The Delightful History of Whoopie Pies

Whoopie pies, a classic treat with roots in New England and Pennsylvania Dutch country, have charmed dessert lovers for generations. This delightful dessert consists of two soft, cake-like cookies sandwiched around a creamy filling, traditionally made with vanilla or marshmallow cream. Though the exact origin of whoopie pies is debated, they are widely believed to have been created by Amish women who would bake these sweets with leftover cake batter. The name “whoopie pie” is said to come from the joyful exclamation children made upon discovering these treats in their lunchboxes.

The Perfect Balance of Texture and Flavor

The allure of whoopie pies lies in their perf

ect balance of textures and flavors. The cookies, soft and moist with a tender crumb, provide a delightful contrast to the creamy, fluffy filling. Classic whoopie pies ar

e chocolate, but variations include pumpkin, red velvet, and even lemon. The filling, often made with shortening,

confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract, can also be flavored or enhanced with ingredients like cream cheese or marsh

mallow fluff. This versatility makes whoopie pies a favorite among bakers and dessert enthusiasts who

enjoy experimenting with different flavors and combinations.

Modern Twists and Traditions

Today, whoopie pies have transcended their humble origins to become a beloved dessert across the United States and beyond. Bakeries and home cooks alike enjoy putting modern twists on the traditional recipe, incorporating ingredients like peanut butter, salted caramel, and even infusions such as RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) for those looking to combine their love of baking with the benefits of cannabis. Despite these innovations, the essence of the whoopie pie remains the same: a comforting, nostalgic treat that brings joy to anyone who takes a bite. Whether enjoyed as a simple homemade snack or a gourmet dessert, whoopie pies continue to evoke the sweet, simple pleasures of childhood.

What You’ll Need:

Cookies:

1 cup white sugar
½ cup shortening
2 eggs, separated
2 cups all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 gram RSO (Rick Simpson Oil), divided (0.5 gram for the cookies, 0.5 gram for the filling)

Filling:

2 cups confectioners’ sugar
¾ cup shortening
1 pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 gram RSO (Rick Simpson Oil), divided

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease cookie sheets or line them with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, shortening, egg yolks, and 0.5 gram of RSO with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the sugar mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix briefly after each addition until the batter is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Shape the Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

6. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cookies are set. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.

7. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat together the confectioners’ sugar, shortening, reserved egg whites, salt, and the remaining 0.5 gram of RSO with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

8. Assemble the Whoopie Pies: Pair up the cookies by size. Spread a thick layer of filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie, flat side down. Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.

How to Make Cannabis-Infused Whoopie Pies

Categories