Reindeer Whoopie Pies

Delicious and festive Reindeer Whoopie Pies are a delightful holiday treat. Soft chocolate cookies with a creamy cream cheese filling are ideal for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
• Cream Cheese Filling:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350F 175C

Line baking sheets with parchment paper

In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt

In another bowl, beat granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the sugar-butter mixture, and beat until well combined

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the wet mixture, alternating between the two, starting and ending with the dry ingredients

Mix until just combined

Fold in mini chocolate chips and chopped nuts, if using

Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies spring back when lightly touched

Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely

For the cream cheese filling, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy

Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy

Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese filling onto the flat side of half of the cooled cookies

Top with the remaining cookies to create the whoopie pies

Gently press down to adhere the cookies together

Serve and enjoy!