Chocolate Whoopie pies

A fast American favourite sweet cakey delight. Whoopies are like a flattened cupcake, which are baked on a baking sheet like cookies and are free formed so you match the rounds together with a tasty filling of your choice.

They became a big thing in the UK about 5 years ago but never got truly embraced and its a real shame because they are so easy to bake, even the most novice cook can master these in a flourish. This recipe is from one of my many cook books titled Whoopie pies by Sarah Billingsley & Amy Treadwell.

1 2/3 cups self raising flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
4tbsp butter
4tbsp vegetable shortening like crisco
1 cup soft brown sugar
1 large egg
1tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups milk

Line two baking sheets with baking parchment. Heat the oven to 180c.

In a large bowl or electric mixer bowl beat the butter, crisco and sugar together until fluffy. Takes about 3 minutes. Then add the egg and vanilla extract and beat in well until all combined. Sift in flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder and mix on a low speed, scraping down the sides and add the milk. Mix thoroughly.

Then using a dessert spoon drop the mixture onto the lined baking sheets spacing then at least 2 inches apart as they will spread. Repeat until all the mixture is used and make in the oven for ten minutes. They spring back to the touch when pressed lightly. Remove from sheet onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely.

Sandwich together with buttercream or marshmallow fluff. So yum!!!