Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch

Okay, so, red velvet. Right? It’s just… irresistible! That tangy-sweet flavor, that gorgeous color… and whoopie pies? I mean, come ON. It’s like a match made in dessert heaven! I actually got the idea for this Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch from this amazing red velvet cookie I had at a local bakery. Seriously, one bite and I was like, “I HAVE to recreate this!”

And, you know, my in-laws are from Pennsylvania, and they call whoopie pies “gobbs.” Isn’t that the cutest thing? Anyway, I’ve been baking for, gosh, over 20 years now – everything from simple chocolate chip cookies to elaborate layer cakes. And trust me, this Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch is a winner. It’s fun, it’s pretty easy, and everyone just LOVES them. You’re gonna be a star, I promise!

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch

Seriously, you NEED these in your life. I’m not even kidding! These aren’t just any whoopie pies; they’re like little bites of pure happiness. So, what’s so great about ’em? Let me tell ya…

Reasons to Bake This Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch

Soft and cakey texture that melts in your mouth. Mmm!
That classic, tangy-sweet red velvet flavor we all crave. It’s addictive!
A super creamy cream cheese filling that’s just the right amount of sweet.
They’re surprisingly easy to make! Even if you’re not a pro baker, you can totally nail this.
Talk about crowd-pleasers! These babies disappear FAST.

Essential Equipment for Your Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch

Okay, before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got all the right tools! You know what they say: having the right equipment makes all the difference. Trust me, it’ll make your life SO much easier when you’re whipping up these red velvet beauties!

Equipment Needed

Baking sheets – gotta have ’em!
Parchment paper (or silicone baking mats – I swear by these!)
Mixing bowls (a few different sizes are always handy)
An electric mixer (either a stand mixer or a hand mixer will work)
Measuring cups and spoons (accurate measuring is key!)

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This is where the magic happens, so you’ll want to make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go. Don’t worry, it’s not a super long list, and I’ll break it down for ya. Fresh ingredients are always best, so keep that in mind!

For the Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch Cookies

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (make sure you spoon and level it!)
3 Tablespoons (15g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened – seriously, make sure it’s *soft*!
1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar – get that sugar packed in there!
1 large egg, room temperature – yep, room temp again!
2/3 cup (160ml) buttermilk, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – the *good* stuff!
Gel red food coloring – this is how we get that gorgeous red color!

For the Cream Cheese Filling for Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch

6 ounces (170g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened – this is key for a smooth filling!
1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 and 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted – sift it, sift it good!
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions for Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch

Okay, friend, let’s get down to business! This is where we turn those ingredients into actual, edible masterpieces. Don’t be scared! I’m gonna walk you through it, step-by-step, so you can’t mess it up (well, you *can*, but I’m gonna try my best to prevent that!). Ready? Let’s bake these Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch!

Making the Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch Cookies

First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). And don’t forget to line those baking sheets with parchment paper or those silicone baking mats I was raving about. This’ll save you from tears later, trust me.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Just whisk ’em! We’re not trying to win any awards here.
Now, in a *large* bowl (I always grab the wrong size, oops!), beat the softened butter until it’s smooth. Add the brown sugar and beat until it’s all light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla and buttermilk.
Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing = tough cookies, and nobody wants that. Now, add that red food coloring until you get a deep, gorgeous red hue. This is where the magic happens, folks!
Spoon mounds of batter onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 3 inches between each mound. They spread a bit, so give ’em some room!
Bake those cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the centers appear set. You want them to be springy, not gooey. Let them cool completely on the baking sheets before you even *think* about touching them.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large bowl (another one!), beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth as silk.
Beat in the softened butter until it’s all combined.
Add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and vanilla and beat until the filling is creamy and dreamy. Don’t be afraid to taste it and adjust the sugar if needed!

Assembling Your Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch

Pair up the cookies based on their size. We want ’em to match, right?
Spread a generous amount of cream cheese filling onto the flat side of one cookie. Don’t be shy!
Sandwich it with another cookie.
Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.
Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar if you’re feeling fancy. I usually am!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch

Okay, so a few things about the ingredients. They *really* matter! Using the right stuff (and handling it right!) can make or break your whoopie pie dreams. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Ingredient Clarifications

Listen, room temperature ingredients are NOT optional. Especially the butter and cream cheese! They blend together SO much better when they’re soft. And for the cocoa powder, make sure you’re using *natural* unsweetened cocoa powder, not Dutch-processed. It makes a difference in the flavor! For more on cocoa powder types, check out this guide to cocoa powder.

Possible Substitutions

Don’t have buttermilk? No prob! Just add a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk, and let it sit for a few minutes. Boom, buttermilk! As for the red food coloring… look, the gel kind gives you the best color, but if you’re really opposed to food coloring, you *could* try beet juice. But be warned, it’ll change the flavor a bit!

Tips for the Best Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch

Want to make these whoopie pies *perfect*? Of course, you do! I’ve learned a few tricks along the way, and I’m happy to share ’em with you. These little things can really take your baking game to the next level!

Baking Tips

Okay, listen closely: Don’t over-bake these cookies! Seriously. They should be soft and cakey, not dry and crumbly. If you’re not sure, err on the side of under-baking. Also, rotating your baking sheets halfway through baking helps ensure even cooking. Nobody wants a batch of lopsided whoopie pies!

Filling Tips

The key to a perfect cream cheese filling is… you guessed it… softened cream cheese! If it’s too cold, you’ll end up with a lumpy mess. Also, don’t over-beat the filling, or it’ll get too runny. You want it to be thick and creamy, like a cloud of deliciousness!

Storing Your Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch

Alright, so you’ve baked these gorgeous whoopie pies… but what if you have leftovers? (I know, it’s hard to imagine!). Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s how to keep those babies fresh and delicious!

Storage Instructions

Because of that creamy cream cheese filling, these Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch need to be stored in the refrigerator. Just pop ’em in an airtight container, and they’ll stay good for up to a week. Seriously, a week! Though, let’s be real, they probably won’t last that long!

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch

Got questions? I got answers! I know baking can be a little intimidating sometimes, so I’ve rounded up some of the most common questions I get about this recipe. Hopefully, this will help you bake with confidence!

Can I freeze the Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch?

Good news! Yes, you *can* freeze these! I recommend freezing them *without* the filling. Just wrap the cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for a couple of months. When you’re ready to eat ’em, thaw the cookies completely, then whip up a fresh batch of cream cheese filling. Easy peasy!

How do I prevent the filling from being too runny in this Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch?

Ah, the dreaded runny filling! The key is to make sure your cream cheese and butter are *truly* softened, but not melted. Also, don’t over-beat the filling! Over-beating incorporates too much air and can make it thin. If your filling *does* end up too runny, try adding a little more sifted confectioners’ sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.

How long can I keep these Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch?

These Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch will stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week. But honestly, they’re usually gone WAY before then! Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. And hey, if they *do* start to get a little dry, they’re still delicious crumbled over ice cream!

Nutritional Information for Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch

Okay, so, let’s talk nutrition. But before we do, I gotta give you the disclaimer: the nutrition info here is just an estimate! It can seriously vary depending on the exact ingredients you use (different brands, different sizes of eggs, etc.). So, please don’t take this as gospel, okay? Just a general idea!

Rate This Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch!

So, did you try these Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe from Scratch? I’d LOVE to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and share your pics on social media. Happy baking, friends!