Imagine a dessert that combines the deep, rich flavor of red velvet with the refreshing twist of peppermint. Now, picture these flavors coming together in a whoopie pie – a dessert with a fun name and even more fun to eat. That's exactly what this red velvet peppermint whoopie pies recipe is all about. This recipe is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just when you're in the mood for something unique and delicious.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are likely already in your pantry, there are a couple you might need to pick up. Red velvet cake mix is the base for the whoopie pie, and it might not be something you have on hand unless you bake often. Don't forget the peppermint extract - it's what gives these whoopie pies their unique, refreshing twist. Lastly, don't skimp on the cream cheese for the filling - real, full-fat cream cheese will give you the best flavor and consistency.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Peppermint Whoopie Pies
Red velvet cake mix: This is the base of the whoopie pies, providing a deep, rich flavor and vivid color.
Vegetable oil: Used to make the cake mix into a batter, it adds moisture and helps the ingredients blend together.
Eggs: They add structure and help the batter rise as it bakes.
Peppermint extract: This is what gives the whoopie pies their distinctive peppermint flavor.
Cream cheese: It's used to make the filling, creating a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet cake.
Butter: This is also used in the filling, adding richness and helping to create a smooth texture.
Vanilla extract: This enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Powdered sugar: It sweetens the filling and helps give it a firm yet soft consistency.
One reader, Allard Williams says:
I recently tried the red velvet peppermint whoopie pies recipe and it was a hit! The combination of red velvet and peppermint was so festive and delicious. The cream cheese filling was the perfect balance of sweetness. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a festive and tasty treat!
Techniques Required for Making Red Velvet Peppermint Whoopie Pies
How to mix the red velvet cake batter: Combine the red velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and peppermint extract in a bowl and mix until well combined.
How to bake the red velvet whoopie pies: Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 8 minutes until the tops of the cookies start to crack. Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
How to make the cream cheese filling: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the desired consistency and sweetness level is achieved.
How to assemble the red velvet peppermint whoopie pies: Spread the cream cheese filling between two cooled cookies to create the whoopie pies.
How To Make Red Velvet Peppermint Whoopie Pies
These vibrant whoopie pies are the perfect holiday treats. The cookies made of red velvet flavored with peppermint sandwich a rich cream cheese filling.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 15½ozred velvet cake mix,(1 package)
- ½cupvegetable oil
- 2eggs,lightly beaten
- 2tsppeppermint extract
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8ozcream cheese,(2 packages), at room temperature
- ½cupbutter,at room temperature
- 2tspvanilla extract
- 2cupspowdered sugar
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Mix cake mix, oil, eggs, and peppermint extract together in a bowl.
-
Roll the dough into walnut-size balls and space about 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes until the tops of the cookies start to crack. Take out of the oven and let cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before moving to a cooling rack.
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Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract together in a bowl with an electric mixer. Add powdered sugar a little at a time to reach desired consistency, or to sweeten to desired level.
-
Spread filling between 2 cooled cookies.
Nutrition
- Calories: 663.06kcal
- Fat: 38.16g
- Saturated Fat: 14.89g
- Trans Fat: 0.70g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 16.28g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.57g
- Carbohydrates: 76.32g
- Fiber: 0.67g
- Sugar: 54.21g
- Protein: 5.19g
- Cholesterol: 101.68mg
- Sodium: 520.91mg
- Calcium: 153.84mg
- Potassium: 86.09mg
- Iron: 1.47mg
- Vitamin A: 218.28µg
- Vitamin C: 0.04mg
Crucial Technique for Perfect Red Velvet Peppermint Whoopie Pies
When preparing the cream cheese filling, ensure that both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. This will make them easier to blend together, resulting in a smoother, creamier filling. Additionally, when adding the powdered sugar, do so gradually while continuously mixing to prevent any lumps from forming. This will give your whoopie pies a professional, bakery-quality finish.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the red velvet whoopie pie batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This will save time on the day you plan to bake the cookies.
Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop will help ensure that the cookies are uniform in size, which will result in even baking and a more professional presentation.
Double the batch: Consider making a double batch of the red velvet whoopie pie batter and freezing half for later use. This way, you'll have ready-to-bake dough on hand for future occasions.
Bake in batches: If your oven can accommodate only one cookie sheet at a time, bake the cookies in batches rather than overcrowding the oven. This will ensure even baking and consistent results.
Chill the filling: To expedite the filling process, chill the cream cheese filling in the refrigerator while the cookies are baking and cooling. This will help it set and make assembly easier.
Substitute Ingredients For Red Velvet Peppermint Whoopie Pies Recipe
red velvet cake mix - Substitute with chocolate cake mix: Chocolate cake mix can provide a similar rich and moist texture, and the deep cocoa flavor can complement the peppermint well.
peppermint extract - Substitute with vanilla extract: Vanilla extract can add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Presenting Your Red Velvet Peppermint Whoopie Pies
Elevate the plating: When presenting the red velvet peppermint whoopie pies, ensure that the plating is elegant and visually appealing. Use a clean, white plate to allow the vibrant red color of the whoopie pies to stand out. Arrange the whoopie pies in a circular pattern, and dust a light sprinkle of powdered sugar around the plate for a touch of sophistication.
