Whoopie Pie Cookies

From HERSHEY’S
Makes 36 filled cookies

Whoopie pies are a classic dessert sandwich filled with creme frosting. This recipe takes that concept and replaces the soft cakey outside with sturdy chocolate cookies. This recipe has a cherry and vanilla filling, but it would be just as good with fresh strawberries or peanut butter mixed in.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup HERSHEY’S Cocoa
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk or sour milk*

Creme Filling
1/4 cup butter or margarine (1/2 stick), softened
1/4 cup shortening
1 cup marshmallow creme
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped, well drained (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1.Heat oven to 375 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease.

2.Beat shortening and sugar in large bowl until well blended. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add alternately with buttermilk to shortening mixture. Drop by teaspoons onto prepared cookie sheet.
Tip – To sour milk: Use 1 tablespoon white vinegar plus milk to equal 1 cup.

3.Bake 7 to 8 minutes or until cookies spring back when touched lightly in center. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. Prepare Creme Filling. Place 2 cookies, flat sides together, with about 1 tablespoon filling.

Creme Filling
1.Beat butter and shortening in medium bowl until creamy. Gradually add marshmallow creme, beating well.

2.Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until well blended. Stir in cherries, if desired.

Find this recipe and more holiday treats at hersheyland.com