool, then spread the filling on one side and put the other side on top to make a something sorta like a sandwich cookie. Once you have constructed all of the whoopie pies, it is then time to devour them. Enjoy!