Incorporate garnishes: Add a touch of finesse by incorporating edible garnishes such as fresh mint leaves or delicate chocolate shavings. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal of the dish but also provide a hint of complementary flavors to the overall presentation.
Utilize symmetry and balance: Arrange the whoopie pies in a symmetrical manner on the plate to create a sense of balance and harmony. This attention to detail will showcase precision and artistry in the presentation, reflecting the high culinary standards expected in a Michelin-starred setting.
Highlight the cream cheese filling: To showcase the luscious cream cheese filling, consider using a quenelle or a small offset spatula to create a smooth, elegant swoop of filling on the plate. This technique adds a touch of finesse and draws attention to the delectable filling within the whoopie pies.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Pair the whoopie pies with a contrasting element, such as a quenelle of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This contrast in textures adds complexity to the presentation and elevates the overall dining experience.
Emphasize precision in portioning: Pay close attention to portion sizes, ensuring that each whoopie pie is cut precisely and presented with uniformity. This level of precision demonstrates a commitment to excellence and attention to detail, essential qualities in a Michelin-starred culinary presentation.
Consider the use of edible flowers: Introduce a touch of natural beauty by delicately placing edible flowers, such as rose petals or pansies, around the plate. These vibrant and visually stunning additions elevate the presentation and add a sophisticated, artistic flair to the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Whoopie Pies
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the red velvet cake mix, oil, eggs, and peppermint extract together to form the cookie dough.
- Cookie sheet: A cookie sheet is used to place the walnut-sized cookie dough balls and bake them in the oven until they are ready.
- Electric mixer: An electric mixer is used to beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract together to create the creamy filling for the whoopie pies.
Storing and Freezing Your Whoopie Pies
- Once the whoopie pies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To keep the filling from sticking to the container, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer of whoopie pies.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the whoopie pies:
- Place the assembled whoopie pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid (about 2 hours).
- Once frozen, wrap each whoopie pie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag.
- Label the container with the date and contents.
- Frozen whoopie pies can be stored for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, remove the desired number of whoopie pies from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
- Note: Whoopie pies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so take them out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Red Velvet Peppermint Whoopie Pies
To reheat leftover red velvet peppermint whoopie pies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the whoopie pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warm and the filling is slightly melted. This method will help restore the texture of the cake and the creaminess of the cream cheese filling.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the whoopie pies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them for 10-15 seconds at a time, checking after each interval to avoid overheating. Be careful not to microwave them for too long, as this can cause the filling to melt and the cake to become soggy.
For a quicker and more convenient method, you can also reheat the whoopie pies in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the whoopie pies in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until they are warm and the filling is slightly melted. This method will help maintain the texture of the cake while warming the filling.
If you prefer a softer, more melt-in-your-mouth texture, you can wrap the whoopie pies in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8-10 minutes. This method will gently warm the whoopie pies and create a softer, more delicate texture.
Interesting Fact About Red Velvet Peppermint Whoopie Pies
Red velvet cake mix is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes, such as cookies, brownies, and even pancakes.
Is Making Whoopie Pies at Home Cost-Effective?
This red velvet peppermint whoopie pies recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are readily available and affordable, making it a budget-friendly dessert option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, depending on the availability of ingredients. The red velvet cake mix and peppermint extract are the primary cost drivers, but they can be used for multiple recipes. Overall Verdict: 8/10. This delightful treat offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a delightful addition to any gathering or as a special treat for the family.
Are Red Velvet Peppermint Whoopie Pies Healthy or Unhealthy?
The red velvet peppermint whoopie pies recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients, such as cake mix, vegetable oil, cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar, are high in calories, saturated fats, and added sugars. Consuming these ingredients in excess can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of chronic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
However, there are ways to make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste:
- Replace the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado to reduce the fat content
- Use a whole wheat or gluten-free cake mix to increase the fiber content
- Reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese filling and add a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead
- Incorporate some finely grated zucchini or beets into the cake batter to add moisture and nutrients
- Use low-fat cream cheese and butter in the filling to decrease the saturated fat content
- Add a sprinkle of crushed peppermint leaves or a drop of peppermint essential oil for a more natural peppermint flavor
Editor's Opinion on Red Velvet Peppermint Whoopie Pies
The red velvet peppermint whoopie pies recipe is a delightful twist on the classic whoopie pie. The combination of red velvet and peppermint creates a festive and indulgent treat, perfect for the holiday season. The cream cheese filling adds a luscious and tangy contrast to the sweet and minty cookies. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. Overall, these whoopie pies are sure to be a hit at any gathering, and the flavors are a wonderful addition to any dessert spread.
Enhance Your Red Velvet Peppermint Whoopie Pies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizers and Main Courses That Pair Well with Whoopie Pies
Why trust this Red Velvet Peppermint Whoopie Pies Recipe:
This recipe uses a classic red velvet cake mix as a base, ensuring a familiar and reliable flavor. The addition of peppermint extract gives it a refreshing twist, perfect for the holiday season. The cream cheese filling is a timeless favorite, made with cream cheese and butter for a rich and creamy texture. The use of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile. The step-by-step instructions make it easy for anyone to recreate these delightful whoopie pies at home.
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