Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Red velvet whoopie pies are fun to make and fun to eat. Bright red cakey cookies flavored with cocoa, vanilla, and buttermilk filled with sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting. If you love red velvet cake, this is the whoopie pie recipe for you!

Ingredients for Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Red velvet cookies

• All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly. Be sure to level your measuring cups.
• Cocoa powder: Use regular cocoa powder to preserve the bright red color.
• Baking soda: Baking soda serves as the leavening agent, causing the cookies to spread.
• Baking powder: Baking powder is another leavening agent which helps the cookie rise.
• Salt: Salt enhances the flavors in the cookies.
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature.
• Granulated sugar: For sweetness.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar also adds sweetness with a slight molasses flavor.
• Egg: The egg serves as a binder and a source of moisture. Be sure it is also at room temperature.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds great flavor to the cookies.
• Red gel food coloring: Red gel food coloring adds the classic red color.
• Buttermilk: Room temperature.

Cream cheese frosting

• Unsalted butter: Room temperature.
• Cream cheese: Cream cheese should also be at room temperature so it combines well with the butter.
• Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting. No need to sift!
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract adds great flavor to the frosting.
• Salt: A bit of salt balances out the sweetness.

How to Make Red Velvet Cookies

To make the cookies, I recommend using an electric hand mixer. You can also use a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
4. Add in egg and vanilla extract and continue to mix.
5. Add in red gel food coloring and half of the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined.
6. Pour in buttermilk and continue to mix on low speed until combined and smooth.
7. Add in remaining flour mixture and mix on low speed until combined. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl.
8. Use a large cookie scoop to portion the batter onto the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 12-13 minutes until the cookies are puffed up. Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 1-2 minutes before transferring to a wire baking rack to cool completely.

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting

To make the cream cheese frosting, you will need a stand mixer or an electric hand mixer.

1. Whip the softened butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
2. Add half of the powdered sugar and mix on low. Then add the remaining half and continue to mix on low speed.
3. Add in vanilla extract and salt. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.
4. Turn the mixer to medium-high and whip for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.