Name: Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter); 1 stick unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 tablespoon red gel paste; (Ingredients for cream cheese frosting as per recipe or preferred standard frosting recipe)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 39 reviews

If you’re searching for a treat that combines softness, sweetness, and a pop of vibrant color, then you’re going to adore this Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These delightful cake-like cookies sandwich a luscious cream cheese frosting that feels like a little hug in every bite. Perfectly tender and rich, these red velvet whoopie pies make every occasion feel special, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration. The homemade touch makes all the difference, and I can’t wait to share with you how simple and rewarding it is to bake these from scratch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an assortment of baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, each in white bowls or plates except for one wrapped butter block. At the center is a grey bowl filled with white flour, slightly piled up. Surrounding it are bowls with different ingredients: white powdered sugar in a large bowl, brown cocoa powder in a smaller bowl, and white granulated sugar in another bowl. There is also a single brown egg, a small bowl of white salt, a white plate containing a white powdered ingredient, a white bowl with milk, and a small fluted dish holding amber vanilla extract. A rectangular block of unsalted butter wrapped in branded foil and a small white fluted dish with dark jam complete the setup. The shot captures all items from above on the white marbled background in soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to this recipe, the magic lies in a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and that distinctive red hue.

2 cups all purpose flour: Provides the sturdy but tender structure needed for these soft whoopie pies.
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds just the right hint of chocolate that defines the classic red velvet flavor.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cakes rise delicately for that fluffy texture.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
1 stick unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich, smooth dough that bakes up moist and tender.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies perfectly without overpowering.
1 large egg, room temperature: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature: Provides a subtle tang and keeps the whoopie pies extra moist.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor with a warm, comforting note.
1/2 tablespoon red gel paste: Gives these whoopie pies their iconic, vibrant red color with no added liquid.
Cream cheese frosting: The star filling that’s creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible.

How to Make Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep your oven and ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. It’s important to have everything prepped so you can work swiftly. Whisk together your dry ingredients — the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt — in a medium bowl, ensuring they’re well combined and ready to add later.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar

Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for creating tender, airy whoopie pies. Scrape down the sides to incorporate everything evenly.

Step 3: Add wet ingredients and color

Next, add the egg, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red gel paste to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat on low speed just until combined; overmixing here can toughen your cookies. The red gel paste ensures you get a brilliant color that will make these whoopie pies truly stand out.

Step 4: Incorporate dry ingredients

Add the whisked flour mixture to the wet ingredients gradually, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Be gentle and avoid overmixing to keep the dough light. Scrape down the sides as needed to make sure all the dry ingredients are fully absorbed.

Step 5: Scoop and bake

Use a 1½ inch cookie scoop to portion out about 1 tablespoon of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing the mounds 2 to 3 inches apart. Smooth the tops gently with a spoon or your fingers to ensure even baking. Bake on the middle rack for 10 to 12 minutes, until the pies are set but still feel soft to the touch. Let them cool on a wire rack to finish.

Step 6: Frost and assemble

Once cooled, spread or pipe your luscious cream cheese frosting onto half of the whoopie pies. Carefully sandwich with the remaining halves. To keep the filling from oozing out and to let flavors meld, chill your assembled whoopie pies for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. That slight chill makes these treats even better!

How to Serve Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a six-step process of making red velvet cookies on a white marbled surface. The top left bowl contains a light brown powdery dry mix with a whisk inside, while the top right bowl has a creamy white mixture with granules. The middle left bowl holds a bright red smooth wet mixture, and the middle right bowl shows the combined red dough with a thicker, dense texture. The bottom left part shows small red dough balls placed on white parchment paper on a baking sheet, ready to bake. The bottom right displays the baked cookies, rounded and puffed, cooling on a white parchment-lined wire rack, with a deep red color and slightly cracked tops. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These whoopie pies are stunning on their own, but a little garnish can elevate them beautifully. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of mini red velvet crumbs on top. For added flair, fresh raspberries or a few chocolate shavings can add both color and contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair these Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with a warm cup of coffee, a frothy latte, or even a glass of chilled milk to complement the creamy texture and rich flavors. For a festive twist, hot cocoa or spiced tea work wonders.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or package these as a gift? Stack them in pretty boxes lined with parchment, or place individual whoopie pies inside clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon. You can also serve them on a tiered dessert stand for a charming display at any celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your whoopie pies fresh and moist, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When ready to enjoy, let them come to room temperature for that perfect soft, cake-like texture which makes these treats so special.

Freezing

These Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe also freeze beautifully. Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to two months – just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

For a just-baked taste, allow refrigerated whoopie pies to rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. If frozen, thaw completely in the fridge then bring to room temperature. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the frosting unevenly.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel paste?

You can, but gel paste is highly recommended because it provides a vibrant red hue without adding extra liquid, which could affect the dough’s consistency. If you use liquid food coloring, you might need to adjust the red color quantity and be careful of thinning the batter.

How important is room temperature for the ingredients?

Very important! Using room temperature butter, egg, and buttermilk helps everything blend more evenly, yielding a lighter and fluffier texture. Cold ingredients can lead to a denser dough and uneven baking.

Can I make these whoopie pies gluten-free?

You could try substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary. It’s best to use a blend that includes xanthan gum to help maintain texture, and keep an eye on baking times as gluten-free flours often bake differently.

Is there a way to make these dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting. For buttermilk, mix a non-dairy milk with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit to sour. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!

How can I prevent the cream cheese frosting from oozing out?

Chilling the assembled whoopie pies for 15-20 minutes before serving firms up the frosting and prevents it from oozing during bites. Also, spreading a slightly thicker layer of frosting helps keep it nestled securely between the cookies.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive into this Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe because it’s one of those joyful, feel-good desserts that bring smiles every time. Baking these from scratch might surprise you with how easy and rewarding it is. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or indulging in a well-deserved treat, these whoopie pies are a perfect way to celebrate everyday moments with sweetness and a burst of color.