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Valentine’s Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe

4.8 from 60 reviews

Heart-shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are a delightful Valentine’s Day dessert featuring soft, rich red velvet cookies sandwiched with a smooth and creamy filling. Perfect as a thoughtful gift or a romantic treat for loved ones, these homemade whoopie pies combine classic flavors with a festive presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring

For the Filling:

  • 6 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Trace small heart shapes onto the paper using a cookie cutter or template, spacing each shape adequately. Flip the parchment so the outlines appear on the underside to guide piping the batter.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and cocoa.
  3. Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy, about 1 minute. Add the light brown sugar and beat until fluffy. Incorporate the vanilla extract and egg, mixing well. Then blend in the buttermilk and red gel food coloring until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored.
  4. Combine and Make the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
  5. Pipe the Hearts: Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch round tip, or use a zip-lock bag with a corner cut. Pipe ‘V’ shapes enclosed within the heart outlines on the parchment paper.
  6. Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the centers are set but the cookies remain soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Make the Filling: Beat together the unsalted butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing continuously until the filling is light and fluffy.
  8. Assemble the Whoopie Pies: Pair cookies of similar size and shape. Pipe the cream cheese filling onto the flat side of one cookie, leaving an edge around the filling. Top with the matching cookie, flat side down, and gently press to sandwich the filling.
  9. Store and Serve: Place the assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Remove from refrigeration and let come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute the buttermilk with ½ cup milk combined with 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice if buttermilk is unavailable.
  • For an added decorative touch, consider edging the whoopie pies with sprinkles, dusting with powdered sugar, or drizzling with melted white chocolate.

Keywords: Red Velvet Whoopie Pies, Valentine's Day Dessert, Heart-shaped Cookies, Cream Cheese Filling, Red Velvet Cookies, Homemade Whoopie Pies, Festive Desserts